Numerical analysis of Platanus orientalis L. microfiber inhalation exposure in human sinonasal cavities

Abstract

Background

Postoperative Platanus orientalis L. deposition post high risk to allergen distribution in human sinonasal cavities. Due to the nature of its complex fibrous characteristics, limited research has provided a quantitative measure for accurate exposure analysis, which are critical for understanding nasal pathological and allergenic correlations.

Methods

Utilizing a complete dynamic transport model capturing both the coupled translation and rotation motion, fibrous particles deposition in 24 adult sinonasal cavity models were analyzed. The interactions between the length, aspect ratio, and airflow on fibers deposition were revealed.

Results

Fibers mainly deposited in the nasal vestibule and anterior septum. As the respiratory flow rate increases, the inhalability of fibers dominated by inertial deposition significantly increases in the nasal cavity, however with no significant change in the deposition site. As the fiber length increases, the inhalability of the fibrous particles decreases. When the diameter is the constant, the inhalability of 90 μm fibers in the nasal cavity is significantly higher than that of longer fibers. Compared to healthy individuals, more fibers can penetrate deeper into the main nasal cavity in post-Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (post-FESS) nasal cases.

Conclusion

Platanus orientalis L. fibers are inertia dominated and can be inhaled into the nasal cavity with deposition mainly occur in the nasal vestibule and anterior septum, this could potentially lead to allergic rhinitis. The deposition of elongated fibers and spherical particles varies with their aerodynamic diameters. Although both healthy and post-operative nasal cavities are all subject to this inhalation exposure, post-operative individuals are more vulnerable. Research findings emphasize the need for inhalation protection for post-FESS individuals during the mature season of Platanus orientalis L. fruit.