Online

Reilly, James

Mechanical Engineering

2019

M.S.

Tissue sealants of a liquid based formulation are widely studied in biomedical research with many starting to gain FDA approval. To date, little investigation has been put toward methods of application for tissue sealant materials, more specifically a powder based formulation. The focus of this research was to develop and prototype a powder spray device capable of administering powder based formulations with a long-term goal of integrating the device within the clinical setting. Powders can be administered in a variety of dry forms. These forms can range from non-homogenous nanoscale particles to homogeneous micro and nano-scale spheres. Incorporation of therapeutics within the powder makes this method of application favorable for the prevention or maintenance of disease. Pneumatic conveying is the transport of granulated solids using gas and is the principal basis from which the powder spray gun was designed. Fluidization aids were added to the device in order to increase powder flow properties. Analysis of spray field, spray rate, characterization of powder and ex-vivo testing was performed. All results suggest that the powder spray device is applicable for the deposition of powder based tissue sealants in a clinical setting.