JP7528084B2 - Nicotine preparations containing metal salts - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, and to an aerosol generating system including a nicotine formulation and an atomizer.

Aerosol generation systems for delivering nicotine to a user are known that include an atomizer configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from a nicotine formulation. Some known aerosol generation systems include a thermal atomizer, such as an electric heater, configured to heat and vaporize the nicotine formulation to generate an aerosol. Other known aerosol generation systems include a non-thermal atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation, for example using impinging jet, ultrasonic, or vibrating mesh technology. A typical nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generation system is a liquid nicotine formulation and includes glycerin, propylene glycol, and water as solvents.

It would be desirable to provide a nicotine formulation that, when used in an aerosol generation system, exhibits more efficient vaporization of nicotine and increased nicotine delivery to the user as compared to typical liquid nicotine formulations.

It would also be desirable to provide a nicotine formulation that exhibits a reduced risk of leakage when used in an aerosol generating system, as compared to typical nicotine formulations.

According to the present invention, there is provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, the one or more metal salts being selected from the group consisting of metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, the one or more metal salts being selected from the group consisting of metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation, the one or more metal salts being selected from the group consisting of metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates.

The term "nicotine" as used herein in connection with the present invention describes nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salts. In embodiments where the nicotine formulation comprises nicotine base or nicotine salts, the amounts of nicotine recited herein are the amounts of free base nicotine or the amounts of protonated nicotine, respectively.

The term "water-miscible polyhydric alcohol" as used herein in connection with the present invention describes a polyhydric alcohol that is liquid at 20°C and that will mix with water in all proportions to form a homogeneous solution.

Unless otherwise indicated, the weight percentages of the components of the nicotine formulations listed in this specification are based on the total weight of the nicotine formulation.

The bond between the one or more metal salts and the one or more polyhydric alcohols in the nicotine formulation may increase the boiling point of the one or more polyhydric alcohols. This may advantageously enhance vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine formulation when used in an aerosol generating system, as compared to a typical liquid nicotine formulation that does not include the one or more metal salts.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, the interaction between the one or more metal salts and the one or more polyhydric alcohol molecules in the nicotine formulation may be stronger than the interaction between the one or more polyhydric alcohol molecules. This may result in more energy being required to vaporize the one or more polyhydric alcohols. In use, the inclusion of one or more metal salts in the nicotine formulation may thereby advantageously increase the percentage of nicotine in the aerosol generated from the nicotine formulation by up to an order of magnitude, as compared to a typical liquid nicotine formulation that does not include the one or more metal salts.

The bond between the one or more metal salts and the one or more polyhydric alcohols in the nicotine formulation may increase the viscosity of the nicotine formulation compared to a typical liquid nicotine formulation that does not include the one or more metal salts. This may advantageously reduce the risk of leakage of the nicotine formulation when used in an aerosol generating system compared to a typical liquid nicotine formulation that does not include the one or more metal salts.

Advantageously, the inclusion of propylene glycol in a nicotine formulation has also been shown to improve vaporization of the nicotine formulation, leading to the production of more aerosol in a given heating cycle.

By including propylene glycol in the nicotine formulation, there may be an improvement in the nicotine content of the aerosol due to vaporization of the nicotine. It is believed that this may be due to propylene glycol having a lower boiling point (188°C) compared to glycerin (boiling point 290°C). However, it has been found that when there is a large amount of propylene glycol in the nicotine formulation, the nicotine content of the aerosol is reduced. Therefore, it may be advantageous to have a limited amount of propylene glycol in the nicotine formulation.

The nicotine formulation may be a liquid nicotine formulation.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "liquid nicotine formulation" describes a liquid formulation containing nicotine or a gel formulation containing nicotine.

The term "gel" as used herein in connection with the present invention describes a substantially dilute crosslinked system that does not exhibit flow when in a steady state.

The nicotine formulation may have a viscosity of about 5 Pa·s or more at 25°C.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a viscosity of about 10 Pa·s or more at 25° C. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a viscosity of about 25 Pa·s or more, about 50 Pa·s or more, or about 75 Pa·s or more at 25° C.

The nicotine formulation more preferably has a viscosity of about 100 Pa·s or more at 25°C. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a viscosity of about 250 Pa·s or more, about 500 Pa·s or more, or about 750 Pa·s or more at 25°C.

Most preferably, the nicotine formulation has a viscosity of about 1000 Pa·s or greater at 25° C. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a viscosity of about 2500 Pa·s or greater, about 5000 Pa·s or greater, about 7500 Pa·s or greater, or about 10,000 Pa·s or greater at 25° C.

Unless otherwise stated, viscosity values listed herein are the viscosity of a nicotine formulation sample volume of 1 cubic centimeter ( ^cm3 ) measured using a Thermo Scientific HAAKE RheoStress 6000 rheometer using a parallel plate P20 probe with an MP60 (60 mm diameter) measurement plate at 25°C and a speed of 6 revolutions per minute (rpm).

The nicotine formulation may be a solid nicotine formulation.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "solid nicotine formulation" describes a solid formulation that contains nicotine.

Advantageously, including propylene glycol in the nicotine formulation results in a solid formulation that is less rigid, less brittle, and easier to form into a plug. These properties improve subsequent processing and handling of the nicotine formulation during the manufacturing process. The nicotine formulation according to the invention may advantageously be used as an aerosol-forming substrate in an aerosol-generating system, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, that includes an automatic or manual mechanism for moving or advancing the aerosol-forming substrate towards the atomizer. Thus, the aerosol-forming substrate maintains contact with the atomizer even when the aerosol-forming substrate is being consumed during use. In such an aerosol-generating system, the advancing mechanism may form part of the aerosol-generating article that includes the nicotine formulation, or part of the aerosol-generating device that receives the aerosol-generating article that includes the nicotine formulation.

Nicotine preparations may contain natural or synthetic nicotine.

The nicotine formulation may have a nicotine content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a nicotine content of about 1 weight percent or more. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a nicotine content of about 1.5 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation may have a nicotine content of about 10 percent by weight or less, or about 8 percent by weight or less.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a nicotine content of about 5 weight percent or less. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a nicotine content of about 3 weight percent or less.

The nicotine formulation may have a nicotine content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a nicotine content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 8 weight percent, about 0.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, or about 0.5 weight percent to about 3 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a nicotine content of about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a nicotine content of about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent, about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, or about 1 weight percent to about 3 weight percent.

More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a nicotine content of about 1.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a nicotine content of about 1.5 weight percent to about 8 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, or about 1.5 weight percent to about 3 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 5 weight percent or more. The nicotine formulation may have a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 10 weight percent or more, about 20 weight percent or more, or about 30 weight percent or more.

Preferably, the nicotine formulation has a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 40 weight percent or more. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 50 weight percent or more. Most preferably, the nicotine formulation has a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 60 weight percent or more. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 70 weight percent or more, about 80 weight percent or more, or about 90 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 95 percent by weight or less.

The nicotine formulation may have a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 5 weight percent to about 95 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 10 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, about 20 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or about 30 weight percent to about 95 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 40 percent to about 95 percent by weight. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 50 percent to about 95 percent by weight. Most preferably, the nicotine formulation has a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 60 percent to about 95 percent by weight. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of about 70 percent to about 95 percent by weight, about 80 percent to about 95 percent by weight, or about 90 percent to about 95 percent by weight.

The nicotine formulation preferably contains one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, propylene glycol, and triethylene glycol.

More preferably, the nicotine preparation contains glycerin.

Most preferably, the nicotine formulation contains vegetable glycerin.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a glycerin content of about 5 percent by weight or more.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising glycerin and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation comprising glycerin and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising glycerin and one or more metal salts, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

The nicotine formulation may have a glycerin content of about 10 weight percent or more, about 20 weight percent or more, or about 30 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a glycerin content of about 40 weight percent or more. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a glycerin content of about 50 weight percent or more. Most preferably, the nicotine formulation has a glycerin content of about 60 weight percent or more. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a glycerin content of about 70 weight percent or more, about 80 weight percent or more, or about 90 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a glycerin content of about 95 percent by weight or less.

The nicotine formulation may have a glycerin content of about 5 weight percent to about 95 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a glycerin content of about 10 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, about 20 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or about 30 weight percent to about 95 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a glycerin content of about 40 percent to about 95 percent by weight. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a glycerin content of about 50 percent to about 95 percent by weight. Most preferably, the nicotine formulation has a glycerin content of about 60 percent to about 95 percent by weight. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a glycerin content of about 70 percent to about 95 percent by weight, about 80 percent to about 95 percent by weight, or about 90 percent to about 95 percent by weight.

Nicotine formulations may also contain glycerin and propylene glycol.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation comprises glycerin and propylene glycol, the ratio of the weight percent of the glycerin content of the nicotine formulation to the weight percent of the propylene glycol content is preferably about 1 or greater. More preferably, the ratio of the weight percent of the glycerin content of the nicotine formulation to the weight percent of the propylene glycol content is about 1.5 or greater. For example, the ratio of the weight percent of the glycerin content of the nicotine formulation to the weight percent of the propylene glycol content may be about 2 or greater, about 2.5 or greater, or about 3 or greater.

The nicotine formulation may have a metal salt content of about 0.75 weight percent or more, or about 1 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a metal salt content of about 15 weight percent or less. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a metal salt content of about 12 weight percent or less. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a metal salt content of about 10 weight percent or less.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a metal salt content of about 0.75 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a metal salt content of about 0.75 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 0.75 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a metal salt content of about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a metal salt content of about 1 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The one or more metal salts may have a molar mass of about 500 g/mol or less or about 400 g/mol or less.

The one or more metal salts are preferably one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates, metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates.

The one or more metal salts are preferably selected from the group consisting of metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates.

The one or more metal salts are preferably selected from the group consisting of metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates.

The one or more metal salts are preferably selected from the group consisting of metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates, metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or greater.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates, metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or greater.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates, metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates, the metal salt content being about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

More preferably, the one or more metal salts are selected from the group consisting of metal alginates and metal stearates.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates and metal stearates, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or greater.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates and metal stearates, the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or greater.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates and metal stearates, the metal salt content being about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

It is particularly preferred that the nicotine formulation contains one or more metal stearates.

Advantageously, the covalent bond between the one or more metal stearates and the one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols in the nicotine formulation may further increase the boiling point of the one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols. When the formulation includes nicotine, this may advantageously increase the efficiency of vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine formulation when used in an aerosol generating system, as compared to a typical liquid nicotine formulation that does not include the one or more metal stearates.

The nicotine formulation preferably contains glycerin and one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal alginates and metal stearates.

It is particularly preferred that the nicotine formulation comprises glycerin and one or more metal stearates.

The covalent bond between one or more metal stearates and glycerin in the nicotine formulation may increase the boiling point of the glycerin, which may advantageously enhance the vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine formulation when used in an aerosol generating system.

The covalent bond between one or more metal stearates and glycerin in the nicotine formulation may increase the viscosity of the nicotine formulation. This may advantageously reduce the risk of leakage of the nicotine formulation when used in an aerosol generating system.

The nicotine formulation may include one or more salts of any suitable metal.

The one or more metal salts are preferably one or more alkali metal salts.

More preferably, the one or more metal salts are one or more sodium salts.

More preferably, the one or more metal salts are one or more sodium salts selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, sodium benzoate, sodium cinnamate, sodium cycloheptanecarboxylate, sodium levulinate, sodium propanoate, sodium stearate, and sodium undecanoate.

Most preferably, the one or more salts are one or more sodium salts selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate and sodium stearate.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more sodium salts selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or greater.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more sodium salts selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium salt content of about 0.5 weight percent or greater.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and one or more sodium salts selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate and sodium stearate, the sodium salt content being about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes sodium alginate, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 0.25 weight percent or more, or about 0.5 weight percent or more. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 0.75 weight percent or more, or about 1 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a sodium alginate content of about 15 weight percent or less. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a sodium alginate content of about 12 weight percent or less. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 10 weight percent or less.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes sodium alginate, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 0.25 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 0.25 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 0.25 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes sodium alginate, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have from about 0.75 weight percent to about 15 weight percent sodium alginate. For example, the nicotine formulation may have from about 0.75 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or from about 0.75 weight percent to about 10 weight percent sodium alginate.

The nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium alginate content of about 1 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

It is particularly preferred that the nicotine formulation contains sodium stearate.

Metal salts with high weighted average molecular weights may improve the above-mentioned advantages regarding the efficiency of nicotine vaporization. However, if the weighted average molecular weight of the metal salt is too high, properties such as solubility begin to be adversely affected. Advantageously, including sodium stearate in the formulation may provide the optimum trade-off in improving the efficiency of nicotine vaporization while maintaining solubility.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation preferably has a sodium stearate content of about 0.25 weight percent or greater. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent or greater.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 0.75 weight percent or more, or about 1 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a sodium stearate content of about 15 weight percent or less. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a sodium stearate content of about 12 weight percent or less. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 10 weight percent or less.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a sodium stearate content of about 0.25 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 0.25 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 0.25 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 0.75 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 0.75 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 0.75 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a sodium stearate content of about 1 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, or about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

It is particularly preferred that the nicotine formulation contains glycerin and sodium stearate.

The covalent bond between sodium stearate and glycerin in a nicotine formulation may increase the boiling point of glycerin, which may advantageously enhance the vaporization of nicotine from the nicotine formulation when used in an aerosol generating system.

The covalent bond between sodium stearate and glycerin in the nicotine formulation may increase the viscosity of the nicotine formulation. This may advantageously reduce the risk of leakage of the nicotine formulation when used in an aerosol generating system.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, the nicotine formulation comprising glycerin and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation comprising glycerin and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent or more.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine formulation comprising glycerin and sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium stearate content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

The nicotine formulation may contain water.

The nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 20 percent by weight or less, or about 15 percent by weight or less.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a water content of about 10 weight percent or less. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 8 weight percent or less or about 6 weight percent or less.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes water, the nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 1 weight percent or more. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 2 weight percent or more or about 3 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 2 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, or about 3 weight percent to about 20 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 2 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, or about 3 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes water, the nicotine formulation preferably has a water content of about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 2 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, or about 3 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a water content of about 2 weight percent to about 8 weight percent, or about 3 weight percent to about 8 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have a moisture content of about 1 weight percent to about 6 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have a moisture content of about 2 weight percent to about 6 weight percent, or about 3 weight percent to about 6 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may contain one or more organic acids.

In some embodiments, the one or more organic acids may be water-soluble organic acids. The term "water-soluble organic acid" as used herein in connection with the present invention describes an organic acid that has a water solubility of about 100 mg/mL or more, preferably about 500 mg/mL or more, more preferably about 750 mg/mL or more, and most preferably about 1000 mg/mL or more at 20°C.

Unless otherwise stated, the water solubility values listed herein are water solubility values measured based on the preliminary test of OECD (1995), Test No. 105: Water Solubility, OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 1, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264069589-en. In a stepwise procedure, increasing volumes of distilled water are added to a 0.1 g sample (solid materials must be crushed) in a 10 mL glass stoppered graduated cylinder at 20°C. However, if the material is an acid, the sample is added to distilled water in the first step. After each addition of an amount of water, the mixture was shaken for 10 minutes and visually checked for undissolved portions of the sample. If the sample or part of the sample remains undissolved after the addition of 10 mL of water, the experiment is continued with a 100 mL graduated cylinder. The approximate solubility at which complete dissolution of the sample occurs in that volume of water is shown in Table 1 below.

When the solubility is low, a longer time may be required to dissolve the material, which should be at least 24 hours. If the material is still not dissolved after 24 hours, place the graduated cylinder in an ultrasonic bath at 40°C for 15 minutes and allow for a further 24 hours (up to a maximum of 96 hours). If the material is still not dissolved, it is considered to be below the solubility limit or not soluble.

The nicotine formulation may contain one or more carboxylic acids.

Suitable carboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, and pyruvic acid.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes one or more organic acids, the nicotine formulation may have an organic acid content of about 0.5 weight percent or more, or about 1 weight percent or more.

The nicotine formulation preferably has an organic acid content of about 6 weight percent or less. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has an organic acid content of about 4 weight percent or less. For example, the nicotine formulation may have an organic acid content of about 2 weight percent or less.

In embodiments in which the nicotine formulation includes one or more organic acids, the nicotine formulation may have an organic acid content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 6 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have an organic acid content of about 0.5 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, or about 0.5 weight percent to about 2 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may have an organic acid content of about 1 weight percent to about 6 weight percent. For example, the nicotine formulation may have an organic acid content of about 1 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, or about 1 weight percent to about 2 weight percent.

The nicotine formulation may include one or more flavoring agents. Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, menthol.

The nicotine formulation preferably has a flavorant content of about 4 weight percent or less. More preferably, the nicotine formulation has a flavorant content of about 3 weight percent or less.

The present invention also provides an aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol-generating article including a nicotine formulation according to the present invention.

The aerosol-generating article may include an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

The aerosol-generating article may be a cartridge.

A cartridge containing a nicotine formulation and an atomizer is sometimes called a "cartomizer."

The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "thermal atomizer" describes an atomizer that is configured to heat a nicotine formulation to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating article may include any suitable type of thermal atomizer.

The thermal atomizer may include an electric heater. For example, the thermal atomizer may include an electric heater that includes a resistive or inductive heating element.

The heating element may be a grid or mesh element or layer. In such an embodiment, the nicotine formulation may flow into the interstitial spaces forming the grid or mesh element.

The atomizer may be a non-thermal atomizer.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "non-thermal atomizer" describes an atomizer that is configured to generate an aerosol from a nicotine formulation by a method other than heating.

The aerosol-generating article may include any suitable type of non-thermal atomizer.

For example, the non-thermal atomizer may be an impingement jet atomizer, an ultrasonic atomizer, or a vibrating mesh atomizer.

According to the present invention there is further provided an aerosol generation system comprising a nicotine formulation according to the present invention and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

The aerosol generating system may include any suitable type of thermal atomizer.

The thermal atomizer may include an electric heater. For example, the thermal atomizer may include an electric heater that includes a resistive or inductive heating element.

The heating element may be a grid or mesh element or layer. In such an embodiment, the nicotine formulation may flow into the interstitial spaces forming the grid or mesh element.

The atomizer may be a non-thermal atomizer.

The aerosol generating system may include any suitable type of non-thermal atomizer.

For example, the non-thermal atomizer may be an impingement jet atomizer, an ultrasonic atomizer, or a vibrating mesh atomizer.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating article according to the present invention that includes a nicotine formulation, and an aerosol generating device that comprises a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating system may comprise a consumable aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the aerosol generating article including a nicotine formulation, and a reusable aerosol generating device comprising a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating device may include a battery and control electronics.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating article according to the present invention, which includes a nicotine formulation and an atomizer, and an aerosol generating device comprising a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating article according to the invention that includes a nicotine formulation, and an aerosol generating device that comprises a housing that defines a device cavity configured to receive the aerosol generating article and at least a portion of the atomizer.

For the avoidance of doubt, features described above with respect to one aspect of the invention may also apply to other aspects of the invention. In particular, features described above with respect to the nicotine formulations of the invention may also, where appropriate, relate to the aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems of the invention. Similarly, features described above with respect to the aerosol generating articles of the invention may also, where appropriate, relate to the aerosol generating systems of the invention and vice versa.

By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following examples and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article containing a nicotine formulation according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a spring-loaded aerosol generating article containing a nicotine formulation according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a "lipstick" advancement mechanism aerosol-generating article containing a nicotine formulation according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating system 400 comprising an aerosol generating device 600 and an aerosol generating article 500.

The aerosol generating device 600 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to receive the aerosol generating article 500. The aerosol generating device 600 comprises a housing 601 and a receptacle 610 disposed within the housing 601. The receptacle 610 is constructed to receive the aerosol generating article 500. The receptacle 610 may be sized and shaped such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 500 remains outside the receptacle 610 when the aerosol generating article 500 is inserted into the receptacle 610.

The aerosol generating device 600 includes a heating element 622 at the closed end of the receiving portion 610. The heating element 622 includes a mesh layer.

The aerosol generating device 600 may include a power source 651 operably connected to a controller 653 and an optional graphical user interface 652. The power source 651 operably connected to the controller 653 may be disposed within the housing 601. The graphical user interface 652 may be disposed on the housing 601.

The aerosol-generating article 500 includes a body 512 defining a cavity 510 having a cavity opening 515. An aerosol-forming substrate 511 is disposed within the cavity 510. The body 512 includes a closed end portion 551, which may be a ring or a rotating portion or a fixed support.

Alternatively, the aerosol generating article 500 may include an advancement mechanism and may be disposed at a proximal end of the aerosol generating article 500. The advancement mechanism may be configured as a piston-type element. The advancement mechanism may be configured as a screw-type element. The advancement mechanism may convert rotational movement into lateral movement.

The cavity opening of the aerosol-generating article 500 abuts the heating element 622 when the aerosol-generating article 500 is received in the receiving portion 610 of the aerosol generating device 600. The heating element 622 is disposed proximate to the cavity opening 515. The aerosol-forming substrate 511 of the aerosol-generating article 500 is a nicotine formulation according to the present invention that may flow into and through the mesh layer of the heating element 622.

Air may flow into the receiver 610 of the aerosol generating device 600, entraining the volatilized aerosol constituents from the heated aerosol-forming substrate 511, through the aerosol generating device 600, via the air channel 650, and to the consumer.

2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a spring-loaded aerosol generating article 500. The aerosol generating article 500 includes a body 512 defining a cavity 510 having a cavity opening 515. An aerosol-forming substrate 511 is disposed within the cavity 512. A heating element 622 is disposed proximate the cavity opening 515. The body 512 includes a closed end portion 551, which may be a fixed support. A spring element 517 biases a movable rigid base 513 against a spring support 551 fixed to the body 512. The aerosol-forming substrate 511 is a nicotine formulation according to the present invention.

3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 500 with a "lipstick" advancement mechanism. The aerosol-generating article 500 includes a body 512 defining a cavity 510 having a cavity opening 515. An aerosol-forming substrate 511 is disposed within the cavity 512. A heating element 622 is disposed proximate to the cavity opening 515. The body 512 includes a ring or rotating element 551 that is coupled to a movable rigid base 513 and that converts rotational movement into lateral movement via a spiral or helical groove 514. A pin (not shown) couples the rigid base 513 to the spiral or helical groove 514 to provide lateral movement of the aerosol-forming substrate 511. The aerosol-forming substrate 511 is a nicotine formulation according to the present invention.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the aerosol generating system may include an automated mechanism for moving or advancing the aerosol-forming substrate 511 toward the heating element 622. In such an alternative embodiment, the controller 653 of the aerosol generating device 600 may activate an actuator or advancing mechanism on the aerosol generating article 500 or the aerosol generating device 600 to advance the aerosol-forming substrate 511 and rigid base 513 toward the heating element 622 after detecting that the heating element 622 is not in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 511.

Three liquid nicotine formulations according to the present invention (Examples A, B, and C) were prepared to have the compositions and viscosities shown in Table 2.

Three solid nicotine formulations according to the present invention (Examples D, E, and F) were prepared having the compositions shown in Table 3.

Each of the nicotine compositions was prepared by the following:
(1) heating one or more polyhydric alcohols to a temperature of about 100° C. to about 120° C. using a hot plate stirrer;
(2) adding, with constant stirring, finely divided metal salts to the one or more polyhydric alcohols, and then continuing to heat the mixture to a temperature of about 85° C. to about 95° C. until the mixture becomes clear;
(3) Add water to the clear mixture;
(4) With constant stirring, reduce the heating temperature of the mixture to about 50° C. and add nicotine to the mixture;
(5) Pouring the heated mixture into molds, after which the mixture is allowed to cool and congeal to form the nicotine composition.

As shown in Table 2, the inclusion of about 1 weight percent or less of a metal salt (sodium stearate) results in a liquid nicotine formulation having a viscosity of about 185 Pa·s or greater at 25° C.
As shown in Table 3, the inclusion of up to about 8 weight percent of the metal salts (sodium stearate and sodium alginate) results in a solid nicotine formulation.

Claims (15)

1. A nicotine formulation for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising:
one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols;
one or more metal salts;
and one or more organic acids,
the nicotine formulation having a metal salt content of 0.5 weight percent or greater;
the one or more metal salts are selected from the group consisting of metal benzoates, metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates;
A nicotine formulation, wherein the nicotine formulation has an organic acid content of 0.5 percent to 4 percent by weight . 10. The nicotine formulation of claim 1 having a metal salt content of 15 percent by weight or less. The nicotine formulation of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more metal salts are selected from the group consisting of metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal levulinates, metal propanoates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates. 4. The nicotine formulation of claim 3, wherein the one or more metal salts are selected from the group consisting of metal cinnamates, metal cycloheptanecarboxylates, metal stearates, and metal undecanoates. The nicotine formulation of any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the one or more metal salts include sodium stearate. 6. The nicotine formulation of claim 1 , further comprising sodium stearate, the nicotine formulation having a sodium stearate content of 0.25 weight percent or more. 7. The nicotine formulation of claim 1 having a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol content of at least 40 percent by weight . The nicotine formulation of any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols include glycerin. 9. The nicotine formulation of claim 8 , wherein the one or more water-miscible polyhydric alcohols include glycerin and propylene glycol. 10. The nicotine formulation of claim 9 , wherein the ratio of the weight percent of glycerin content to the weight percent of propylene glycol content of the nicotine formulation is 1 or greater. The nicotine formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , comprising water. The nicotine formulation of claim 11 having a water content of 10 percent by weight or less. The nicotine formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the nicotine formulation has a viscosity of 10 Pa·s or more at 25°C. An aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising a nicotine formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 13 . 1. An aerosol generation system comprising:
A nicotine formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the nicotine formulation.

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