In-air particle generation by on-chip electrohydrodynamics

Electrohydrodynamic atomization has been emerging as a powerful approach for respiratory treatment, including the generation and delivery of micro/nanoparticles as carriers for drugs and antigens. In this work, we present a new conceptual design in which two nozzles facilitate dual electrospray coexisting with ionic wind at chamfered tips by a direct current power source. Experimental results by a prototype have demonstrated the capability of simultaneously generating-and-delivering a stream of charged reduced particles. The concept can be beneficial to pulmonary nano-medicine delivery since the mist of nanoparticles is migrated without any restriction of either the collector or the assistance of external flow, but is pretty simple in designing and manufacturing devices.

Automated summary

Electrohydrodynamic atomization is a promising approach for respiratory treatment, involving the generation and delivery of micro/nanoparticles as carriers for drugs and antigens. The proposed design in this work utilizes dual electrospray and ionic wind at chamfered tips to simultaneously generate and deliver charged reduced particles, which shows potential for pulmonary nano-medicine delivery with simple device design and manufacturing.