Cigarette holder for aerosol-generating system

Abstract

A mouthpiece (23) for an aerosol-generating system (10), the mouthpiece (23) comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent. A cartridge (20) for an aerosol-generating system (10), the cartridge (20) comprising: a mouthpiece (23); a storage compartment (24) containing a liquid aerosol-generating substrate (26); a fluid permeable aerosol-generating element (28) in communication with the storage compartment (24), wherein the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element (28) is configured to vaporize the liquid aerosol-generating substrate (26) to generate an aerosol. An aerosol-generating system (10), the aerosol-generating system (10) comprising: a cartridge (20); and a device portion (40) comprising a power source and control electronics.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system, a cartridge comprising the mouthpiece, and an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece. In particular, the present invention relates to a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0002] Aerosol generating systems for delivering nicotine to a user are known, which systems comprise an atomizer configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from a liquid aerosol-generating substrate. Some known aerosol generating systems comprise a thermal atomizer configured to heat a liquid aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. Other known aerosol generating systems comprise a non-thermal atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-generating substrate using, for example, impinging jet, ultrasonic or vibrating mesh technology.

[0003] Handheld electrically-operated aerosol generating systems comprising a cartridge and a device portion are known, wherein the cartridge comprises a storage compartment and an electrically-operated heater, the storage compartment containing a supply of a liquid aerosol-generating substrate, the electrically-operated heater being configured to heat a liquid nicotine formulation to generate an aerosol, and the device portion comprising control electronics and a power source for powering the electrically-operated heater.

[0004] The heater typically comprises a coil of electrically-conductive wire wound around an elongate core that transports the liquid aerosol-generating substrate from the storage compartment of the cartridge to the coil. In use, an electric current can be passed through the coil to heat the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0005] However, in other known handheld electrically-operated aerosol generating systems, the heater comprises a fluid-permeable heating element comprising an electrically-conductive mesh in contact with a transport material that conveys the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to the electrically-conductive mesh. In use, an electric current can be passed through the electrically-conductive mesh to heat the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0006] A cartridge comprising a supply of a liquid aerosol-generating substrate and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-generating substrate is sometimes referred to as an "atomizer cartridge". The storage compartment of the cartridge may comprise a holding material for containing the liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The cartridge typically also comprises a mouthpiece that a user sucks on during use to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0007] During handling of a handheld electrically-operated aerosol generating system, bacteria and viruses may be transferred from a user's hand to the mouthpiece. During transportation and storage of a handheld electrically-operated aerosol generating system, bacteria and viruses may also be transferred to the mouthpiece by contact with other surfaces. When a contaminated mouthpiece is placed in a user's mouth during use of a handheld electrically-operated aerosol generating system, the bacterial and viral contamination of the mouthpiece may disadvantageously result in bacteria and viruses being transferred to the user's mouth.

[0008] It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system that prevents or reduces the potential oral transmission of bacteria to a user during use of the aerosol generating system.

[0009] It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system that prevents or reduces the potential oral transmission of viruses to a user during use of the aerosol generating system.

[0010] It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system that prevents or reduces the potential oral transmission of bacteria and viruses to a user during use of the aerosol generating system.

[0011] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system. The mouthpiece may comprise an antimicrobial polymeric material. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a silver antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating system. The cartridge may include an aerosol generating substrate. The cartridge may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise an antimicrobial polymeric material. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a silver antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0013] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may be an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating system may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise an antimicrobial polymeric material. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a silver antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system, the mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol generating substrate; and a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymer material, the antimicrobial polymer material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating substrate; and a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymer material, the antimicrobial polymer material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0017] Providing a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymer material can advantageously prevent or reduce bacterial contamination of the mouthpiece during the handling, transportation and storage of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material comprises: a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent. This can advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral transmission of bacteria to the user during the use of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0018] Providing a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymer material can advantageously prevent or reduce viral contamination of the mouthpiece during the handling, transportation and storage of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material comprises: a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent. This can advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral transmission of viruses to the user during the use of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0019] Providing a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymer material can advantageously prevent or reduce bacterial and viral contamination of the mouthpiece during the handling, transportation and storage of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material comprises: a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent. This can advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral transmission of bacteria and viruses to the user during the use of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0020] Providing a mouthpiece with inherent antimicrobial properties can advantageously enable the reduction or prevention of the risk of potential oral transmission of one or both of bacteria and viruses to the user during the use of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece, without the need for additional cleaning or other steps by the user.

[0021] Providing a mouthpiece with inherent antimicrobial properties can advantageously enable reduction or prevention of the risk of potential oral transmission of one or both of bacteria and viruses to a user during use of an aerosol-generating system including the mouthpiece, without the need for the user to incorporate additional components.

[0022] Incorporation of an antimicrobial polymer material comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent can be advantageously and easily implemented during the process of manufacturing the mouthpiece.

[0023] As used herein, the term "antimicrobial agent" is used to describe a reagent having antimicrobial activity.

[0024] As used herein, the term "antimicrobial activity" is used to describe the ability of a reagent to kill at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi or to inhibit the growth of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

[0025] As used herein, the term "zinc antimicrobial agent" is used to describe a zinc compound having antimicrobial activity.

[0026] As used herein, the term "silver antimicrobial agent" is used to describe a silver compound having antimicrobial activity.

[0027] As used herein, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or droplets or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The aerosol can be visible or invisible. The aerosol can include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or droplets or a combination of solid particles and droplets.

[0028] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate including an aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing aerosol-generating volatile compounds upon heating.

[0029] The antimicrobial polymer material can comprise any suitable thermoplastic polymer.

[0030] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is food-grade.

[0031] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is free of bisphenol A (BPA).

[0032] The antimicrobial polymer material can comprise a single thermoplastic polymer.

[0033] The antimicrobial polymer material can comprise multiple thermoplastic polymers.

[0034] Preferably, the antimicrobial polymer material comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from the following: polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polycarbonate (PC); ethylene glycol-modified cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate (PCTG); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0035] More preferably, the antimicrobial polymer material comprises ethylene glycol-modified cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate (PCTG).

[0036] The antimicrobial polymer material may comprise any suitable amount of thermoplastic polymer.

[0037] The antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 88 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 92 wt%, at least 94 wt%, or at least 96 wt%.

[0038] The antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99.9 wt%, less than or equal to 99 wt%, less than or equal to 99 wt%, less than or equal to 98.5 wt%, or less than or equal to 98 wt%.

[0039] The antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content between 88 wt% and 99.9 wt%, between 88 wt% and 99.5 wt%, between 88 wt% and 99 wt%, between 88 wt% and 98.5 wt%, or between 88 wt% and 98 wt%.

[0040] The antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content between 90 wt% and 99.9 wt%, between 90 wt% and 99.5 wt%, between 90 wt% and 99 wt%, between 90 wt% and 98.5 wt%, or between 90 wt% and 98 wt%.

[0041] The antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content between 92 wt% and 99.9 wt%, between 92 wt% and 99.5 wt%, between 92 wt% and 99 wt%, between 92 wt% and 98.5 wt%, or between 92 wt% and 98 wt%.

[0042] The antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content between 94 wt% and 99.9 wt%, between 94 wt% and 99.5 wt%, between 94 wt% and 99 wt%, between 94 wt% and 98.5 wt%, or between 94 wt% and 98 wt%.

[0043] The antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content between 96% and 99.9% by weight, between 96% and 99.5% by weight, between 96% and 99% by weight, between 96% and 98.5% by weight, or between 96% and 98% by weight.

[0044] For example, the antimicrobial polymer material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 97% by weight.

[0045] The antimicrobial agent may be a bacteriostatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bactericidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bacteriostatic agent and a bactericidal agent.

[0046] The antimicrobial agent may be an antibacterial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bacteriostatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bactericidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bacteriostatic agent and a bactericidal agent.

[0047] The antimicrobial agent may be an antiviral agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a virustatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a virucidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a virustatic agent and a virucidal agent.

[0048] The antimicrobial agent may be an antifungal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a fungistatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a fungicidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a fungistatic agent and a fungicidal agent.

[0049] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial agent or an antiviral agent.

[0050] More preferably, the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial agent and an antiviral agent.

[0051] Most preferably, the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial agent, an antiviral agent, and an antifungal agent.

[0052] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent kills at least 50% of the cells of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi or inhibits the growth of at least 50% of the cells of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

[0053] The antimicrobial agent may kill at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 90%, or 100% of the cells of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi or inhibit the growth of at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 90%, or 100% of the cells of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

[0054] The antibacterial activity of the cigarette filter according to the present invention can be measured according to ISO 22196:2011.

[0055] The antiviral activity of the cigarette filter according to the present invention can be measured according to ISO 21702:2019.

[0056] The antimicrobial agent is dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0057] Advantageously, the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0058] The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent.

[0059] The antimicrobial agent may comprise any suitable zinc antimicrobial agent.

[0060] The antimicrobial agent may comprise a single zinc antimicrobial agent.

[0061] The antimicrobial agent may comprise multiple zinc antimicrobial agents.

[0062] Suitable zinc antimicrobial agents may include one or more of covalent zinc compounds, zinc complexes, and zinc salts.

[0063] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0064] More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0065] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0066] More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0067] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc carboxylates selected from zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate.

[0068] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0069] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0070] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0071] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0072] Suitable zinc antimicrobial agents for inclusion in antimicrobial polymeric materials are commercially available. Examples of suitable commercially available zinc antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, Saniconcentrate available from Parx Materials N.V. TM and those available from Microban International, Ltd. Antimicrobial zinc technology.

[0073] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise any suitable amount of the zinc antimicrobial agent.

[0074] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.02 wt%, greater than or equal to 0.025 wt%, greater than or equal to 0.03 wt%, greater than or equal to 0.04 wt%, or greater than or equal to 0.05 wt%.

[0075] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 1 wt%, less than or equal to 0.75 wt%, less than or equal to 0.5 wt%, less than or equal to 0.1 wt%, or less than or equal to 0.09 wt%.

[0076] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content between 0.02 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.02 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.02 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.02 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.02 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0077] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content between 0.025 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.025 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.025 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.025 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.025 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0078] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content between 0.03 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.03 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.03 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.03 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.03 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0079] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content between 0.04 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.04 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.04 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.04 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.04 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0080] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content between 0.05 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.05 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.05 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.05 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.05 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0081] The antimicrobial polymeric material may contain a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0082] The antimicrobial polymeric material may contain any suitable silver antimicrobial agent.

[0083] The antimicrobial polymeric material may contain a single silver antimicrobial agent.

[0084] The antimicrobial polymeric material may contain multiple silver antimicrobial agents.

[0085] The antimicrobial agent may contain one or more silver glasses.

[0086] The antimicrobial agent may contain one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0087] Suitable silver antimicrobial agents for inclusion in the antimicrobial polymeric material are commercially available. Examples of suitable commercially available silver antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, those available from Microban International, Ltd. Silver-based antibacterial technology.

[0088] The antimicrobial polymeric material may contain any suitable amount of silver antimicrobial agent.

[0089] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.02 wt%, greater than or equal to 0.025 wt%, greater than or equal to 0.03 wt%, greater than or equal to 0.04 wt%, or greater than or equal to 0.05 wt%.

[0090] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 1 wt%, less than or equal to 0.75 wt%, less than or equal to 0.5 wt%, less than or equal to 0.1 wt%, or less than or equal to 0.09 wt%.

[0091] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial agent content between 0.02 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.02 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.02 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.02 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.02 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0092] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial agent content between 0.025 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.025 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.025 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.025 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.025 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0093] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial agent content between 0.03 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.03 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.03 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.03 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.03 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0094] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial agent content between 0.04 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.04 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.04 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.04 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.04 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0095] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial agent content between 0.05 wt% and 1 wt%, between 0.05 wt% and 0.75 wt%, between 0.05 wt% and 0.5 wt%, between 0.05 wt% and 0.1 wt%, or between 0.05 wt% and 0.09 wt%.

[0096] The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0097] The antimicrobial agent may comprise a single zinc antimicrobial agent and a single silver antimicrobial agent.

[0098] The antimicrobial agent may comprise a plurality of zinc antimicrobial agents and a single silver antimicrobial agent.

[0099] The antimicrobial agent may comprise a single zinc antimicrobial agent and a plurality of silver antimicrobial agents.

[0100] The antimicrobial agent may comprise a plurality of zinc antimicrobial agents and a plurality of silver antimicrobial agents.

[0101] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver glasses.

[0102] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0103] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver glasses.

[0104] More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0105] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0106] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0107] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0108] More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0109] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, PCA zinc (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0110] The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, PCA zinc (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0111] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, PCA zinc (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0112] More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of the following: one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, PCA zinc (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0113] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more metals.

[0114] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more transition metals.

[0115] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more metals selected from cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and silver.

[0116] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise silver in an amount greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight.

[0117] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise up to 10% by weight of silver.

[0118] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise between 0.05% and 10% by weight of silver.

[0119] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more additional components.

[0120] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more colorants.

[0121] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more fillers. For example, the antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise calcium carbonate.

[0122] The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more stabilizers.

[0123] Preferably, the mouthpiece is manufactured by extrusion or injection molding.

[0124] The antimicrobial agent may be added to the thermoplastic polymer before extrusion or injection molding. The antimicrobial agent may be added to the monomers that will polymerize to form the thermoplastic polymer before extrusion or injection molding. Thus, a mouthpiece comprising the antimicrobial polymeric material according to the present invention can be advantageously formed with minimal changes to existing manufacturing processes.

[0125] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is mixed with the thermoplastic polymer or the monomers that will polymerize to form the thermoplastic polymer before extrusion or injection molding. This can advantageously ensure that the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0126] The antimicrobial agent may be included in an additive masterbatch that is added to the thermoplastic polymer before extrusion or injection molding. The antimicrobial agent may be included in an additive masterbatch that is added to the monomers that will polymerize to form the thermoplastic polymer before extrusion or injection molding.

[0127] The additive masterbatch may be a solid additive masterbatch. For example, the additive masterbatch may be in the form of a powder or pellets.

[0128] The additive masterbatch may be a liquid additive masterbatch. For example, the additive masterbatch may be in the form of an aqueous solution or a non-aqueous solution.

[0129] The additive masterbatch may comprise one or more additional components. For example, the additive masterbatch may comprise one or more colorants, one or more fillers, or one or more stabilizers.

[0130] Preferably, the additive masterbatch and the thermoplastic polymer or the monomers that polymerize to form the thermoplastic polymer are mixed before extrusion or injection molding. This can advantageously ensure that the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0131] Advantageously, the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the body of the mouthpiece.

[0132] Advantageously, the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the mouthpiece.

[0133] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0134] Preferably, the cartridge comprises a storage compartment for containing the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0135] The storage compartment and the mouthpiece may be detachable from each other. For example, the storage compartment and the mouthpiece may be molded as separate pieces and then attached to each other to assemble the cartridge.

[0136] The storage compartment and the mouthpiece may not be detachable from each other. For example, the storage compartment and the mouthpiece may be molded as one piece.

[0137] The cartridge may be reusable. The storage compartment may be refillable when the storage compartment is empty or the amount of the aerosol-generating substrate in the storage compartment is below a minimum threshold.

[0138] The cartridge may be discarded when the storage compartment is empty or the amount of the aerosol-generating substrate contained in the storage compartment is below a minimum threshold.

[0139] Preferably, the cartridge comprises an atomizer in communication with the storage compartment, wherein the atomizer is configured to vaporize the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0140] Preferably, the atomizer comprises a fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element.

[0141] The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

[0142] As used herein, the term "thermal atomizer" describes an atomizer configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0143] The cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention may comprise any suitable type of thermal atomizer.

[0144] The thermal atomizer may comprise a heater. The thermal atomizer may comprise an electric heater. For example, the thermal atomizer may comprise an electric heater including a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element.

[0145] The heater may comprise a heater coil.

[0146] Preferably, the heater comprises a fluid-permeable heating element.

[0147] More preferably, the heater comprises a fluid-permeable heating element, the fluid-permeable heating element comprising an electrically conductive network.

[0148] As used herein, the term "electrically conductive network" refers to a conductive solid material having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. For example, the electrically conductive network may comprise a network of woven or non-woven conductive filaments or wires or a perforated conductive sheet.

[0149] The plurality of apertures advantageously permit fluid to permeate through the electrically conductive network.

[0150] The plurality of apertures may each have a size between 50 micrometers and 150 micrometers, between 50 micrometers and 100 micrometers, or between 50 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

[0151] The plurality of apertures may each have a size between 60 micrometers and 150 micrometers, between 60 micrometers and 100 micrometers, or between 60 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

[0152] As used herein, the "size" of an aperture describes the distance measured between two opposing surfaces of the aperture. Thus, when an aperture is defined by a filament or wire, for example, the size of the aperture does not include the thickness of the wire.

[0153] The electrically conductive network may be substantially flat.

[0154] As used herein, the term "substantially flat" is used to refer to a substantially two-dimensional topological manifold.

[0155] The substantially flat electrically conductive network may be substantially planar.

[0156] The substantially flat electrically conductive network may be curved along one or more dimensions. For example, the substantially flat electrically conductive network may be curved to form an arch shape or a dome shape.

[0157] The electrically conductive network may be heated by any suitable method.

[0158] For example, the electrically conductive network may be resistively heated or inductively heated.

[0159] The electrically conductive network may comprise metal. For example, the electrically conductive network may comprise steel, such as stainless steel.

[0160] The electrically conductive network may comprise a sensor material.

[0161] The area of the electrically conductive network may be less than 50 square millimeters, less than 40 square millimeters, or less than 30 square millimeters.

[0162] A thermal atomizer may include a heater and a transport element configured to transport an aerosol - forming substrate to the heater.

[0163] The transport element may include a capillary core.

[0164] The atomizer may be a non - thermal atomizer.

[0165] As used herein, the term "non - thermal atomizer" describes an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol - forming substrate by means other than heating.

[0166] A cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention may include any suitable type of non - thermal atomizer.

[0167] For example, the non - thermal atomizer may be an impinging jet atomizer, an ultrasonic atomizer, or a vibrating mesh atomizer.

[0168] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol - generating system comprising: an aerosol - forming substrate; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0169] Preferably, the aerosol - generating system includes a storage compartment for containing the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0170] Preferably, the aerosol - generating system includes an atomizer in communication with the storage compartment, wherein the atomizer is configured to vaporize the aerosol - forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0171] Preferably, the atomizer includes a fluid - permeable aerosol - forming element.

[0172] The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

[0173] As used herein, the term "thermal atomizer" describes an atomizer configured to heat an aerosol - forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0174] The aerosol - generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention may include any suitable type of thermal atomizer.

[0175] The thermal atomizer may include a heater. The thermal atomizer may include an electric heater. For example, the thermal atomizer may include an electric heater comprising a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element.

[0176] The heater may include a heater coil.

[0177] Preferably, the heater includes a fluid - permeable heating element.

[0178] More preferably, the heater includes a fluid - permeable heating element comprising a conductive mesh.

[0179] The plurality of apertures advantageously allow fluid to permeate through the electrically conductive mesh.

[0180] Each of the plurality of apertures may have a size between 50 micrometers and 150 micrometers, between 50 micrometers and 100 micrometers, or between 50 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

[0181] Each of the plurality of apertures may have a size between 60 micrometers and 150 micrometers, between 60 micrometers and 100 micrometers, or between 60 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

[0182] The electrically conductive mesh may be substantially flat.

[0183] The substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be substantially planar.

[0184] The substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be curved along one or more dimensions. For example, the substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be curved to form an arch shape or a dome shape.

[0185] The electrically conductive mesh may be heated by any suitable method.

[0186] For example, the electrically conductive mesh may be resistively heated or inductively heated.

[0187] The electrically conductive mesh may comprise a metal. For example, the electrically conductive mesh may comprise steel, such as stainless steel.

[0188] The electrically conductive mesh may comprise a sensor material.

[0189] The area of the electrically conductive mesh may be less than 50 square millimeters, less than 40 square millimeters, or less than 30 square millimeters.

[0190] The thermal atomizer may include a heater and a transmission element configured to transmit an aerosol-forming substrate to the heater.

[0191] The transmission element may include a capillary wick.

[0192] The atomizer may be a non-thermal atomizer.

[0193] An aerosol-generating system according to a third aspect of the invention may include any suitable type of non-thermal atomizer.

[0194] For example, the non-thermal atomizer may be an impinging jet atomizer, an ultrasonic atomizer, or a vibrating mesh atomizer.

[0195] Preferably, the aerosol-generating system includes a device portion that includes a power source and control electronics.

[0196] More preferably, the aerosol-generating system includes a device portion that includes a battery and control electronics.

[0197] The device part can be reusable.

[0198] The device part can be disposable.

[0199] The power source can be configured to supply power to the atomizer. For example, the power source can be configured to heat the atomizer resistively.

[0200] The aerosol generating system can include a sensor. For example, the aerosol generating system can include an induction coil.

[0201] The aerosol generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention can include: a cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention; and a device part.

[0202] Preferably, the aerosol generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention includes: a cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention and a device part, the cartridge including: a storage compartment that houses an aerosol generating substrate; an atomizer that is in communication with the storage compartment, wherein the atomizer is configured to vaporize the aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the present invention; the device part includes a power source and control electronics.

[0203] The cartridge and the device part can be detachable from each other. The device part can be removably coupled to the cartridge.

[0204] The cartridge and the device part can be non-detachable from each other.

[0205] The cartridge and the device part can both be reusable. The storage compartment of the cartridge can be refillable when the storage compartment of the cartridge is empty or the amount of the aerosol generating substrate in the storage compartment is below a minimum threshold.

[0206] The cartridge can be disposable and the device part can be reusable. For example, when the storage compartment of the cartridge is empty or the amount of the aerosol generating substrate contained in the storage compartment of the cartridge is below a minimum threshold, the cartridge can be detached from the device part and the cartridge is disposable.

[0207] The cartridge and the device part can both be disposable. For example, when the storage compartment of the cartridge is empty or the amount of the aerosol generating substrate contained in the storage compartment of the cartridge is below a minimum threshold, the cartridge and the device part can be non-detachable from each other and the cartridge and the device part can both be disposable.

[0208] The aerosol generating system can be a single-piece aerosol generating system.

[0209] For example, the aerosol generating system can be a single-piece aerosol generating system, wherein the cartridge and the device part are non-detachable from each other, and the storage compartment of the cartridge and the mouthpiece are non-detachable from each other.

[0210] The aerosol generating system can be a two-piece aerosol generating system. For example, the aerosol generating system can be a two-piece aerosol generating system, where the cartridge and the device part are not detachable from each other, but the storage compartment and the mouthpiece of the cartridge are detachable from each other. For example, the aerosol generating system can be a two-piece aerosol generating system, where the cartridge and the device part are detachable from each other, but the storage compartment and the mouthpiece of the cartridge are not detachable from each other.

[0211] The aerosol generating system can be a three-piece aerosol generating system. For example, the aerosol generating system can be a three-piece aerosol generating system, where the cartridge and the device part are detachable from each other, and the storage compartment and the mouthpiece of the cartridge are detachable from each other.

[0212] Preferably, the aerosol generating system is a hand-held aerosol generating system.

[0213] More preferably, the aerosol generating system is a hand-held electrically-operated aerosol generating system.

[0214] The aerosol generating substrate can be a solid aerosol generating substrate.

[0215] The aerosol generating substrate can be a gel aerosol generating substrate.

[0216] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially diluted cross-linked material that does not exhibit flow at steady state.

[0217] The aerosol generating substrate can be a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0218] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate is a gel aerosol generating substrate or a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0219] More preferably, the aerosol generating substrate is a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0220] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains nicotine.

[0221] More preferably, the aerosol generating substrate is a gel nicotine formulation or a liquid nicotine formulation.

[0222] As used herein, the term "gel nicotine formulation" describes a gel formulation containing nicotine.

[0223] As used herein, the term "liquid nicotine formulation" describes a liquid formulation containing nicotine.

[0224] Most preferably, the aerosol generating substrate is a liquid nicotine formulation.

[0225] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains an aerosol former.

[0226] The aerosol - forming agent can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol - forming agent can be substantially heat - resistant to degradation at the temperatures typically reached during the use of the aerosol - generating system.

[0227] Examples of suitable aerosol - forming agents include: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono -, di - or tri - acetate; aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0228] The aerosol - forming agent can include one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol - forming agent can consist of glycerol. The aerosol - forming agent can consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol - forming agent can consist of a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0229] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non - exhaustive list of non - limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples can be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0230] Example Ex1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol - generating system, the mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent.

[0231] Example Ex2. The mouthpiece according to Example Ex1, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a zinc antimicrobial agent.

[0232] Example Ex3. The mouthpiece according to Example Ex1 or Example Ex2, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a silver antimicrobial agent.

[0233] Example Ex4. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is food - grade.

[0234] Example Ex5. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the thermoplastic polymer does not contain bisphenol A (BPA).

[0235] Example Ex6. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises a single thermoplastic polymer.

[0236] Example Ex7. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises a plurality of thermoplastic polymers.

[0237] Example Ex8. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from the following: polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polycarbonate (PC); ethylene glycol-modified cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate (PCTG); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0238] Example Ex9. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material comprises ethylene glycol-modified cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate (PCTG).

[0239] Example Ex10. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 88% by weight.

[0240] Example Ex11. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 90% by weight.

[0241] Example Ex12. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 92% by weight.

[0242] Example Ex13. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 94% by weight.

[0243] Example Ex14. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 96% by weight.

[0244] Example Ex15. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99.9% by weight.

[0245] Example Ex16. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex15, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99.5% by weight.

[0246] Example Ex17. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex16, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99% by weight.

[0247] Example Ex18. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex17, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 98.5% by weight.

[0248] Example Ex19. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 98% by weight.

[0249] Example Ex20. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex19, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a microbistatic agent.

[0250] Example Ex21. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex20, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a microbicidal agent.

[0251] Example Ex22. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex21, wherein the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial agent.

[0252] Example Ex23. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a bacteriostatic agent.

[0253] Example Ex24. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex23, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a bactericidal agent.

[0254] Example Ex25. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, wherein the antimicrobial agent is an antiviral agent.

[0255] Example Ex26. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex25, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a virustatic agent.

[0256] Example Ex27. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex26, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a virucidal agent.

[0257] Example Ex28. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex27, wherein the antimicrobial agent is an antifungal agent.

[0258] Example Ex29. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex28, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a fungistatic agent.

[0259] Example Ex30. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex29, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a fungicidal agent.

[0260] Example Ex31. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex30, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a single zinc antimicrobial agent.

[0261] Example Ex32. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex30, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a plurality of zinc antimicrobial agents.

[0262] Example Ex33. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex32, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0263] Example Ex34. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex33, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0264] Example Ex35. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex34, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0265] Example Ex36. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex35, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0266] Example Ex37. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex36, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc carboxylates selected from zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate.

[0267] Example Ex38. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex32, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0268] Example Ex39. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex32, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0269] Example Ex40. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex32, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, PCA zinc (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0270] Example Ex41. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex32, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, PCA zinc (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0271] Example Ex42. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex41, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.02% by weight.

[0272] Example Ex43. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex42, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.025% by weight.

[0273] Example Ex44. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex43, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.03% by weight.

[0274] Example Ex45. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex44, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.04% by weight.

[0275] Example Ex46. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex45, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight.

[0276] Example Ex47. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex46, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 1% by weight.

[0277] Example Ex48. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4147, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.75% by weight.

[0278] Example Ex49. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4248, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.5% by weight.

[0279] Example Ex50. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4349, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.1% by weight.

[0280] Example Ex51. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4450, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.09% by weight.

[0281] Example Ex52. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex51, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a single silver antimicrobial agent.

[0282] Example Ex53. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex51, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises multiple silver antimicrobial agents.

[0283] Example Ex54. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex53, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more silver glasses.

[0284] Example Ex55. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex54, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0285] Example Ex56. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex55, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.02% by weight.

[0286] Example Ex57. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex56, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.025% by weight.

[0287] Example Ex58. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex57, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.03% by weight.

[0288] Example Ex5359. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex58, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.04% by weight.

[0289] Example Ex60. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex59, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight.

[0290] Example Ex61. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex60, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 1% by weight.

[0291] Example Ex62. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex61, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.75% by weight.

[0292] Example Ex63. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex62, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.5% by weight.

[0293] Example Ex64. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex63, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.1% by weight.

[0294] Example Ex65. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex64, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content of less than or equal to 0.09% by weight.

[0295] Example Ex66. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex65, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material contains one or more metals.

[0296] Example Ex67. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex66, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material contains one or more transition metals.

[0297] Example Ex68. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex67, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material contains one or more metals selected from cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and silver.

[0298] Example Ex69. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex68, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material contains greater than or equal to 0.05% by weight of silver.

[0299] Example Ex70. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex69, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material contains less than or equal to 10% by weight of silver.

[0300] Example Ex71. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex70, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more stabilizers.

[0301] Example Ex72. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex71, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more colorants.

[0302] Example Ex73. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex72, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more fillers.

[0303] Example Ex74. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex73, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises calcium carbonate.

[0304] Example Ex75. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex74, wherein the cigarette filter is manufactured by extrusion or injection molding.

[0305] Example Ex76. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex75, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material is substantially uniformly dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0306] Example Ex77. A cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex76, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the body of the cigarette filter.

[0307] Example Ex78. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a cigarette filter according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex77.

[0308] Example Ex79. The cartridge according to Example Ex78, the cartridge comprising a storage compartment for containing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0309] Example Ex80. The cartridge according to Example Ex78 or Ex79, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a gel aerosol-generating substrate.

[0310] Example Ex81. The cartridge according to Example Ex80, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a gel nicotine formulation.

[0311] Example Ex82. The cartridge according to Example Ex78 or Ex79, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0312] Example Ex83. The cartridge according to Example Ex82, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid nicotine formulation.

[0313] Example Ex84. A cartridge according to any one of Examples Ex78 to Ex83, wherein the aerosol - forming substrate comprises an aerosol - forming agent.

[0314] Example Ex85. A cartridge according to any one of Examples Ex78 to Ex84, the cartridge comprising an atomizer configured to vaporize the aerosol - forming substrate to produce an aerosol.

[0315] Example Ex86. A cartridge according to Example Ex85, wherein the atomizer is a non - thermal atomizer.

[0316] Example Ex87. A cartridge according to Example Ex85, wherein the atomizer is a thermal atomizer.

[0317] Example Ex88. A cartridge according to any one of Examples Ex85 to Ex87, wherein the atomizer is a fluid - permeable aerosol - forming element.

[0318] Example Ex89. An aerosol - generating system, the aerosol - generating system comprising: a cartridge according to any one of Examples Ex78 to Ex88; and a device portion comprising a power source and control electronics.

[0319] Example Ex90. An aerosol - generating system according to Example Ex89, wherein the aerosol - generating system is a hand - held aerosol - generating system.

[0320] Example Ex91. An aerosol - generating system according to Example Ex89, wherein the aerosol - generating system is a hand - held electrically - operated aerosol - generating system.

[0321] Figure 1 is a simplified cross - section of an aerosol - generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0322] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol - generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0323] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the aerosol - generating system of; and

[0324] Figure 4 is Figure 1 and 2 is a perspective view of the device portion of the aerosol - generating system of.

[0325] Figure 1 is a simplified cross - section of an aerosol - generating system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is Figure 1Perspective view of the aerosol-generating system 10 shown in the figure. The aerosol-generating system 10 is a hand-held aerosol-generating system sized to fit comfortably in a user's hand.

[0326] The aerosol-generating system 10 includes a cartridge 20 and a device portion 40 coupled together. Figure 3 Perspective view of the cartridge separated from the device portion. Figure 4 Perspective view of the device portion separated from the cartridge.

[0327] As further described below, the cartridge 20 includes a liquid aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating element, and a mouthpiece. The device portion 40 includes a power source and control electronics. In use, the device portion 40 is configured to power the aerosol-generating element in the cartridge to evaporate the liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The evaporated aerosol-generating substrate is entrained in an air stream passing through the aerosol-generating system 10, which air stream is generated by a user sucking on the mouthpiece of the cartridge 20. The evaporated aerosol-generating substrate cools in the air stream to form an aerosol before being drawn into the user's mouth.

[0328] The cartridge 20 has a mouth end remote from the device portion 40 and a device end proximate to the device portion 40. The mouthpiece 23 is located at the mouth end of the cartridge 20. The mouthpiece 23 is formed from the composition shown in Table 1.

[0329]

[0330] Table 1

[0331] An additive masterbatch containing the component labeled B in Table 1 is added to PCTG (labeled A in Table 1), and then the mixture is injection molded to form the mouthpiece 23.

[0332] The cartridge 20 includes a housing 22. Within the housing, there is a storage compartment 24 that houses a liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26. The cartridge housing 22 and the storage compartment 24 are molded integrally. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26 contains 39 wt% glycerol, 39 wt% propylene glycol, 20 wt% water and a flavorant, and 2 wt% nicotine. It should be understood that other liquid aerosol-generating substrates may be used. It should also be understood that the aerosol-generating substrate need not be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate, but could be a gel aerosol-generating substrate or a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0333] The storage compartment 24 is open at the device end of the cartridge 20. A cap 30 is fitted to the open end of the storage compartment 24. The cap 30 is formed of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). An aerosol generating assembly 28 including a fluid-permeable aerosol generating element is held on the cap 30. The cap 30 has an opening formed in the front face and the aerosol generating assembly 28 extends across the opening. The aerosol generating assembly 28 includes a pair of electrical contact pads fixed to the cap 30 and the fluid-permeable aerosol generating element. The fluid-permeable aerosol generating element is a flat fluid-permeable mesh heating element and includes a mesh of electrically conductive heating wires that span the opening and are fixed to the electrical contact pads on opposite sides of the opening. This type of aerosol generating assembly is described in WO 2015 / 117702A1. The fluid-permeable aerosol generating element is formed of stainless steel and the electrical contact pads are formed of tin.

[0334] A liquid holding material 32 is positioned within the cap 30. The liquid holding material 32 is formed of polypropylene PET copolymer. A capillary material 31 is positioned between the aerosol generating assembly 28 and the liquid holding material 32. The capillary material 31 is formed of glass fiber. A protective cover 33 is fitted to the housing 22. The protective cover 33 is formed of liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The protective cover 33 holds the aerosol generating assembly 28 and the cap 30 above the open end of the storage compartment 24. The protective cover 33 also covers the flat mesh heating element and protects it from damage.

[0335] The protective cover 33 has a front wall that covers the aerosol generating assembly 28. As Figure 3 shown, a contact opening 39 is formed in the front wall and is positioned to receive Figure 4 the spring-loaded electrical contact element 45 of the device portion 40 shown in

[0336] The protective cover 33 is held in place by snap-fit engagement with the cartridge housing 22. Ribs 34 extend around the protective cover 33 and engage corresponding notches in the housing 22 of the cartridge 20. In this position, the protective cover 33 also presses against a portion of the aerosol generating assembly 28 to hold the aerosol generating assembly 28 and the cap 30 above the open end of the storage compartment 24.

[0337] To assemble cartridge 20, the storage compartment 24 is filled with a liquid aerosol - generating substrate 26. Then a liquid - retaining material 32 is placed into the open end of the storage compartment 24, and a capillary material 31 is placed on the liquid - retaining material 32. Then the cap 30 to which the aerosol - generating assembly 28 has been secured is placed into the open end of the storage compartment 24. The storage compartment 24 and the cap 30 may include keying features to ensure that the cap 30 is placed on the storage compartment 24 in the correct orientation. Then a protective cover 33 is assembled onto the housing 22 to hold all the components of the cartridge 20 in place.

[0338] The device portion 40 includes a housing 46. Inside the housing 46 are a power source 42 and control electronics 44. The power source 42 can be a lithium - ion battery. As Figure 4 shown, the device portion 40 also includes a spring - loaded electrical contact element 45 configured to contact an electrical contact pad on the aerosol - generating assembly 28 in the cartridge 20. As Figure 2 shown, a button 41 is provided on the device portion 40, which can actuate a switch in the control electronics to activate the device portion 40. When the device portion 40 is activated, the control electronics will supply power from the power source 42 to the fluid - permeable aerosol - generating element in the cartridge 20. As is known in the art, the control electronics can be configured to control the power supply to the fluid - permeable aerosol - generating element in many different ways after activation. For example, the control electronics can be configured to control the power supply to the fluid - permeable aerosol - generating element based on one or more of the following: the temperature of the fluid - permeable aerosol - generating element, the detected air flow through the aerosol - generating system 10, the time after activation, the measured or estimated amount of the liquid aerosol - generating substrate 26 in the cartridge 20, the type of the cartridge 20, and environmental conditions.

[0339] The cartridge 20 is coupled to the device portion 40 by a push - fit joint. The housing 22 of the cartridge 20 is shaped to allow it to be coupled to the device portion 40 in only two orientations. This ensures that the spring - loaded electrical contact element 45 is received in a contact opening 39 formed in the front wall of the protective cover and contacts the electrical contact pad of the aerosol - generating assembly 28. Ribs 48 extend around the device portion 40 and engage corresponding notches 25 in the housing 22 of the cartridge 20 to hold the cartridge 20 and the device portion 40 together.

[0340] In operation, after the cartridge 20 and the device portion 40 have been coupled together, the user presses the button 41 to activate the device portion 40. The user then draws on the mouthpiece 23 at the mouth end of the cartridge 20 to draw air through the aerosol-generating system 10. The control electronics may supply power to the aerosol-generating assembly 28 based on a detected draw by the user, or may supply power continuously after the device portion 40 has been activated by the user. The fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause evaporation of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the vicinity of the fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element. The evaporated aerosol-forming substrate passes through the fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element and into the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating system.

[0341] Example

[0342] A mouthpiece according to the present invention containing an antimicrobial polymer material is manufactured by the method set forth in Examples A to G below, the antimicrobial polymer material comprising: ethylene glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTG); and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent:

[0343] Example A

[0344] (1) Heat the PCTG to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0345] (2) Add the antimicrobial agent to the PCTG to form a mixture;

[0346] (3) Heat the mixture (e.g., at 260 - 282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste;

[0347] (4) Inject or extrude the paste into a mold; and

[0348] (5) Lower the temperature of the mold (e.g., to 38 - 66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0349] Example B

[0350] (1) Prepare a solution containing the antimicrobial agent in an organic and / or aqueous solvent;

[0351] (2) Mix the solution with the PCTG and heat to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0352] (3) Heat the dried mixture (e.g., at 260 - 282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste;

[0353] (4) Inject or extrude the paste into a mold; and

[0354] (5) Lower the temperature of the mold (e.g., to 38 - 66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0355] Example C

[0356] (1) Prepare a solution containing an antimicrobial agent in an organic and / or aqueous solvent;

[0357] (2) Mix the solution with PCTG monomers;

[0358] (3) Polymerize the monomers to form PCTG with an antimicrobial agent;

[0359] (4) Heat the PCTG with an antimicrobial agent to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0360] (5) Heat the dried PCTG with an antimicrobial agent (e.g., at 260 - 282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste;

[0361] (6) Inject or extrude the paste into a mold; and

[0362] (7) Lower the temperature of the mold (e.g., to 38 - 66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0363] Example D

[0364] (1) Prepare a solution containing an antimicrobial agent in an organic and / or aqueous solvent;

[0365] (2) Mix the solution with PCTG monomers;

[0366] (3) Polymerize the PCTG monomers to form PCTG with an antimicrobial agent;

[0367] (4) Heat the PCTG with an antimicrobial agent to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0368] (5) Mix the dried PCTG with an antimicrobial agent with PCTG to form a mixture;

[0369] (6) Heat the mixture (e.g., at 260 - 282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste;

[0370] (7) Inject or extrude the paste into a mold; and

[0371] (8) Lower the temperature of the mold (e.g., to 38 - 66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0372] Example E

[0373] (1) Prepare a solution containing an antimicrobial agent in an organic and / or aqueous solvent;

[0374] (2) Mix the solution with dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) monomer;

[0375] (3) Polymerize the DMT monomer to form DMT with an antimicrobial agent;

[0376] (4) Heat the DMT with an antimicrobial agent to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0377] (5) Mix the dried DMT with an antimicrobial agent with PCTG to form a mixture;

[0378] (6) Heat the mixture (e.g., at 260 - 282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste;

[0379] (7) Inject or extrude the paste into a mold; and

[0380] (8) Lower the temperature of the mold (e.g., to 38 - 66 degrees Celsius) to form a mouthpiece.

[0381] Example F

[0382] (1) Heat PCTG to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0383] (2) Mix dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) with an antimicrobial agent and heat to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0384] (3) Mix the dried PCTG with the dried DMT and an antimicrobial agent to form a mixture;

[0385] (4) Heat the mixture (e.g., at 260 - 282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste;

[0386] (5) Inject or extrude the paste into a mold; and

[0387] (6) Lower the temperature of the mold (e.g., to 38 - 66 degrees Celsius) to form a mouthpiece.

[0388] Example G

[0389] (1) Heat PCTG to dryness (e.g., heat at 88 degrees Celsius for 4 - 6 hours);

[0390] (2) Mix the dried PCTG with dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and an antimicrobial agent to form a mixture;

[0391] (3) Heat the mixture (e.g., at 260 - 282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste;

[0392] (4) Inject or extrude the paste into a mold; and

[0393] (5) Lower the temperature of the mold (e.g., to 38 - 66 degrees Celsius) to form a mouthpiece.

[0394] Although ethylene glycol - modified poly(1,4 - cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCTG) was used in the above Examples A - G, it should be understood that mouthpieces can also be formed according to the present invention that comprise an antimicrobial polymer material containing other thermoplastic polymers.

[0395] It should also be understood that during the manufacture of the mouthpiece, additional components such as colorants, fillers, and stabilizers can be added to the antimicrobial polymer material.

[0396] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 10% of A. In this context, the number A can be regarded as including values within the normal standard error for the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A can deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system, the mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymer material, the antimicrobial polymer material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent.

2. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the body of the mouthpiece.

3. The mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

4. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

5. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobial agents selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, basic zinc carbonate, zinc carboxylate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

6. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc carboxylates selected from zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate.

7. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a zinc antimicrobial agent content between 0.025 wt% and 1 wt%.

8. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more silver glasses.

9. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more silver phosphate glasses.

10. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has a silver antimicrobial agent content between 0.025 wt% and 1 wt%.

11. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from ethylene glycol modified polycyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate (PCTG), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

12. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material comprises: ethylene glycol modified polycyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate (PCTG); and a zinc antimicrobial agent.

13. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the antimicrobial polymer material has at least 90 wt% of thermoplastic polymer.

14. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mouthpiece is manufactured by extrusion or injection molding.

15. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: a storage compartment for containing a liquid aerosol-generating substrate; a fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element in communication with the storage compartment, wherein the fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element is configured to evaporate the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol; and the mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising: the cartridge according to claim 15; and a device portion including a power source and control electronics.

17. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol-generating system is a handheld aerosol-generating system.

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