Aerosols in respiratory disease applications From generation to deposition

Respiratory diseases remain a persistent challenge to human health. Aerosols have become a powerful tool for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of respiratory diseases, in both clinical and pharmaceutical settings. Drug delivery via therapeutic aerosols offers key advantages over conventional methods, including its non-invasive nature, rapid local onset of action, and the potential to reduce systemic side effects. However, significant challenges still limit the efficiency and efficacy of aerosol-based therapies. These challenges span the entire lifecycle of medical aerosols, from generation and transport to deposition. This thesis investigates these stages and explores approaches to address challenges in various respiratory disease applications, including ICU aerosol therapy and siRNA-based prophylaxis.