spraydelivery

Spray delivery is the method of delivering liquids, suspensions, or emulsions as a fine spray or aerosol through a device to achieve distribution on a target surface or tissue. It is used across medical, agricultural, industrial, and consumer products. The approach relies on generating droplets of controlled size and velocity, and on directing the spray to maximize coverage while reducing waste and exposure.

Common spray-delivery devices include metered-dose inhalers and dry-powder inhalers for respiratory therapy; nasal sprays; ophthalmic sprays; nebulizers; and agricultural sprayers. Each device uses different means to form and propel droplets, such as compressed air, propellants, ultrasonic energy, or mechanical pumps. Droplet size affects where the product deposits: small droplets tend to reach deeper in the lungs or mucosal surfaces, while larger droplets deposit on surfaces or are washed away. Spray patterns, velocity, and plume geometry are shaped by nozzle design and operating conditions.

Applications cover asthma and allergy treatments, COPD management, local nasal therapy, wound care and dermatology, eye care, vaccination and nasal vaccines in development, and crop protection or foliar feeding in agriculture. Performance is evaluated by emitted-dose consistency, spray pattern tests, droplet-size distribution, and stability of the formulation.

Regulatory and safety considerations include product quality control, sterility for applicable products, propellant and environmental safety, and labeling for dose and usage. The field continues to advance with improvements in nozzle technology, formulation science, and devices that improve targeting, efficiency, and user adherence.