Introduction
The Aerosol Research Laboratory of Alberta (ARLA) is housed within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta and is directed by Andrew Martin. Since its founding in 1994 by Warren Finlay, the primary research conducted at ARLA has aimed at exploring and controlling the physics of inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols. Such aerosols are used in the therapeutic treatment of lung diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis, but are also being developed for the treatment of many other diseases where traditional delivery methods suffer drawbacks. Examples of the latter include pain management, as well as vaccinations using inhaled aerosols.
Because the physics of inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols is complex and involves aerosol mechanics, multiphase fluid mechanics, transport phenomena, and interfacial science, (in addition to pharmaceutics, chemistry, physiology, and medicine), understanding and prediction of the behaviour of pharmaceutical aerosols remains an active area of research. At ARLA, we collaborate with researchers and companies around the world to develop and improve the understanding and prediction of aerosols used for the treatment of disease, using a mix of experimental, theoretical and numerical methods.
Beginning in 2025, ARLA has joined forces with the Particle Engineering Group, originally founded in 2008 by Reinhard Vehring, to integrate state-of-the art capabilities in advanced micro and nanoparticle design, particle formation, and specialized powder and aerosol analytical techniques. Together, our laboratories offer extensive infrastructure and internationally-renowned expertise to support research and development of inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols from early stage ideation to the launch of clinical trials.
