Design of experimental setup for identification of parameters for optimal aerosolization of measles vaccine

Given the pressing worldwide need for measles vaccination coverage, measles vaccine administration via inhalation is a viable option which overcomes many obstacles currently facing vaccine distribution. Although aerosolization is well understood, studies have focused on pharmaceuticals and very little data is available regarding vaccines. The proposed study analyzes the relationships between various pre- and post-aerosolization parameters in order to calculate the "aerosol fingerprint," or combination of pre-aerosolization parameters optimized to produce the most effective aerosol particle size distribution for measles vaccination. Relevant pre-aerosolization parameters are identified as relative humidity, nebulizer temperature, vaccine reconstitution, solution pH, surface tension, viscosity, air pressure, and nebulizer geometry. Relevant post-aerosolization parameters are identified particle size distribution, aerosolization endurance and bioavailability, and drug delivery rate. Sensing, actuation, automation and special concerns for each variable are considered.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Nicholson, Laura A. (Laura Ann)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• John Kim Vandiver.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/54520

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/54520