Diseases of the lower respiratory tract are often a big strain on the patient and can become life-threatening for those who are chronically ill. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma. Therapy applications for these respiratory diseases require technologies that allow nebulizers to generate ultra-fine aerosols. In this form, medication can be transported directly into the lungs through inhalation, gently and with few side effects. To ensure optimal effectiveness, it must be possible for the patient to inhale the drug deeply, even if they are taking it on their own several times a day. An additional requirement for the technology is the efficient dosing of the smallest amounts, since expensive active ingredients are used sometimes.
Innovative Technology for a Better Quality of Life
One technological option is the use of innovative, piezo-driven, oscillating mesh nebulizers. From a particularly reliable distribution of the aerosol in the lungs to the efficient dosing of the active ingredients to the energy-saving and low-noise operation of the inhalers, these nebulizers are characterized by decisive advantages compared to conventional technologies, such as jet nebulizers or evaporators. Moreover, nebulizers with this technology are portable, because they are very handy and can be used in battery mode. This means improved quality of life for patients, especially for those with chronic respiratory diseases who have to inhale frequently.
Piezos for Gentle Processes without Heating
In a mesh nebulizer based on piezo technology, a piezoceramic ring element generates minimal, highly dynamic movements when electrically controlled. In the process, the piezo transducer causes a wafer-thin metal membrane in the center of the ring with several thousand holes to vibrate at high frequency. No audible noises are generated since it is operated in the ultrasonic range. The vibration of the perforated membrane means that a liquid drug on its bottom is converted into a homogenous droplet mist on the top. This aerosol can then be inhaled by the patient.
This gentle process does not subject the complex protein structures of modern preparations to any heating and only exposes them to low shear forces, which preserves the biological activity of the active ingredients. Smart controllers respond to the patient's breathing rhythm, thus maximizing the efficiency of the administered quantity of drug. Another advantage: Membrane material, hole geometry, and the control frequency can be precisely tailored to the specifications of the different medications, such as viscosity or the desired droplet size.
Extensive Know-How and Highest Level of Production Excellence
PI Ceramic advises manufacturers of mesh nebulizers as early as the planning and development phase with respect to the optimal design and the best layout of the piezo components, e.g., made of lead-free piezoceramics, for their respective application.
The subsequent custom production of the required piezoceramic components at the Thuringian location in Lederhose, Germany, is performed with the highest level of precision and is automated for large quantities. If additional assembly steps are desired, such as bonding with the membrane and/or contacting of the elements, this is done in a manner appropriate for medical technology in ISO class 7 and 8 cleanrooms.
