A computer model for the simulation of nanoparticle deposition in the alveolar structures of the human lungs.

BACKGROUND: According to epidemiological and experimental studies, inhalation of nanoparticles is commonly believed as a main trigger for several pulmonary dysfunctions and lung diseases. Concerning the transport and deposition of such nano-scale particles in the different structures of the human lungs, some essential questions are still in need of a clarification. Therefore, main objective of the study was the simulation of nanoparticle deposition in the alveolar region of the human respiratory tract (HRT).
METHODS: Respective factors describing the aerodynamic behavior of spherical and non-spherical particles in the inhaled air stream (i.e., Cunningham slip correction factors, dynamic shape factors, equivalent-volume diameters, aerodynamic diameters) were computed. Alveolar deposition of diverse nanomaterials according to several known mechanisms, among which Brownian diffusion and sedimentation play a superior role, was approximated by the use of empirical and analytical formulae. Deposition calculations were conducted with a currently developed program, termed NANODEP, which allows the variation of numerous input parameters with regard to particle geometry, lung morphometry, and aerosol inhalation.
RESULTS: Generally, alveolar deposition of nanoparticles concerned for this study varies between 0.1% and 12.4% during sitting breathing and between 2.0% and 20.1% during heavy-exercise breathing. Prolate particles (e.g., nanotubes) exhibit a significant increase in deposition, when their aspect ratio is enhanced. In contrast, deposition of oblate particles (e.g., nanoplatelets) is remarkably declined with any reduction of the aspect ratio.
CONCLUSIONS: The study clearly demonstrates that alveolar deposition of nanoparticles represents a topic certainly being of superior interest for physicists and respiratory physicians in future.