Aerosol generating substrate as well as preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an aerosol generating substrate as well as a preparation method and application thereof. The invention relates to the technical field of electronic cigarettes. The aerosol generating substrate comprises the following raw material components: nicotine, essence and a composite solvent, wherein the composite solvent comprises water and medium-chain and short-chain alcohol. According to the overall formula of the aerosol generating substrate, under the cooperation of the preparation technology, fine aerosol with the particle size smaller than or equal to 10 micrometers can be stably generated, effective deposition of the lung is guaranteed, the balance of the low visual aerosol amount and the high flavor expression is achieved, and the problems that essence is poor in solubility and nicotine transmission efficiency is poor are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic atomizing liquid technology, and in particular to an aerosol generation matrix, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Mainstream e-cigarette liquids produce a large amount of aerosol, requiring atomizers to operate at extremely high power. This accelerates the carbonization and wear of the atomizer coil, shortening its lifespan. It also leads to high energy consumption, necessitating frequent charging or battery replacements. Furthermore, the main solvent in e-liquids, PG (proton concentrate), is responsible for carrying flavor, while VG (vitamin gluten) is responsible for generating the aerosol. To achieve large vapor production, the industry commonly uses high-VG formulations, but this often dilutes the flavor concentration.

[0003] For the industry, developing low-aerosol or aerosol-free e-cigarette products is a key direction for technological iteration, opening up entirely new and previously inaccessible usage scenarios. Currently, many countries and regions worldwide are enacting legislation to restrict the use of e-cigarettes in public places, primarily due to the generation of secondhand aerosols. Low-aerosol or aerosol-free products can significantly improve product compatibility with regulatory environments, paving the way for the industry's sustainable development. Furthermore, pursuing a technological approach focused on "efficient nicotine delivery and low environmental impact" helps reshape the serious public image of e-cigarettes as harm reduction products, shedding negative public opinion. For consumers, using low-aerosol or aerosol-free products greatly enhances convenience and privacy (e.g., in libraries, conference rooms, elevators); simultaneously, these products allow for a greater focus on enhancing flavor concentration and nicotine delivery efficiency, achieving a more satisfying experience with less inhalation.

[0004] Currently, some attempts have been made to reduce aerosols by altering the solvent system. For example, a water-based aerosol generation matrix has been developed, aiming to reduce aerosols by replacing some glycerin with water. However, this approach has a fundamental technical limitation: it is merely a physical substitution and dilution method, failing to systematically address the overall user experience under low-aerosol conditions. Water, as a solvent with drastically different properties, presents a series of new technical challenges. First, the introduction of water not only dilutes the flavor concentration, but many traditional flavors also exhibit poor solubility and volatility in water-based systems, leading to flavor distortion, a bland taste, and unclear layers of flavor, failing to meet the product's clarity and consumers' core demand for rich and intense flavors. Second, the water-based environment alters the volatility and absorption characteristics of free nicotine, significantly reducing its nicotine craving satisfaction and bioavailability, potentially requiring users to inhale more frequently and deeply to achieve satisfaction. Finally, this approach may only be applicable to a few specific flavored e-liquids and cannot serve as a universal platform adapted to the diverse range of flavor types on the market, greatly limiting its commercial application potential. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to propose an aerosol generation matrix, its preparation method, and its application, aiming to overcome the problem of aerosol generation during the atomization process of existing electronic cigarette e-liquids.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an electronic cigarette aerosol generation matrix, which comprises the following raw material components:

[0007] Nicotine, cooling agent, sweetener, flavoring, colloid, surfactant and complex solvent, wherein the complex solvent is water and medium- or short-chain alcohol.

[0008] In one embodiment, the mass ratio of the medium-to-short chain alcohol to water is 1.0:1.4 to 1.0:3.6; and / or, The water content shall not exceed 60% of the mass of the aerosol-generating matrix; and / or, The medium- and short-chain alcohols include at least one of ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, and isobutanol.

[0009] In one embodiment, the product comprises the following components in parts by mass: Nicotine 1-20 parts; 1-5 parts of cooling agent; Sweetener 1-5 parts; 5-20 parts flavoring; 0.1 to 2 parts of colloid; 1-5 parts surfactant; 20-45 parts of medium- and short-chain alcohols; and, 40-60 parts water.

[0010] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix comprises the following components in parts by weight: Nicotine 3-12 parts; 1-3 parts of cooling agent; Sweetener 3-5 parts; 8-15 parts flavoring; 1-3 parts of colloid; 1-3 parts surfactant; 15-30 parts of medium- and short-chain alcohols; and, 45-55 parts water.

[0011] In one embodiment, the nicotine is generated by reacting nicotine with an organic acid; and / or, The cooling agent includes at least one of synthetic cooling agents and natural cooling agents; and / or, The sweetener includes at least one of synthetic sweeteners, natural sweeteners, and sugar alcohol sweeteners; and / or, The flavoring includes at least one selected from fruit flavoring, tobacco flavoring, peppermint flavoring, beverage flavoring, and dessert flavoring; and / or, The colloid includes at least one of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives, protein colloids, and semi-synthetic colloids; and / or, The food-grade surfactants include at least one of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and surfactants of natural origin.

[0012] In one embodiment, the organic acid includes at least one selected from benzoic acid, glacial acetic acid, levulinic acid, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid; and / or, The synthetic cooling agent includes at least one of WS-3, WS-23, WS-12, WS-5, MGA, and menthyl lactate; and / or, The natural cooling agent includes at least one selected from peppermint oil, menthol oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, camphor, borneol, L-menthol, and L-menthone; and / or, The synthetic sweetener includes at least one of sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sodium saccharin, cyclamate, and advandy; and / or, The natural sweetener includes at least one selected from steviol glycosides, mogrosides, glycyrrhizic acid ammonium, sematrandole, monellin, and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone; and / or, The sugar alcohol sweeteners include at least one of maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, and isomaltitol; and / or, The fruit flavoring includes at least one of citrus flavoring and berry flavoring; and / or, The tobacco varieties in the tobacco flavoring include at least one of Virginia tobacco, Zimbabwean tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, aromatic tobacco, and sun-cured tobacco; and / or, The peppermint flavoring includes at least one of peppermint and spearmint; and / or, The natural polysaccharides and their derivatives include at least one of xanthan gum, gellan gum, carrageenan, agar, sodium alginate, pectin, locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, gum arabic, and konjac glucomannan; and / or, The protein-based colloid includes at least one of gelatin, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and sodium caseinate; and / or, The semi-synthetic colloid includes at least one of cellulose ethers and modified starch; and / or, The nonionic surfactant comprises at least one selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyglycerol fatty acid ester, nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, sucrose fatty acid ester, and polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester; and / or, The zwitterionic surfactant includes at least one of lecithin and betaine; and / or, The naturally derived surfactants include at least one of soap bark extract and glycyrrhizic acid.

[0013] This invention provides an aerosol generation matrix as described above, comprising the following steps: S10. Provide nicotine, cooling agent, sweetener, flavoring, colloid and complex solvent, wherein the complex solvent is water and medium- or short-chain alcohol; S20. The nicotine, the cooling agent, the sweetener, the flavoring and the colloid are added sequentially to a mixing container and stirred at 25~30℃ for 20~30 min at a stirring rate of 200~300 r / min to obtain the first mixture. S30. The composite solvent and the mixture are stirred at 25~30°C at a rate of 300~500 r / min for 30~60 min to obtain a second mixture; S40. The second mixture is subjected to micro-jet homogenization to obtain a third mixture.

[0014] S50. The third mixture is purified by standing at 25-30°C for 12-24 hours, then filtered to remove impurities, and an aerosol generation matrix is ​​obtained.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electronic atomizer has an operating power of 3W-15W and an atomizing core resistance of 1.0Ω-2.5Ω.

[0016] This invention also proposes an application of the aerosol generation matrix as described above, which can be used in heated electronic cigarette devices and ultrasonic electronic cigarette atomizing devices with atomization functions.

[0017] The technical solution provided by this invention scientifically combines and synergistically designs nicotine, cooling agents, sweeteners, flavorings, colloids, surfactants, and a composite solvent. The composite solvent is water and medium-to-short-chain alcohols. This system achieves the organic integration of multiple functions. Nicotine improves stability and bioavailability while reducing its irritation, significantly enhancing the effective delivery efficiency during atomization. Surfactants and colloids work synergistically to form stable microemulsions or micelle structures, greatly improving the solubility and dispersion stability of flavorings in the base liquid, preventing precipitation and stratification. Medium-to-short-chain alcohols, as excellent solvent carriers, possess both high solubility and moderate volatility, promoting uniform atomization. Under the coordination of microfluidic homogenization technology, the overall formulation not only stably produces fine aerosols with a particle size ≤10μm, ensuring effective deposition in the lungs, but also achieves a balance between low aerosol volume and high flavor performance, improving the poor solubility of flavorings and the efficiency of nicotine delivery. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall apply. Where the manufacturers of reagents or instruments are not specified, they are all conventional products that can be purchased commercially. Furthermore, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, or solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. In addition, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Currently, some attempts have been made to reduce aerosols by altering the solvent system. For example, a water-based aerosol generation matrix has been developed, aiming to reduce aerosols by replacing some glycerin with water. However, this approach has a fundamental technical limitation: it is merely a physical substitution and dilution method, failing to systematically address the overall user experience under low-aerosol conditions. Water, as a solvent with drastically different properties, presents a series of new technical challenges. First, the introduction of water not only dilutes the flavor concentration, but many traditional flavors also exhibit poor solubility and volatility in water-based systems, leading to flavor distortion, a bland taste, and unclear layers of flavor, failing to meet the product's clarity and consumers' core demand for rich and intense flavors. Second, the water-based environment alters the volatility and absorption characteristics of free nicotine, significantly reducing its nicotine craving satisfaction and bioavailability, potentially requiring users to inhale more frequently and deeply to achieve satisfaction. Finally, this approach may only be applicable to a few specific flavored e-liquids and cannot serve as a universal platform adapted to the diverse range of flavor types on the market, greatly limiting its commercial application potential.

[0020] In view of this, the present invention proposes an electronic cigarette aerosol generation matrix, aiming to address the problems of poor flavor solubility and low nicotine delivery efficiency in low-aerosol electronic cigarette e-liquids.

[0021] The electronic cigarette aerosol generating matrix includes the following raw material components: nicotine, flavoring and compound solvent, wherein the compound solvent includes water and medium- and short-chain alcohols.

[0022] The technical solution provided by this invention achieves the organic integration of multiple functions through the scientific formulation and synergistic design of nicotine, flavoring, and composite solvents. Nicotine, while improving its stability and bioavailability, reduces its irritation and significantly enhances the effective delivery efficiency during atomization. Surfactants and colloids work synergistically to form stable microemulsions or micelle structures, greatly improving the solubility and dispersion stability of the flavoring in the base liquid, preventing precipitation and stratification. Medium- and short-chain alcohols, as excellent solvent carriers, possess both high solubility and moderate volatility, promoting uniform atomization. The overall formulation, combined with microfluidic homogenization technology, not only stably generates fine aerosols with a particle size ≤10μm, ensuring effective lung deposition, but also achieves a balance between low aerosol volume and high flavor expression, improving both poor flavoring solubility and nicotine delivery efficiency.

[0023] It is understandable that most fragrances are oil-soluble organic compounds (such as esters, aldehydes, and ketones), which are difficult to dissolve in polar solvents (such as water). In other words, poor fragrance solubility leads to weak and short-lasting fragrance, easy layering and precipitation, uneven atomization, and the phenomenon of "fragrance loss".

[0024] Existing nicotine typically exists in proton form, has low volatility, and is difficult to release from aerosols and be absorbed by the lungs, resulting in low customer satisfaction.

[0025] The mass ratio of the medium- and short-chain alcohols to water is 1.0:1.4 to 1.0:3.6; exceeding this range may cause leakage of the electronic cigarette.

[0026] The water content does not exceed 60% of the mass of the aerosol-generating matrix. Medium- and short-chain alcohols and water, in the above-mentioned proportion range, can form a very stable low-aerosol system after being processed by a microfluidic homogenization process.

[0027] The medium- and short-chain alcohols include at least one of ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, and isobutanol. Among the above components, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol, due to their low boiling point, weak hydrogen bonding, and volatility, are almost entirely vapor or submicron particles after atomization, thus generating "invisible" aerosols.

[0028] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix comprises, by weight, the following components: a cooling agent, a sweetener, and a colloid. The aerosol generating matrix includes: 1-20 parts nicotine; 1-5 parts cooling agent; 1-5 parts sweetener; 5-20 parts flavoring; 0.1-2 parts colloid; 0-5 parts surfactant; 20-45 parts medium- and short-chain alcohols; and 40-60 parts water. The cooling agent and sweetener effectively improve the taste, mask unpleasant odors, and enhance the user experience.

[0029] Furthermore, by weight, the aerosol generating matrix comprises the following components: 1-20 parts nicotine; 1-5 parts cooling agent; 1-5 parts sweetener; 5-20 parts flavoring; 0.1-2 parts colloid; 1-5 parts surfactant; 20-45 parts medium- and short-chain alcohols; and 45-55 parts water. Using an aerosol generating matrix within the above weight range results in high nicotine delivery efficiency and good flavoring solubility.

[0030] Furthermore, by mass fraction, the aerosol generating matrix comprises the following components: 3-12 parts nicotine; 1-3 parts cooling agent; 3-5 parts sweetener; 8-15 parts flavoring; 0-3 parts colloid; 1-3 parts surfactant; 15-30 parts medium- and short-chain alcohols; and 45-55 parts water. Using the above mass fractions can better improve the overall low aerosol effect.

[0031] It should be noted that the nicotine includes both free and salt states, wherein the salt state is generated by the reaction of nicotine with organic acids. Further, the organic acids include at least one of benzoic acid, glacial acetic acid, levulinic acid, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. The nicotine salts generated therefrom can be, for example, nicotine benzoate, nicotine acetate, or nicotine levulinate, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cooling agent includes at least one of synthetic cooling agents and natural cooling agents. Further, the synthetic cooling agent includes at least one of WS-3, WS-23, WS-12, WS-5, MGA, and menthyl lactate. Specifically, WS-3 is N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, WS-23 is 2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide, WS-12 is N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, WS-5 is ethyl-3-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate, and MGA is menthol glycerol acetal. The cooling agent can provide a "cooling sensation," preventing users from increasing the power and causing excessive atomization or large particle generation, improving comfort, and prolonging the single-inhalation time.

[0033] Furthermore, the natural cooling agent includes at least one of peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, camphor, borneol, L-menthol, and L-menthone.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sweetener includes at least one of synthetic sweeteners, natural sweeteners, and sugar alcohols, avoiding the use of reducing sugars such as sucrose, preventing Maillard reactions or caramelization at high temperatures, reducing the generation of large caramel particles and harmful substances, and sugar alcohols have low hygroscopicity and high thermal stability, making them less prone to absorbing water, clumping, or clogging the atomizing core, thus ensuring continuous atomization.

[0035] Furthermore, the synthetic sweetener includes at least one of sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sodium saccharin, cyclamate, and adventitia, wherein, specifically, the acesulfame potassium is acesulfame potassium and the cyclamate is sodium cyclohexylsulfamate.

[0036] Furthermore, the natural sweetener includes at least one of steviol glycosides, mogrosides, glycyrrhizic acid ammonium, sematriol, monellin, and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, wherein the steviol glycosides are rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside F, rebaudioside M, and dulcitin A.

[0037] Furthermore, the sugar alcohol sweetener includes at least one of maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, and isomaltitol.

[0038] In some embodiments, the flavoring includes at least one of fruit flavoring, tobacco flavoring, mint flavoring, beverage flavoring, and dessert flavoring. The present invention uses surfactant emulsification and colloidal network stabilization to uniformly disperse the flavoring in the form of nano-sized droplets. In this way, during atomization, the droplets break down uniformly when heated, generating fine, monodisperse aerosol particles, avoiding local overheating or splashing in the "flavoring enrichment area", thereby achieving compatibility between high flavor intensity and ≤10μm aerosols.

[0039] Furthermore, the fruit flavoring includes at least one of citrus flavoring and berry flavoring; and / or, Furthermore, the tobacco flavoring includes at least one of Virginia tobacco, Zimbabwean tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, aromatic tobacco, and sun-cured tobacco; Furthermore, the peppermint flavoring includes at least one of peppermint and spearmint.

[0040] In some embodiments, the colloid includes at least one of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives, protein colloids, and semi-synthetic colloids. Furthermore, the natural polysaccharides and their derivatives include at least one of xanthan gum, gellan gum, carrageenan, agar, sodium alginate, pectin, locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, gum arabic, and konjac glucomannan, wherein, specifically, the gellan gum is high in acyl groups or low in acyl groups, the pectin is high in methoxy groups or low in methoxy groups, and the carrageenan is κ-type, ι-type, or λ-type.

[0041] In some embodiments, the colloid includes at least one of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives, protein colloids, and semi-synthetic colloids. The colloid of the present invention has a thickening effect that is controllable, which can moderately increase viscosity, inhibit the formation of large droplets when the liquid film breaks down, form a three-dimensional network structure, restrict the Brownian motion of fragrances and nicotine salts, and prevent agglomeration into large particles. On the other hand, it can also stabilize the microemulsion system, prevent the fragrance phase from agglomerating before atomization, and make it easy to atomize into fine droplets.

[0042] Furthermore, the protein colloid includes at least one of gelatin, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and sodium caseinate.

[0043] Furthermore, the semi-synthetic colloid includes at least one of cellulose ethers and modified starch, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, and modified starch such as hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate and acetylated distarch phosphate. In some embodiments, the food-grade surfactant includes at least one of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and surfactants of natural origin.

[0044] Furthermore, the nonionic surfactant includes at least one of polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyglycerol fatty acid ester, nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, sucrose fatty acid ester, and polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, wherein the sorbitan fatty acid ester is specifically from the Span series, such as Span 20 and Span 80; and the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester is specifically from the Tween series, such as Tween 20 and Tween 80.

[0045] Furthermore, the zwitterionic surfactants include lecithin and betaine, such as soybean lecithin, egg yolk lecithin, and cocamidopropyl betaine. Using these surfactants makes the liquid film easier to break down, forming smaller droplets. At the same time, hydrophobic fragrances can be encapsulated in nanoscale particles, which are released directly during atomization, stabilizing the liquid-gas interface and preventing droplet coalescence. This improves the wettability of the atomizing core, resulting in more uniform atomization and more concentrated particle size.

[0046] Furthermore, the naturally derived surfactants include soap bark extracts, such as at least one of saponins and glycyrrhizic acid; This invention provides a method for preparing the aerosol generating matrix as described above, comprising the following steps: S10. Provide nicotine, cooling agent, sweetener, flavoring, colloid and complex solvent, wherein the complex solvent is water and medium- or short-chain alcohol; S20. The nicotine, the cooling agent, the sweetener, the flavoring and the colloid are added sequentially to a mixing container and stirred at 25~30℃ for 20~30 min at a stirring rate of 200~300 r / min to obtain the first mixture. S30. The composite solvent and the mixture are stirred at 25~30°C at a rate of 300~500 r / min for 30~60 min to obtain a second mixture; S40. The second mixture is subjected to micro-jet homogenization to obtain a third mixture.

[0047] S50. The third mixture is purified by standing at 25-30°C for 12-24 hours, then filtered to remove impurities, and an aerosol generation matrix is ​​obtained.

[0048] It should be noted that the microfluidic homogenization process includes: adding the material to the hopper of the HPW-10L microfluidic homogenizer, using a diamond-coated interlocking cavity, setting the homogenization pressure to 80~120MPa, controlling the material processing temperature to be maintained at 25~30℃ (consistent with the previous stirring temperature to avoid system temperature fluctuations), activating the automatic program control mode, allowing the material to pass through micron-level pores at high speed after being pressurized by the plunger, and completing homogenization within the cavity through the synergistic action of collision, shearing, and explosion; to ensure particle size refinement and uniformity, the homogenization cycle is set to 2~3 times, followed by filtration using a 0.22μm microporous membrane, ultimately homogenizing the mixture into a nanoscale particle system with a particle size of 100~500nm, improving system stability; after homogenization, the homogenized mixture is collected through the equipment's quantitative output function.

[0049] This invention also proposes an electronic atomizer comprising the aerosol generating matrix as described in any of the above claims. The electronic atomizer possesses all the technical solutions of the described aerosol generating matrix, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of the described aerosol generating matrix; these will not be elaborated upon further here.

[0050] Specifically, the electronic atomizer has a working power of 3W-15W and an atomizing core resistance of 1.0Ω-2.5Ω.

[0051] The above-mentioned electronic atomizer avoids excessively high temperatures that cause the droplets to boil violently and splash (producing large particles >10μm), and the energy is moderate, which is conducive to stable vaporization. The resistor is matched with mainstream equipment and the current is stable.

[0052] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0053] Experimental materials Nicotine was purchased from Hubei Heno Biotechnology Co., Ltd., product number HENO006; The flavoring is cherry flavoring: Place a clean, dry beaker on an electronic balance and zero it. Accurately weigh each ingredient in the following order and weight and add it to the beaker: 0.960g raspberry, 5.34g vanillin, 0.08g benzaldehyde, 0.42g isoamyl acetate, 0.56g 2-hexenyl acetate, 0.60g ethyl acetate, 0.94g hesperidin, 2.26g anisaldehyde, and 89.84g propylene glycol, totaling 101.00g, are accurately weighed together with propylene glycol solvent in a specific ratio (total weight 101.00g) and added to the clean beaker. Use a top stirrer to continuously stir at 250 rpm for 50 minutes until completely dissolved and homogeneous. Then filter through a 100-mesh stainless steel sieve to remove impurities, finally obtaining a clear, transparent, sediment-free cherry flavoring with a harmonious aroma.

[0054] Example 1 This invention provides an aerosol generating matrix, the raw material components and corresponding mass fractions of which are: nicotine (4 parts), cooling agent (WS-23 2.5 parts), sweetener (neotame 3 parts), flavoring (cherry flavoring 12 parts), colloid (xanthan gum 0.5 parts), surfactant (sucrose fatty acid ester 1.5 parts), medium- and short-chain alcohols (95% ethanol 55 parts), and water 22.5 parts, wherein each part is 1g. The preparation steps of the aerosol generating matrix are as follows: The nicotine, the cooling agent, the sweetener, the flavoring, and the colloid of the above-mentioned weights are added sequentially to a mixing container and stirred at 25°C for 25 minutes at a stirring rate of 250 r / min to obtain the first mixture. The medium- and short-chain alcohols and water were mixed with the first mixture and stirred at 30°C at a rate of 400 r / min for 50 min to obtain the second mixture. The second mixture is subjected to micro-jet homogenization. The operation steps are as follows: set the homogenization pressure to 100MPa, control the material processing temperature to maintain at 30℃, turn on the automatic program control mode, so that the material passes through the micron-level channel at high speed after being pressurized by the plunger to complete the homogenization. The number of homogenization cycles is set to 3 times. Collect the homogenized solution to obtain the third mixture. The third mixture was allowed to stand at 25°C for 20 hours, and then filtered through a 0.22μm microporous membrane to remove impurities, thus obtaining the aerosol generation matrix.

[0055] Examples 2-7 Except for the differences in raw material composition and quality in each embodiment, all other aspects are the same as in Example 1, as shown in Table 1.

[0056] Comparative Example 1 Unlike Example 1, in the composite solvent of Comparative Example 1, propylene glycol was used instead of 95% ethanol in Example 1, and the rest was similar to Example 1.

[0057] Comparative Example 2 Unlike Example 1, in Comparative Example 2, the composite solvent was replaced with propylene glycol and glycerol, otherwise it was similar to Example 1.

[0058] Comparative Example 3 Unlike Example 1, in Comparative Example 3, the mass ratio of 95% ethanol to water in the composite solvent was adjusted to 1:30, while the rest was similar to Example 1.

[0059] Comparative Example 4 Unlike Example 1, in Comparative Example 4, the mass ratio of 95% ethanol to water in the composite solvent was adjusted to approximately 1:4.9, while the rest was similar to Example 1.

[0060] Except for the different raw material components and masses in each comparative example, all other components were the same as in Example 1, as shown in Table 1. Specifically, the raw material components of Comparative Example 1 were the same as in Example 1, except that 95% ethanol was replaced with propylene glycol; the raw material components of Comparative Example 2 were the same as in Example 1, except that the composite solvent (95% ethanol and water) was replaced with propylene glycol and glycerol; the raw material components of Comparative Example 3 were the same as in Example 1, except that the mass ratio of 95% ethanol to water was changed from approximately 1:2 to 1:30; and the raw material components of Comparative Example 4 were the same as in Example 1, except that the mass ratio of 95% ethanol to water was changed from approximately 1:2 to approximately 1:4.9.

[0061] Table 1. Examples and Comparative Formulations

[0062] Test methods and results To investigate the aerosol quality and nicotine delivery efficiency of the aerosol matrix described in this invention, a vaping machine-assisted test and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) technology were used to detect the quality of the e-liquid of this invention and Comparative Example 2, as well as the nicotine content in the aerosol. Simultaneously, a sensory evaluation team conducted professional sensory assessments to compare whether the aerosol matrix of this invention has a higher nicotine release rate and a more immersive experience compared to traditional aerosol generation matrix systems.

[0063] High-precision fumigation machine: A professional fumigation machine with precise suction control is used to perform fumigation under standard atomization conditions (refer to CORESTA Guideline No. 81—Routine Analytical Machine for E-Cigarette Aerosol Generation and Collection—Definitions and Standard Conditions). Throughout the fumigation process, the ambient temperature is controlled at 22±2℃ and the relative humidity is maintained at 60±5%, simulating a normal indoor temperature and humidity environment.

[0064] GC-FID detection: Aerosols are captured using Cambridge filters, and a high-sensitivity, high-resolution gas chromatography-flame ionization detector is used to perform high-precision analysis of the nicotine content in the captured aerosols.

[0065] Test samples: the e-liquid of the present invention (Example 1) and a conventional e-liquid (Comparative Example 2). The experiment was set up in 3 replicates.

[0066] Professional sensory evaluation team: A sensory evaluation team composed of 10 professionally trained personnel with extensive experience in e-cigarette smoking and professional evaluation capabilities will conduct sensory evaluation of nicotine in the aerosol generating matrix of this invention and traditional aerosol generating matrices.

[0067] 6.2 Experimental Results 6.2.1 Table 2 compares the aerosol mass and nicotine content of the e-liquid of the present invention (Example 1) with those of conventional e-liquids using propylene glycol and glycerol as a composite solvent (Comparative Example 2) and e-liquids exceeding the alcohol-to-water mass ratio limit of the present invention (Comparative Examples 3 and 4): Table 2. Comparison of nicotine content in the aerosol after atomization of the e-liquid of this invention and traditional e-liquid.

[0068] GC-FID analysis results (Table 2) show that after 400 puffs, the total mass content of the aerosol produced by the e-liquid of Example 1 of this invention is significantly lower than that of Comparative Examples 2, 3 and 4. However, the total nicotine content in the aerosol is higher than that of the comparative examples, with an average nicotine content per puff that is about 0.008 mg higher. This indicates that the Example 1 is better than the comparative examples in terms of nicotine delivery efficiency, and even provides more satisfaction to the smoker than the comparative examples, because the higher the nicotine delivery efficiency, the stronger the satisfaction.

[0069] The total mass of aerosols produced in Comparative Example 3 was higher than that in Example 1, but the total nicotine content in the aerosols was only about half that in Example 1. The corresponding nicotine content per bite was also much lower than that in Example 1, indicating that exceeding the alcohol-to-water mass ratio (1:1.4~1:3.6) of the present invention will lead to a significant reduction in the amount of nicotine ingested per bite.

[0070] The total mass of aerosols produced in Comparative Example 4 was between that of Comparative Example 2 and Comparative Example 3, and higher than that of Comparative Example 1. However, the nicotine content in the aerosols of Comparative Example 4 was still less than that of Comparative Example 1. The results again show that under conditions exceeding the alcohol-to-water mass ratio of the present invention (1:1.4 to 1:3.6), there is no equivalent effect.

[0071] 6.2.2 Comparison of the vaping performance of the e-liquid of the present invention (Example 1) with that of conventional e-liquids using propylene glycol and glycerol as composite solvents (Comparative Example 2) and e-liquids exceeding the alcohol-water mass ratio limit of the present invention (Comparative Examples 3 and 4) after atomization.

[0072] To more intuitively illustrate the nicotine delivery efficiency of the e-liquid of this invention, Examples 1, 1, 2, and 4 were simultaneously evaluated by a sensory evaluation panel based on nicotine sensation, primarily from four dimensions: throat hit, satisfaction, and nicotine susceptibility (scoring 1-10). The evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

[0073] Table 3. Comparison of nicotine sensation in aerosols of the examples and comparative examples

[0074] As shown in Table 3, the e-liquid of Example 1 was significantly higher than that of Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 4 in terms of nicotine throat hit, satisfaction, and addiction relief.

[0075] GC-FID analysis data and sensory evaluation showed (Tables 2-3) that, compared with e-liquids using propylene glycol as a solvent system (Comparative Example 1), traditional e-liquids using propylene glycol and glycerol as solvent systems (Comparative Example 2), and e-liquids using medium- and short-chain alcohols as solvents but exceeding the alcohol-to-water mass ratio limit of this invention (Comparative Example 4), the e-liquid of this invention has a significant nicotine throat hit, satisfaction, and addiction-relieving effect. These properties precisely reflect the characteristics of e-liquid as a nicotine delivery medium.

[0076] 6.2.3 Comparison of the visibility of the aerosol after atomization of the e-liquid of this invention and traditional e-liquid To more intuitively illustrate the low aerosol effect of the e-liquid of this invention, a conventional e-liquid with a propylene glycol and glycerol composite solvent system (Comparative Example 2) was used for comparison. Simultaneously, the aerosol visual performance of both Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 was compared, and sensory evaluators #1 to #10 observed the aerosol visual performance at different distances. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0077] Table 4. Comparison of aerosol visibility after atomization of the e-liquid of this invention and traditional e-liquid.

[0078] As shown in Table 4, compared to Comparative Example 2, Example 1 was invisible at both extremely close (0.5m) and extremely far (10m) distances from the smoker. This indicates that it has a good "smokeless" effect. This is because, compared to Example 1, the composite solvent in Comparative Example 2 was propylene glycol and glycerol. Propylene glycol and glycerol are polyols, and their specific high boiling point, strong hydrogen bonding, high viscosity, and hygroscopic properties will form a large number of stable micron-sized droplets after atomization, generating a visible aerosol. However, due to its low boiling point, weak hydrogen bonding, and volatile properties, the atomized components of Example 1 are almost entirely vapor or submicron particles, thus generating an "invisible" aerosol.

[0079] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation matrix, characterized in that, The aerosol generating matrix comprises the following raw material components: nicotine, fragrance, and a complex solvent, wherein the complex solvent comprises water and medium- and short-chain alcohols.

2. The aerosol generation matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the medium-to-short chain alcohol to water is 1.0:1.4 to 1.0:3.6; and / or, The water content shall not exceed 60% of the mass of the aerosol-generating matrix; and / or, The medium- and short-chain alcohols include at least one of ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, and isobutanol.

3. The aerosol generation matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating matrix comprises, by weight parts, the following components, and further comprises a cooling agent, a sweetener, and a colloid, wherein the aerosol generating matrix comprises: Nicotine 1-20 parts; 1-5 parts of cooling agent; Sweetener 1-5 parts; 5-20 parts flavoring; 0.1 to 2 parts of colloid; 0-5 parts of surfactant; 20-45 parts of medium- and short-chain alcohols; and, 40-60 parts water.

4. The aerosol generation matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating matrix comprises the following components in parts by weight: Nicotine 3-12 parts; 1-3 parts of cooling agent; 3-5 parts sweetener; 8-15 parts flavoring; 0.1 to 0.5 parts of colloid; 1-3 parts surfactant; 15-30 parts of medium- and short-chain alcohols; and, 45-55 parts water.

5. The aerosol generation matrix as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling agent includes at least one of synthetic cooling agents and natural cooling agents; and / or, The sweetener includes at least one of synthetic sweeteners, natural sweeteners, and sugar alcohol sweeteners; and / or, The flavoring includes at least one selected from fruit flavoring, tobacco flavoring, peppermint flavoring, beverage flavoring, and dessert flavoring; and / or, The colloid includes at least one of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives, protein colloids, and semi-synthetic colloids; and / or, The food-grade surfactants include at least one of nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and surfactants of natural origin.

6. The aerosol generation matrix as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The organic acid includes at least one selected from benzoic acid, glacial acetic acid, levulinic acid, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid; and / or, The synthetic cooling agent includes at least one of WS-3, WS-23, WS-12, WS-5, MGA, and menthyl lactate; and / or, The natural cooling agent includes at least one selected from peppermint oil, menthol oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, camphor, borneol, L-menthol, and L-menthone; and / or, The synthetic sweetener includes at least one of sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sodium saccharin, cyclamate, and advandy; and / or, The natural sweetener includes at least one selected from steviol glycosides, mogrosides, glycyrrhizic acid ammonium, sematrandole, monellin, and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone; and / or, The sugar alcohol sweeteners include at least one of maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, and isomaltitol; and / or, The fruit flavoring includes at least one of citrus flavoring and berry flavoring; and / or, The tobacco leaf varieties in the tobacco flavoring include at least one of Virginia tobacco, Zimbabwean tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, aromatic tobacco, and sun-cured tobacco; and / or, The peppermint flavoring includes at least one of peppermint and spearmint; and / or, The natural polysaccharides and their derivatives include at least one of xanthan gum, gellan gum, carrageenan, agar, sodium alginate, pectin, locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, gum arabic, and konjac glucomannan; and / or, The protein-based colloid includes at least one of gelatin, whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and sodium caseinate; and / or, The semi-synthetic colloid includes at least one of cellulose ethers and modified starch; and / or, The nonionic surfactant comprises at least one selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyglycerol fatty acid ester, nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, sucrose fatty acid ester, and polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester; and / or, The zwitterionic surfactant includes at least one of lecithin and betaine; and / or, The naturally derived surfactants include at least one of soap bark extract and glycyrrhizic acid.

7. A method for preparing an aerosol-generating matrix as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S10. Provide nicotine, cooling agent, sweetener, flavoring, colloid and complex solvent, wherein the complex solvent is water and medium- or short-chain alcohol; S20. The nicotine, the cooling agent, the sweetener, the flavoring and the colloid are added sequentially to a mixing container and stirred at 25~30℃ for 20~30 min at a stirring rate of 200~300 r / min to obtain the first mixture. S30. The composite solvent is mixed with the first mixture and stirred at 300-500 r / min at 25-30°C for 30-60 min to obtain the second mixture. S40. The second mixture is subjected to micro-jet homogenization treatment to obtain the third mixture; S50. The third mixture is purified by standing at 25-30°C for 12-24 hours to remove impurities and obtain an aerosol generation matrix.

8. An electronic atomizer, characterized in that, Includes the aerosol generating matrix as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The application of the aerosol generation matrix as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It is used in heated electronic cigarette devices and ultrasonic electronic cigarette atomizing devices with atomization function.

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