Vaporizable material for use in aerosol generating devices

Abstract

A vaporizable material for use in an aerosol generating device (12), the vaporizable material comprising pro-flavor molecules comprising flavor compounds bound to a support substrate selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, glycerides, fatty acids, amino acids, and mixtures thereof, the flavor compounds being releasable from the support substrate during use of the vaporizable material in the aerosol generating device (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vaporizable material for use in an aerosol generating device. The present invention also relates to a consumable comprising a vaporizable material according to the present invention. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating device, in particular a non-combustion heated aerosol generating device, with a storage compartment adapted to operate with a consumable according to the present invention or adapted to receive a vaporizable material according to the present invention.

[0002] The vaporizable material according to the present invention comprises a pro-flavor compound comprising a flavor compound covalently bonded to a retaining substrate, the flavor compound being releasable from the retaining substrate during use of the vaporizable material with an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0003] The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers or aerosol generating devices) has grown rapidly in recent years as aids to assist regular smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm a vaporizable material, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0004] Different types of aerosol generating devices are already known in the art. In general, such devices include a storage section for storing vaporizable material, which may include, for example, a liquid or a solid. A heating system is formed from one or more electrically actuated resistive heating elements arranged to heat said vaporizable material to generate an aerosol. The aerosol is released into a flow path extending between an inlet and an outlet of the device. The outlet may be arranged as a mouthpiece through which the user inhales to deliver the aerosol.

[0005] In some aerosol generating devices, the vaporizable material is stored in a removable cartridge, refill, stick, or pod, also called a consumable, so that when the vaporizable material is consumed, the cartridge or consumable can be easily removed and replaced.

[0006] Some aerosol generating devices are capable of enhancing or modifying the flavor of the vapor delivered to a user and generated from a vaporizable material. For example, a flavoring substance added to a vaporizable material can impart a flavor not originally present in the vaporizable material or enhance at least one of the components of the vaporizable material.

[0007] However, flavor substances are usually volatile compounds and have a very limited life span.In particular, the life span of flavor substances is short compared to the consumption period of vaporizing material or cartridge.As a result, the flavor quality and flavor intensity of vaporizing material will decay over time, especially during the consumption of the same dose or cartridge.Therefore, the change in taste intensity and quality over time is not satisfactory for consumers who are looking for a consistent and constant flavor delivery throughout vaping. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One of the objectives of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.In particular, the objective of the present invention is to provide a vaporizable material with improved long-lasting flavor effect.One of the objectives of the present invention is also to provide a vaporizable material with consistent and constant flavor quality and intensity during the same vaping session and even during different consecutive vaping sessions.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a vaporizable material for use in an aerosol generating device comprising a pro-flavor molecule consisting of a flavor compound bound to a carrier substrate selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, esters, fatty acids, amino acids and mixtures thereof, wherein the flavor compound is releasable from the carrier substrate during use of the vaporizable material in the aerosol generating device.

[0010] In particular, the present invention relates to a vaporizable material for use in an aerosol generating device comprising a pro-flavor molecule comprising a flavor compound bound to a carrier substrate selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, esters, fatty acids, amino acids and mixtures thereof, wherein the flavor compound is releasable from the carrier substrate upon contact with saliva during use of the vaporizable material in the aerosol generating device.

[0011] Thanks to these characteristics, the flavor compounds present in the vaporizable material in the form of proflavor molecules are stable at ambient temperature. The proflavor molecules according to the invention have improved stability at ambient temperature compared to flavor compounds not bound to a supporting substrate. In particular, the supporting substrate, which is less volatile than the flavor compounds, stabilizes the vaporizable material, so that the proflavor molecules are stable at ambient temperature at least during the consumption period of the vaporizable material. Thus, the flavor compounds supported on the substrate have a longer lifespan and a longer-lasting flavor effect is observed. Furthermore, these characteristics allow a controlled release of the flavor compounds by controlling the conditions to which the vaporizable material is subjected. Furthermore, the flavor compounds can provide complexity or nuance to the flavors perceived by the consumer, thus improving the consumer experience accordingly.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the support substrate is selected from carbohydrates, preferably sugars, more preferably monosaccharides, advantageously glucose.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the flavor compound and the carrying substrate are linked via a glycosidic bond to form a glycosidic structure, preferably a glucosidic structure.

[0014] These characteristics result in the release of the retaining substrate leading to the perception of secondary sensory perception by the user: in addition to flavor compounds, the hydrocarbon retaining substrate imparts the perception of sweetness to the user.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the flavor compounds are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, carboxylic acids, terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, sulfites, pyrazines, esters, and mixtures thereof.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the flavor compounds are releasable from the retaining substrate upon heating.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the flavour compound is releasable from the retention substrate upon contact with saliva, preferably upon reaction with at least one component present in saliva, in particular at least one endogenous enzyme present in saliva.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one endogenous enzyme is selected from the group consisting of esterases, amylases, lipases, proteases, lipid oxidizing enzymes, carbonic anhydrases, lysozymes and mixtures thereof.

[0019] Thanks to these features, the release of the flavor compounds occurs immediately before the inhalation of the aerosol by the user, or simultaneously with the inhalation of the aerosol by the user, or even when it reaches the oral cavity of the user. In particular, the release of the flavor compounds is initiated by the formation of the aerosol or the inhalation of the aerosol by the user. In this way, it is possible to preserve the flavor effect of the vaporizable material.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the proflavor molecules or released flavor compounds are carried by the aerosol generated during use of the vaporizable material in an aerosol generating device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the pro-flavor molecules are incorporated into a carrier matrix, especially selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerin and water.

[0022] These characteristics make the vaporizable material particularly suitable for use in aerosol generating devices that operate with liquid aerosol generating substances.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment, the pro-flavor molecules are impregnated into a solid substrate, preferably a tobacco substrate.

[0024] This characteristic makes the vaporizable material particularly suitable for use in non-combustion heated aerosol generating devices.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the flavor compound comprises a flavor present in the tobacco and / or is a congruent pairing element with at least one flavor present in the tobacco and / or is a contrasting pairing element with at least one flavor present in the tobacco.

[0026] These characteristics make it possible to create different flavor pairings with the flavors naturally present in tobacco, in particular by selecting flavor compounds that can provide different sensory perceptions to the user.

[0027] The present invention also relates to consumable products comprising a vaporizable material as defined above and described in more detail below.

[0028] By virtue of these features, the vaporizable material is stored in a removable cartridge, so that when the vaporizable material is consumed, the cartridge or consumable can be easily removed and replaced by the user.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the consumable further comprises tobacco, and the vaporizable material is blended with the tobacco.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the consumable further comprises tobacco, and the vaporizable material and the tobacco are disposed in two different portions of the consumable.

[0031] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating device configured to operate with a consumable as defined above and described in more detail below, or having a storage compartment configured to store a vaporizable material as defined above and described in more detail below.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a non-combustion heated device.

[0033] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first mode of release of flavor compounds from proflavor molecules contained in a vaporizable material according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a consumable product according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a vaporizable material according to the present invention is blended with tobacco. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable product according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which vaporizable material and tobacco according to the present invention are arranged in two different parts of the consumable product; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a non-combustion heating type aerosol generating device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Before the present invention is described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description, as it will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0036] As used herein, the term "proflavor molecule" refers to a molecule consisting of a flavor compound covalently bonded to a carrier substrate, the covalent bond present between the flavor compound and the carrier substance being cleavable under an external stimulus, such as, for example, a change in pH, heating, light, or under a chemical reaction. Proflavor molecules are different from the flavor compounds contained in the proflavor molecule. In particular, unlike flavor compounds, proflavor molecules do not have flavor properties. Furthermore, proflavor molecules are less volatile than flavor compounds due to the presence of a carrier substrate. The flavor properties of the flavor compounds can only be restored by breaking the covalent bond between the flavor compound and the carrier substrate. In the context of the present invention, the proflavor molecule acts as a precursor of the flavor compound contained in the proflavor molecule, and the release of the flavor compound occurs when the vaporizable material is used in an aerosol generating device.

[0037] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" may include a vaping device that delivers an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, using a heater element, which will be described in more detail below. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device that is used when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol), for example, by activating a heater element for a variable amount of time, which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the intensity of the inhalation as well as the duration of the inhalation, and may allow for the provision of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of a conventional combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe). The device may include a temperature regulation control for driving the temperature of the heater and / or the heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature and then maintaining the temperature at the target temperature that allows for efficient generation of aerosol.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of an aerosol-forming substrate as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas. The suspension may be in a gaseous state, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "vaporizable material", or "precursor", or "aerosol-forming substance", or "substance" are used to designate any material that is vaporizable in air to form an aerosol. Vaporization is generally obtained by increasing the temperature of the vaporizable material to the boiling point, such as a temperature below 400°C, preferably up to 350°C. The vaporizable material may include or consist of aerosol-generating solids, such as aerosol-generating liquids, gels, waxes, foams, etc., which may be in the form of rods, including processed tobacco materials, compressed sheets or oriented strips of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination thereof. The vaporizable material may include one or more of the following active ingredients: alkaloids, such as nicotine, caffeine, or other active ingredients. The active ingredients may be carried by an aerosol-forming agent, which may be a liquid. Aerosol forming agents may include polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate, and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming agent includes propylene glycol and / or glycerin. Flavors may be present. Flavors may include ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), or the like.

[0040] Vaporizable Materials The present invention relates primarily to a vaporizable material that includes proflavor molecules that consist of flavor compounds bound to a support substrate.

[0041] As used herein, the term "bound" is used to indicate that the flavor compound is chemically or physically bound to the carrying substrate. The flavor compound and the carrying substrate can be bound, for example, by covalent bonds, ionic bonds, or electrostatic bonds such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds, and dipole-dipole interactions.

[0042] Preferably, the flavour compound is covalently attached to the carrying substrate.

[0043] Advantageously, the carrier substrate is non-volatile at ambient temperature.

[0044] "Non-volatile" refers to a compound having an initial boiling point greater than 250°C measured at standard atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa.

[0045] The carrying substrate is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, esters, fatty acids, amino acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0046] Examples of carbohydrates include sugars, polysaccharides, starches and mixtures thereof.

[0047] In the context of the present invention, the term "saccharides" can refer to either monosaccharides and disaccharides, or mixtures thereof.

[0048] Preferred carbohydrates are selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides, disaccharides, trisaccharides and mixtures thereof.

[0049] Examples of esters include glycerides, such as monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, and mixtures thereof. Also included are alkylene glycol esters, such as propylene glycol esters, lipid esters, such as cholesterol esters, choline esters, glyceric acid esters, cholesterol carboxylate esters, lactate esters, and mixtures thereof.

[0050] Fatty acid refers to a carboxylic acid having a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain containing from 4 to 28 carbon atoms.

[0051] Examples of fatty acids include mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

[0052] Examples of amino acids include glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and aspartame.

[0053] Advantageously, the carrier substrate is selected from the group consisting of esters and hydrocarbons, preferably selected from the group consisting of esters, sugars, polysaccharides and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of esters, monosaccharides, disaccharides, trisaccharides and mixtures thereof.

[0054] More preferably, the carrier matrix is ​​selected from the group consisting of mono-, di-, tri-glycerides, alkylene glycol esters, lipid esters, choline esters, lactate esters, monosaccharides, disaccharides, trisaccharides and mixtures thereof.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the carrier substrate is selected from carbohydrates, more preferably sugars.

[0056] Examples of suitable monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, galactose and mixtures thereof.

[0057] Examples of suitable disaccharides include sucrose, lactose, maltose and mixtures thereof.

[0058] According to a further preferred embodiment, the support substrate is selected from monosaccharides, more preferably the support substrate is glucose.

[0059] Generally, any flavor compound commonly used in the tobacco and vaping industries can be used in the context of the present invention.

[0060] Preferably, the flavour compounds are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, carboxylic acids, terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, sulphites, pyrazines, esters and mixtures thereof.

[0061] Examples of carboxylic acids include vanillic acid (also called 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid) or ascorbic acid (also called (5R)-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one). Citric acid (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid), malic acid (2-hydroxybutanedioic acid), oxalic acid, butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, lauric acid, and lactic acid may also be mentioned.

[0062] When the flavour compounds are selected from aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, they are preferably selected from the group consisting of phenols, terpenoid alcohols and their derivatives.

[0063] Examples of phenol and its derivatives include guaiacol (also called 2-methoxyphenol) or meta-cresol (also called 3-hydroxytoluene).

[0064] When the flavour compound is selected from terpenoid alcohols, it is preferably selected from monoterpenoid alcohols.

[0065] Examples of monoterpenoid alcohols that may be mentioned are, for example, geraniol (also called (2E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol), nerol (also called (Z)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol), critronellol (also called 3,7-dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol), linalool (also called 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol) or terpineol (also called p-mentha-1-en-8-ol-2-(4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)propan-2-ol), in particular α-terpineol.

[0066] Other alcohols may also include citronellol, geraniol, famesol, phenylhexanol, borneol, polysanthol, (Z)-3-hexenol, phenethylol, dimethylbenzylcarbinol, and norisoprenoid compounds containing a hydroxyl group, such as α-ionol, β-ionol, 3-hydroxy-β-ionol, and derivatives thereof.

[0067] When the flavour compound is selected from aldehydes, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of vanillin, benzaldehyde and mixtures thereof.

[0068] When the flavour compound is selected from ketones, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of carvone, menthone, 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone and mixtures thereof.

[0069] When the flavour compound is selected from sulphurous compounds, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of 3-mercaptohexanol, 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH), 4-methyl-4-mercaptopentan-2-one, and mixtures thereof.

[0070] When the flavour compound is selected from pyrazines, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, acetylpyrazine and mixtures thereof.

[0071] When the flavour compound is selected from esters, it is preferably selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate and mixtures thereof.

[0072] Flavour compounds are usually selected to impart a particular sensory effect, in particular a particular flavour effect, to the user.

[0073] According to a first embodiment, the flavor compounds are selected from the flavor compounds naturally occurring in tobacco, thus making it possible to amplify the flavor intensity of at least one flavor naturally occurring in tobacco.

[0074] According to a second embodiment, the flavor compound is a pairing element that is harmonized with at least one flavor naturally present in tobacco. The selected flavor compound usually consists of at least one flavor nuance present in tobacco, making it possible to achieve a specific taste. This type of pairing is called harmonic pairing and is intended to amplify a particular tone within the original flavor profile, i.e. toasty, nutty, fruity, etc.

[0075] According to a third embodiment, the flavor compound is a contrastive pairing element with at least one flavor naturally occurring in tobacco. The selected flavor compound here is different from the flavor naturally occurring in tobacco. This type of pairing is called contrastive pairing and is intended to provide a surprising and unexpected twist to flavor perception.

[0076] The choice of the carrying substrate also influences the sensory perception of the user. Besides the expected taste / aroma perception related to the release of flavor compounds, secondary sensory effects (tastes or perceptions) can be expected depending on the choice of carrying substrate. A particular taste, e.g. sweetness, can be perceived by choosing a carrying substrate from, e.g., sugars. A mouthfeel sensation, e.g. a coating sensation, can be perceived by choosing a carrying substrate from fatty acids.

[0077] Specific combinations of carrying substrates and flavor compounds and their associated sensory perceptions are shown in Table 1 below.

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] [Table 2]

[0080] Preferably, the carrying substrate is selected from hydrocarbons and is linked to the flavour compound via a glycosidic bond.

[0081] "Glycosidic bond" refers to the bond formed between a hemiacetal or hemiketal group of a hydrocarbon and a hydroxyl group of a flavor compound. Thus, the term "glycosidic bond" refers to an O-glycosidic bond that binds a flavor compound to an oxygen atom of a supporting hydrocarbon substrate.

[0082] Thus, the proflavour molecule consisting of the flavour compound and the carbohydrate substrate forms a glycoside structure.

[0083] More preferably, the carrying substrate is glucose and is linked to the flavor compound via a glycosidic bond, thus forming a glucoside structure of the proflavour molecule.

[0084] Preferably, the vaporizable material according to the present invention comprises from 0.001% to 30% by weight of pro-flavor molecules, more preferably from 0.01% to 20% by weight, and even more preferably from 0.5% to 15% by weight.

[0085] The vaporizable material according to the present invention is adapted for use in an aerosol generating device, in particular, when used in conjunction with an aerosol generating device, pro-flavor molecules present in the vaporizable material decompose to release flavor compounds.

[0086] The release of the flavour compounds is usually achieved by breaking the bonds that exist between the flavour compounds and the supporting substrate.

[0087] The bond can be cleaved under an external stimulus, such as, for example, a change in pH, temperature, light, moisture, or a chemical or enzymatic reaction.

[0088] Release of the flavor compounds can be initiated, for example, by heating the vaporizable material of the present invention.

[0089] In particular, in addition to heating the vaporizable material, pro-flavor molecules present in the vaporizable material decompose within the aerosol generating device, and the released flavor substances are carried by the generated aerosol prior to being inhaled by the user.

[0090] Preferably, the proflavor molecules decompose at temperatures below 400°C, preferably up to 350°C.

[0091] Alternatively, the flavour compounds can be released from the retention substrate upon contact with saliva.

[0092] According to this second mode of release, the pro-flavor molecules are carried by the aerosol inhaled by the user and upon contact with saliva, the flavor compounds are released from the pro-flavor molecules, in other words, upon contact with the user's lips and / or the inside of the user's mouth.

[0093] Preferably, the pro-flavour molecule is releasable from the carrying substrate upon reaction with a component present in saliva, particularly at least one endogenous enzyme present in saliva.

[0094] More preferably, the pro-flavor molecules are releasable from the support substrate upon reaction with at least one endogenous enzyme selected from the group consisting of amylases, lipases, proteases, and mixtures thereof.

[0095] Endogenous enzymes present in saliva that may initiate the release of proflavor molecules include amylase, invertase, maltase, carbonic anhydrase, urease oxidase, catalase, proteolytic enzymes, lipase, phosphatase, lysozyme, hyaluronidase, and mixtures thereof.

[0096] According to a preferred embodiment, the pro-flavor molecules are releasable from the support matrix upon reaction with at least one endogenous enzyme selected from the group consisting of esterases, amylases, in particular α-amylases, lipases, proteases, lipid oxidizing enzymes, carbonic anhydrases, lysozymes and mixtures thereof.

[0097] Preferably, the at least one endogenous enzyme is selected from the group consisting of esterase, alpha-amylase, lipase, lipid oxidizing enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, lysozyme and mixtures thereof.

[0098] More preferably, said at least one endogenous enzyme is selected from the group consisting of esterases, such as carboxylesterase, cholesterol esterase or cholinesterase, salivary alpha-amylase, lipase, carbonic anhydrase and mixtures thereof.

[0099] This second mode of delivery is represented diagrammatically in FIG. 1, in which a user 10 employs an aerosol generating device 12 according to the present invention to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0100] The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a consumable 14 according to the present invention, said consumable 14 including a vaporizable material (not shown) according to the present invention. The structure of the aerosol generating device 12 and the consumable will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0101] Vaporizable material within the consumable 14 is heated by the aerosol generator 12 to generate an aerosol 18 at the outlet 16 of the consumable 14. The aerosol 18 is then inhaled by the user 10. The aerosol 18 thus comprises pro-flavor molecules comprised of flavor compounds F covalently bonded to a support substrate S.

[0102] Upon contact with the lips and / or inside of the mouth of the user, the enzymes E present in the user's saliva react with the proflavour compound FS and cleave the covalent bonds present between the flavour compound F and the carrying substrate S. Thus, the flavour compound F and the carrying substrate S are released separately.

[0103] According to a particular embodiment, the vaporizable material according to the present invention is impregnated into a solid substrate.

[0104] By "impregnated" it should be understood that the proflavor molecules and the solid substrate are intimately blended.

[0105] The proflavor molecules according to the present invention can be impregnated, for example, into a tobacco substrate.

[0106] Alternatively, the pro-flavor molecules may be impregnated into a filter of the consumable or into a hollow tube of the consumable.

[0107] Preferably, the pro-flavor molecules are impregnated into a tobacco substrate to form a mixed tobacco / flavor vaporizable material.

[0108] More preferably, the mixed tobacco / pro-flavor vaporizable material comprises, or consists of, a rod comprising processed tobacco material, a compressed sheet or oriented strip or piece of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination thereof, impregnated with at least one pro-flavor molecule as defined above.

[0109] Such solid mixed tobacco / pro-flavor vaporizable materials are typically adapted for use in non-combustion heated aerosol generating devices.

[0110] Alternatively, the pro-flavor molecules according to the present invention can be incorporated into a carrier matrix, typically a liquid carrier matrix, in which case the liquid carrier matrix is ​​preferably selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerin and water.

[0111] Methods for identifying proflavor molecules releasable upon contact with saliva Proflavor molecules that are releasable in addition to contact with saliva can usually be easily identified by sensory testing methods. For example, two consumables are prepared from the same tobacco mixture. The proflavor molecule to be tested is added to only one of the two consumables (the sample article), while the other consumable incorporates pure tobacco (the reference article). Since the proflavor molecule has a characteristic flavor that does not develop under the effect of heating, it is clear that the flavor is not released by heating but in addition to the action of enzymes in saliva.

[0112] An example of a sensory test is shown below.

[0113] Sensory test 1 The flavour detection of the present invention follows a two-step approach.

[0114] Phase 1. Training and habituation Training (several months prior to evaluation) A group of test-naïve adult vapers, characterized by their ability to express themselves and their acuity in detecting flavor-related attributes, were recruited, trained, and routinely tested for their ability to perform sensory evaluations with high reproducibility.

[0115] Breaking in In the familiarization session, a group of 12-15 panel members are presented with a selection of samples covering all flavor orientations that will later be presented in the blind evaluation (phase 2). During this session, a moderator guides the discussion and encourages description of the vaping products tested among the panel members. By the end of this session, there must be a consensus on which attributes were perceived from the set of samples and what the definition of each attribute is.

[0116] Phase 2 Product evaluation for flavor detection / recognition or optimization. This stage consists of a sensory discrimination test following a standard procedure (ISO 13301:2018): Sensory analysis - Methodology - General guidance for measuring detection thresholds of odor, flavor and taste by three alternative forced choice (3-AFC) procedure. The procedure involves the testing of reference samples of known and controlled composition. Such reference samples have known characteristic flavor attributes. In order to assess a specific flavor note, each reference sample must encompass a single specific attribute, i.e., citrus taste, floral taste, woody taste. In addition to this, the reference samples should be formulated with a minimum concentration threshold detection in mind. In other words, the reference samples must have a flavor concentration that is clearly perceptible by a trained vaper. The assessor is asked to vape each product and indicate which products contain the flavor note under investigation.

[0117] This procedure can be used in two different ways.

[0118] Cognitive testing In the typical setup of this test, the assessors (panel members) are presented with three samples. One of the samples is the reference sample, whose perceptible taste / odor is checked and remains the positive control. In place of the reference sample, a series of other samples containing a specific pro-flavor (PF) molecule are presented in random order. Each sample is identified by a three-digit code, and the code is not repeated in any sample evaluated by the same assessor. The assessors are asked to indicate which sample exhibits the specific flavor note under investigation and to pick it out. The percentage of flavor detection or recognition can be determined by simply calculating the number of assessors who identified the sample containing the PF molecule in the formulation.

[0119] Optimization Testing The test can also be organized to adjust the concentration of PF present in the formulation. Different formulations with low to high PF concentrations are presented to the evaluator until he is able to detect the flavor under investigation. Presenting the samples in this way (low to high concentration) is important to avoid evaluator boredom with certain flavor notes and to identify the minimum concentration for detection (detection threshold). The concentration at which the flavor begins to be recognized is defined as the threshold concentration for flavor detection, which can vary depending on the PF molecule.

[0120] Sensory Test 2-CATA Survey CATA (check-all-that-apply) studies are becoming increasingly common in sensory product characterization. Its principle is that each assessor receives a questionnaire containing attributes or descriptors that he or she feels apply or not to one or more products (which could be, for example, a specific flavor, such as citrus, woody, etc.). If it does, the assessor simply marks the attribute, otherwise he or she does not have to do anything. Other questions on different scales may be added to relate attributes to preference and liking scores. Further analysis and preference modeling would be possible if participants were asked to give an overall rating to each product in the study. Ares et al. (2014) recommend that the order of CATA questions be randomized for each assessor to improve reproducibility.

[0121] Sensory Test 3 - Image Sorting Exercise Either naive consumers or trained panels are blind presented with a series of samples coded with a three-digit code. Some of these samples contain the pro-flavor molecule in question, imparting a particular flavor. In addition to questions that can be asked (e.g., rate how much you like the flavor from 1 to 9, where 1 is "really dislike" and 9 is "really like"), the following questions can be included: "Please choose the two photos that best represent the taste of the stick you just vaped." Programmer: Presents a set of images according to the recognized flavor.

[0122] A series of images are then displayed on a tablet or may be presented on paper. After taking a few puffs, the assessor selects the picture that he or she thinks matches the stick. Once flavors are recognized, the number of assessors selecting a given image that depicts a particular taste (i.e., citrus) is very high.

[0123] consumables A consumable 14 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0124] According to this embodiment, the consumable 14 is composed of a substrate portion 20 and a filter portion 22 arranged along a longitudinal axis X. Both portions 20, 22 can be packaged with their own packaging material that attaches them together. In another example, the portions 20, 22 can be packaged with different packaging materials and fixed one to the other by any other suitable means. The or each packaging material may, for example, comprise paper and / or nonwoven fabric and / or aluminum. The or each packaging material may be porous or air-impermeable. In this way, the or each packaging material forms a hollow tube 24 that encases the portions 20, 22. The consumable 14 can have a generally tubular shape, for example defining a circular cross-section. According to another example, the consumable 14 defines a rectangular cross-section.

[0125] The substrate portion 20 contains a vaporizable material that is intended to be heated by the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device 12 .

[0126] In addition, according to some examples, the substrate portion 20 may include one or several susceptors embedded in the vaporizable material. The susceptor may be made of a conductive material capable of generating eddy currents when placed in a magnetic field. The eddy currents cause the susceptor to generate heat suitable for heating the aerosol-forming substance to generate an aerosol. The magnetic field may be generated by a coil included in the heating system of the aerosol generating device 12. According to another example, the substrate portion 20 is heated by heat transfer from an external heater. In this case, no susceptor is required inside the substrate portion 20.

[0127] In some examples, the substrate portion 20 may further comprise a segment adjacent the filter portion 22 forming a spacer or cooling segment.

[0128] The filter portion 22 is comprised of, for example, a core that functions like a filter. The core can be, for example, a foam or packed strands or fibers. In some examples, the filter portion 22 can form a mouthpiece intended to contact the lips and / or mouth of a user during use of the device 12. In other examples, the filter portion 22 can be inserted into a separate mouthpiece intended to contact the lips and / or mouth of a user. According to other examples, the consumable 14 can include only the substrate portion 20.

[0129] Preferably, the proflavor molecules according to the present invention are impregnated into a solid substrate.

[0130] The proflavor molecules may be impregnated into a solid vaporizable material that is typically present in substrate portion 20. Thus, consumable 14 includes only vaporizable material that is solid and located in substrate portion 20.

[0131] Preferably, in this case, the vaporizable material consists of a mixed tobacco / flavor vaporizable material made from a tobacco base material impregnated with pro-flavor molecules as defined above.

[0132] Alternatively, the pro-flavor molecules according to the invention may be impregnated in the filter portion 22 or in the hollow conductor 24, in particular in the hollow tube 24. In that case, the consumable 14 comprises two different vaporizable materials, a first vaporizable material located in the substrate portion 20 and a second vaporizable material consisting of a vaporizable material according to the invention. In that case, the vaporizable material according to the invention forms part of the filter portion 22 or the hollow conductor 24.

[0133] According to a variant, the vaporizable material according to the invention is liquid and preferably consists of the above-defined pro-flavor molecules incorporated in a liquid carrier matrix. In this case, the vaporizable material located in the substrate portion 20 consists of a vaporizable material according to the invention. A consumable 14 containing such a vaporizable material may typically consist of a cartridge provided with a storage portion for storing the vaporizable material.

[0134] A consumable 114 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. As before, the consumable 114 comprises a substrate portion 120 and a filter portion 122 arranged along a longitudinal axis X. A hollow conductor 124 encases the portions 120, 122. The filter portion 122 is similar to the filter portion 22 described above.

[0135] Unlike the consumable 14 of the first embodiment, the vaporizable material of the second embodiment is disposed in a separate flavor portion 126 rather than in the substrate portion 120 or the filter portion 122 or the hollow conductor 124.

[0136] Preferably, the flavor portion 126 is disposed between the substrate portion 120 and the filter portion 122 .

[0137] Substrate portion 120 typically includes a primary vaporizable material that is different from the vaporizable materials of the present invention. Preferably, unlike the vaporizable materials of the present invention, the primary vaporizable material does not include pro-flavor compounds.

[0138] Preferably, the primary vaporizable material is a solid.

[0139] More preferably, the primary evaporative material comprises a tobacco substrate.

[0140] Even more preferably, the primary vaporizable material comprises or consists of a rod comprising processed tobacco material, a compressed sheet or oriented strips or randomly oriented pieces of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination thereof.

[0141] The vaporizable material according to the present invention located in flavor portion 126 may generally be liquid or solid. For example, the vaporizable material according to the present invention may comprise proflavor molecules incorporated into a liquid carrier matrix. Alternatively, the vaporizable material according to the present invention may comprise a solid substrate impregnated with proflavor molecules.

[0142] According to this second embodiment, the aerosol is first generated from the main vaporizable material present in the substrate portion 120. Once generated, the aerosol is transported within the consumable 114 along the axis X, from the substrate portion 120 towards the filter portion 122. Upon reaching the flavor portion 126, the aerosol is enriched with pro-flavor compounds present in the vaporizable material of the invention or flavor compounds resulting from decomposition of the pro-flavor compounds, before reaching the outlet 116 of the consumable 114.

[0143] Aerosol Generator An example of an aerosol generating device 12 configured to operate with a consumable according to the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0144] The aerosol generating device 12 is configured to operate equally well with a consumable 14 according to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, or with a consumable 114 according to a second embodiment shown in FIG.

[0145] Preferably, the aerosol generating device 12 is a non-combustion heated device.

[0146] In the example of Fig. 4, the aerosol generating device 12 comprises a housing 30 defining an insertion opening 31 suitable for the insertion of a consumable 14, 114. The housing 30 defines an interior space of the device 12 that receives various elements designed to perform different functions of the device 12. This interior space may receive, for example, a battery 33 for powering the device 12, a control module 34 for controlling the operation of the device 12, and a heating chamber 35 configured to receive and heat at least a portion of the consumable 14, 114.

[0147] The heating chamber 35 extends along a chamber axis Y between a closed end 40 and an open end 41 and has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the consumable 14. The open end 41 opens into the insertion port 31 of the housing 30. As shown in FIG. 4 , the heating chamber 35 is adapted to receive the substrate portion 20, 120 of the consumable 14, 114 through the open end 41 such that the substrate portion 20, 120 of the consumable 14, 114 extends into the heating chamber along the chamber axis Y. Additionally, as discussed above, the heating chamber 35 is adapted to heat at least a portion of the substrate portion 20, 120.

[0148] For this purpose, the heating chamber 35 comprises a heating element 44 formed by a heating blade. Such a heating blade is configured to penetrate into the interior of the substrate portion 20, 120 of the consumable 14, 114 during the insertion of the consumable 14, 114. The operation of the heating element 44 can be controlled by the control module 34 using a control method known per se. According to another example, the heating element 44 can be formed by a coil arranged around the heating chamber 35, creating a magnetic field inside the chamber 35 controlled by the control module 34. In this case, the substrate portion 20, 120 of the consumable 14, 114 comprises one or several susceptors as described above. According to yet another example, the heating chamber 35 can comprise one or several heating elements 44 formed by heating resistors integrated into at least one wall of the heating chamber 35, or it is a thin-film heater affixed to the heating chamber and designed to heat the substrate portion 20, 120. The heating chamber can also be equipped with an elongated compression element for increasing the contact pressure with the consumable. An example of such a heating chamber is described in WO 2020 / 074602. As in the previous example, the operation of these heating elements 44 is controlled by the control module 34.

[0149] According to another example, the aerosol generating device 12 can be adapted to operate with any other type of consumables, in particular consumables including the vaporizable material according to the invention in liquid form. According to yet another example, the aerosol generating device 12 according to the invention can comprise a storage compartment configured to store the vaporizable material as discussed above in liquid or solid form.

[0150] The present invention is illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting. EXAMPLES

[0151] Unless otherwise specified, percentages are expressed by weight relative to the total weight of the tobacco composition.

[0152] 1) Preparation of Cartridges Consumables suitable for use in the aerosol generating device were prepared.

[0153] Each cartridge comprises a substrate portion containing a tobacco composition and a filter portion, the substrate portion and the filter portion being wrapped in a unique paper wrapping material.

[0154] The tobacco mix is ​​prepared by mixing reconstituted tobacco and tobacco leaves (lamina). Various tobacco mixes have been used and are detailed in Table 2 below.

[0155] [Table 3]

[0156] The tobacco blend is then dried and a top layer flavor (TDR) is added by spraying, typically at a content in the range of 1.0% to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the tobacco.

[0157] Pro-flavor molecules are then added to the tobacco mixture in the range of 0.001% to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the tobacco.

[0158] Flavor microchips (FMCs) can be added to the mixture, if desired, prior to incorporation into the cartridge. The content of FMCs, if present, typically ranges from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight based on the total weight of the tobacco.

[0159] The composition of each cartridge is detailed in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0160] 2) An example of a cartridge containing fresh-smelling (usually citrus) tobacco. Table 3 shows examples of cartridges incorporating tobacco with a fresh flavor, typically citrus.

[0161] [Table 4]

[0162] 3) Example of a cartridge containing floral and sweet-smelling tobacco Table 4 shows examples of cartridges incorporating tobacco with floral and sweet flavors.

[0163] [Table 5]

Claims

1. A vaporizable material for use in an aerosol generator (12), wherein the vaporizable material includes a proflavor molecule consisting of a flavor compound bonded to a holding substrate which is glucose. The flavor compound is a vaporizable material that, in addition to contact with saliva, can be released from the holding substrate while the vaporizable material is in use in the aerosol generator (12).

2. The vaporizable material according to claim 1, wherein the flavor compound and the retaining substrate are bonded via glycosidic bonds to form a glucoside structure.

3. The vaporizing material according to claim 1, wherein the flavor compound is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, carboxylic acids, terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, sulfite compounds, pyrazines, esters, and mixtures thereof.

4. The vaporizable material according to claim 1, wherein the flavor compound is releaseable in addition to reacting with at least components present in saliva.

5. The vaporizable material according to claim 4, wherein the flavor compound is releaseable in addition to reacting with at least one endogenous enzyme present in saliva.

6. The vaporized material according to claim 1, wherein the proflavor molecules or the released flavor compounds are carried by aerosols generated while the vaporized material is used in the aerosol generator (12).

7. The volatile material according to claim 1, wherein the proflavor molecule is incorporated into a carrier matrix selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerin, and water.

8. The volatile material according to claim 1, wherein the proflavor molecules are impregnated into a solid substrate.

9. The vaporizable material according to claim 1, wherein the flavor compound consists of flavors present in tobacco and / or is a pairing element that harmonizes with at least one flavor present in tobacco and / or is a pairing element that contrasts with at least one flavor present in tobacco.

10. A consumable product (14, 114) comprising the vaporizing material according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The consumable according to claim 10, further comprising tobacco, wherein the vaporizing material is blended with the tobacco.

12. The consumable (114) according to claim 10, further comprising tobacco, wherein the vaporizing material and the tobacco are arranged in two different parts (120, 126) of the consumable (114).

13. Aerosol generator (12) comprising a storage compartment configured to operate with the consumables (14, 114) described in claim 10, or configured to store the vaporizable material described in claim 1.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus (12) according to claim 13, which is a non-combustion heating type apparatus.

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