Background/Objectives: Optimizing drug deposition to the olfactory region is key in Nose-to-brain drug delivery strategies. However, findings from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies remain inconsistent concerning the parameters influencing olfactory deposition, limiting clinical translation and device optimization. This systematic review aims to identify robust CFD parameters for optimizing drug delivery to the olfactory region. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, selecting studies reporting CFD simulations of nasal drug delivery with evaluation of olfactory deposition efficiency. The primary outcome was the correlation between each CFD parameter and olfactory deposition rate. Parameters included particle size, impaction parameter, flow rate, spray cone angle, insertion angle, injection velocity, head position, release position, and breathing pattern. Data were extracted and standardized, and statistical methods were used to assess correlations, heterogeneity, and potential biases in study results. Results: Smaller particle size (pooled r = −0.42) and lower impaction parameter (r = −0.39) were significantly associated with higher olfactory deposition. No consistent correlation was observed with breathing flow rate. Heterogeneity across studies was high (I2 > 90%). Funnel plots asymmetry suggested potential publication bias in particle-related outcomes. Conclusions: Particle characteristics, especially size and inertia, are the most critical determinants of olfactory deposition in CFD simulations. These findings support design optimization of nasal delivery devices targeting the olfactory region and underscore the need for standardized reporting and validation across CFD studies.
Background: The anatomical variability of the nasal cavity affects intranasal drug delivery, especially to the olfactory region for nose-to-brain treatments. While previous studies used average models or 2D measurements to account for inter-individual variability, 3D shape variation of the region crossed by drug particles that target the olfactory area, namely the region of interest (ROI), remains unexplored to our knowledge. Methods: A geometric morphometric analysis was performed on the ROI of 151 unilateral nasal cavities from the CT scans of 78 patients. Ten fixed landmarks and 200 sliding semi-landmarks were digitized, using Viewbox 4.0, and standardized via Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Shape variability was analyzed through Principal Component Analysis. Morphological clusters were identified using Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components, and characterized with MANOVA, ANOVA, and Tukey tests. Results: Validation tests confirmed the method’s reliability. Three morphological clusters were identified. Variations were significant in the X and Y axes, and minimal in Z. Cluster 1 had a broader anterior cavity with shallower turbinate onset, likely improving olfactory accessibility. Cluster 3 was narrower with deeper turbinates, potentially limiting olfactory accessibility. Cluster 2 was intermediate. Notably, 31.5% of patients had at least one cavity in cluster 1. Conclusions: Three distinct morphotypes of the region of the nasal cavity that potentially influence accessibility were identified. These findings will guide future computational fluid dynamics studies for optimizing nasal drug targeting and represent a practical step toward tailoring nose-to-brain drug delivery strategies in alignment with the principles of personalized medicine.