Mouthpiece for aerosol generating systems

Abstract

1. A mouthpiece (23) for an aerosol generation system (10), comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent. 2. A cartridge (20) for an aerosol generation system (10), comprising: a mouthpiece (23), a storage compartment (24) containing a liquid aerosol-generating substrate (26), and a fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element (28) in communication with the storage compartment (24), the fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element (28) configured to vaporize the liquid aerosol-generating substrate (26) to generate an aerosol. 3. An aerosol generation system (10), comprising: the cartridge (20) and a device portion (40) including a power source and control electronics.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system, a cartridge including a mouthpiece, and an aerosol generating system including a mouthpiece. Specifically, the present invention relates to a mouthpiece including an antimicrobial polymeric material. [Background technology]

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

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

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

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

[0006] A cartridge comprising a supply of liquid aerosol-generating substrate and an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-generating substrate is sometimes referred to as a "cartomizer." The reservoir compartment of the cartridge may include a retaining material for retaining the liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The cartridge also typically comprises a mouthpiece against which a user draws during use to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0007] Bacteria and viruses may be transferred from a user's hands to the mouthpiece during handling of the handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system. Bacteria and viruses may also be transferred to the mouthpiece through contact with other surfaces during transportation and storage of the handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system. Bacterial and viral contamination of the mouthpiece can unfortunately result in the transfer of bacteria and viruses to the user's mouth when the contaminated mouthpiece is placed in the user's mouth during use of the handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] Providing a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent may advantageously prevent or reduce bacterial contamination of the mouthpiece during handling, transport, and storage of an aerosol generation system comprising the mouthpiece, which may advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral bacterial transmission to a user during use of an aerosol generation system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0018] Providing a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent may advantageously prevent or reduce viral contamination of the mouthpiece during handling, transport, and storage of an aerosol generation system comprising the mouthpiece, which may advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral viral transmission to a user during use of an aerosol generation system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0019] Providing a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial agent and a silver antimicrobial agent may advantageously prevent or reduce bacterial and viral contamination of the mouthpiece during handling, transport, and storage of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece, which may advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral bacterial and viral infection of a user during use of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0020] Providing a mouthpiece with inherent antibacterial properties may advantageously reduce or prevent the risk of potential oral infection of a user with one or both bacteria and viruses during use of an aerosol generating system comprising the mouthpiece, without requiring additional cleaning or other steps by the user.

[0021] Providing a mouthpiece with inherent antibacterial properties may advantageously reduce or prevent the risk of potential oral infection of a user with one or both bacteria and viruses during use of an aerosol generation system comprising the mouthpiece, without requiring the user to incorporate any additional components.

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

[0023] As used herein, the term "antimicrobial agent" is used to describe an agent that has antimicrobial activity.

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

[0025] As used herein, the term "zinc antimicrobial agent" is used to describe zinc compounds that have antimicrobial activity.

[0026] As used herein, the term "silver antimicrobial agent" is used to describe silver compounds that have antimicrobial activity.

[0027] As used herein, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include not only vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature, but also solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0028] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate that includes an aerosol-generating material that has the ability to release, upon heating, a volatile compound capable of generating an aerosol.

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

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

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

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

[0033] The antimicrobial polymeric material may include multiple thermoplastic polymers.

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

[0035] More preferably, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTG).

[0036] The antimicrobial polymeric material may include any suitable amount of a thermoplastic polymer.

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

[0038] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 99.9 weight percent or less, 99 weight percent or less, 99 weight percent or less, 98.5 weight percent or less, or 98 weight percent or less.

[0039] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 88 weight percent to 99.9 weight percent, 88 weight percent to 99.5 weight percent, 88 weight percent to 99 weight percent, 88 weight percent to 98.5 weight percent, or 88 weight percent to 98 weight percent.

[0040] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 90 weight percent to 99.9 weight percent, 90 weight percent to 99.5 weight percent, 90 weight percent to 99 weight percent, 90 weight percent to 98.5 weight percent, or 90 weight percent to 98 weight percent.

[0041] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 92 weight percent to 99.9 weight percent, 92 weight percent to 99.5 weight percent, 92 weight percent to 99 weight percent, 92 weight percent to 98.5 weight percent, or 92 weight percent to 98 weight percent.

[0042] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 94 weight percent to 99.9 weight percent, 94 weight percent to 99.5 weight percent, 94 weight percent to 99 weight percent, 94 weight percent to 98.5 weight percent, or 94 weight percent to 98 weight percent.

[0043] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 96 weight percent to 99.9 weight percent, 96 weight percent to 99.5 weight percent, 96 weight percent to 99 weight percent, 96 weight percent to 98.5 weight percent, or 96 weight percent to 98 weight percent.

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

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

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

[0047] The antimicrobial agent may be an antiviral agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a viriostatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a viricidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be both a viriostatic and a viricidal agent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] The antimicrobial activity of a mouthpiece according to the invention may be measured according to ISO 22196:2011.

[0055] The antiviral activity of a mouthpiece according to the invention may be measured according to ISO 21702:2019.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0072] Suitable zinc antimicrobial agents for inclusion within antimicrobial polymeric materials are commercially available. Examples of suitable commercially available zinc antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, SaniConcentrate™ available from Parx Materials NV and Microban® ZPTech® antimicrobial zinc technology available from Microban International, Ltd.

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

[0074] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.02 weight percent or greater, 0.025 weight percent or greater, 0.03 weight percent or greater, 0.04 weight percent or greater, or 0.05 weight percent or greater.

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

[0076] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.02 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.02 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.02 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.02 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.02 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0077] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.025 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.025 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.025 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.025 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.025 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0078] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.03 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.03 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.03 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.03 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.03 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0079] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.04 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.04 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.04 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.04 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.04 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0080] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.05 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.05 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.05 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.05 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.05 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0087] Suitable silver antimicrobial agents are commercially available for inclusion within antimicrobial polymeric materials. Examples of suitable commercially available silver antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, Microban® SilverShield® silver-based antimicrobial technology available from Microban International, Ltd.

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

[0089] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of 0.02 weight percent or greater, 0.025 weight percent or greater, 0.03 weight percent or greater, 0.04 weight percent or greater, or 0.05 weight percent or greater.

[0090] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of 1 weight percent or less, 0.75 weight percent or less, 0.5 weight percent or less, 0.1 weight percent or less, or 0.09 weight percent or less.

[0091] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of 0.02 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.02 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.02 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.02 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.02 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0092] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of 0.025 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.025 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.025 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.025 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.025 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0093] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of 0.03 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.03 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.03 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.03 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.03 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0094] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.04 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.04 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.04 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.04 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.04 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0095] The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of 0.05 weight percent to 1 weight percent, 0.05 weight percent to 0.75 weight percent, 0.05 weight percent to 0.5 weight percent, 0.05 weight percent to 0.1 weight percent, or 0.05 weight percent to 0.09 weight percent.

[0096] Antimicrobial agents may include zinc antimicrobial agents and silver antimicrobial agents

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

[0098] The antimicrobial agents may include multiple zinc antimicrobial agents and a single silver antimicrobial agent.

[0099] The antimicrobial agents may include a single zinc antimicrobial agent and multiple silver antimicrobial agents.

[0100] The antimicrobial agents may include multiple zinc antimicrobial agents and multiple silver antimicrobial agents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0116] The antimicrobial polymeric material may include 0.05 weight percent or more of silver.

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

[0118] The antimicrobial polymeric material may contain between 0.05 weight percent and 10 weight percent silver.

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

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

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

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

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

[0124] The antimicrobial agent may be added to the thermoplastic polymer prior to extrusion or injection molding. The antimicrobial agent may be added to the monomer that is polymerized to form the thermoplastic polymer prior to extrusion or injection molding. Mouthpieces according to the present invention that include antimicrobial polymeric materials may thereby advantageously be formed with minimal modification to existing manufacturing processes.

[0125] Preferably, the antimicrobial agent and the thermoplastic polymer or monomers that are polymerized to form the thermoplastic polymer are mixed prior to extrusion or injection molding, which may advantageously ensure that the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

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

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

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

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

[0130] Preferably, the additive masterbatch and the thermoplastic polymer or monomers that will be polymerized to form the thermoplastic polymer are mixed prior to extrusion or injection molding, which may advantageously ensure that the antimicrobial agent is substantially uniformly dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

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

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

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

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

[0135] The storage compartment and mouthpiece may be detachable from one another, for example, the storage compartment and mouthpiece may be molded as separate parts and then attached to one another to assemble the cartridge.

[0136] The storage compartment and mouthpiece may not be detachable from one another, for example, the storage compartment and mouthpiece may be molded in one piece.

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

[0138] The cartridge may be disposable once the storage compartment is empty or the amount of aerosol-generating substrate contained within the storage compartment falls below a minimum threshold.

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

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

[0141] The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

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

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

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

[0145] The heater may comprise a heater coil.

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

[0147] More preferably, the heater comprises a fluid permeable heating element comprising a conductive mesh.

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

[0149] The plurality of openings advantageously allows fluid to pass through the conductive mesh.

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

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

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

[0153] The conductive mesh may be substantially flat.

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

[0155] The substantially flat conductive mesh may be substantially planar.

[0156] The substantially flat conductive mesh may be curved along one or more dimensions, for example, the substantially flat conductive mesh may be curved to form an arched or domed shape.

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

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

[0159] The conductive mesh may comprise a metal, for example, the conductive mesh may comprise steel, such as stainless steel.

[0160] The conductive mesh may include a susceptor material.

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

[0162] The thermal atomizer may comprise a heater and a conveying element configured to convey the aerosol-generating substrate to the heater.

[0163] The transport element may comprise a capillary wick.

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

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

[0166] The cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention may comprise any suitable type of non-thermal atomiser.

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

[0168] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system in which the cartridge comprises an aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the invention.

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

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

[0171] Preferably, the atomizer comprises a fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element.

[0172] The atomizer may be a thermal atomizer.

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

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

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

[0176] The heater may comprise a heater coil.

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

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

[0179] The plurality of openings advantageously allows fluid to pass through the conductive mesh.

[0180] The plurality of openings may each have a dimension between 50 micrometers and 150 micrometers, between 50 micrometers and 100 micrometers, or between 50 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

[0181] The plurality of openings may each have a dimension between 60 micrometers and 150 micrometers, between 60 micrometers and 100 micrometers, or between 60 micrometers and 80 micrometers.

[0182] The conductive mesh may be substantially flat.

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

[0184] The substantially flat conductive mesh may be curved along one or more dimensions, for example, the substantially flat conductive mesh may be curved to form an arched or domed shape.

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

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

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

[0188] The conductive mesh may include a susceptor material.

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

[0190] The thermal atomizer may comprise a heater and a conveying element configured to convey the aerosol-generating substrate to the heater.

[0191] The transport element may comprise a capillary wick.

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

[0193] The aerosol generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention may comprise any suitable type of non-thermal atomizer.

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

[0195] Preferably, the aerosol generation system comprises a device portion that includes a power supply and control electronics.

[0196] More preferably, the aerosol generating system comprises a device portion comprising a battery and control electronics.

[0197] The device parts may be reusable.

[0198] The device portion may be disposable.

[0199] The power supply may be configured to provide power to the atomizer, for example, the power supply may be configured to resistively heat the atomizer.

[0200] The aerosol generation system may comprise an inductor, for example, an induction coil.

[0201] An aerosol generating system according to the third aspect of the invention may comprise a cartridge according to the second aspect of the invention and a device portion.

[0202] Preferably, the aerosol-generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises a cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention comprising: a storage compartment containing an aerosol-generating substrate; an atomizer in communication with the storage compartment, the atomizer being configured to vaporize the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the present invention; and a device portion comprising power supply and control electronics.

[0203] The cartridge and device portion may be detachable from each other. The device portion may be detachably coupled to the cartridge.

[0204] The cartridge and device portions do not have to be detachable from each other.

[0205] Both the cartridge and the device portions may be reusable. The cartridge storage compartment may be refillable when the cartridge storage compartment is empty or when the amount of aerosol-generating substrate in the storage compartment falls below a minimum threshold.

[0206] The cartridge may be disposable and the device portion may be reusable, for example, the cartridge may be detachable from the device portion and the cartridge may be disposable once the storage compartment of the cartridge is empty or the amount of aerosol-generating substrate contained in the storage compartment falls below a minimum threshold.

[0207] The cartridge and device portion may both be disposable, for example, they may be detachable from one another and they may both be disposable when the storage compartment of the cartridge is emptied or when the amount of aerosol-generating substrate contained in the storage compartment falls below a minimum threshold.

[0208] The aerosol generation system may be a one-piece aerosol generation system.

[0209] For example, the aerosol generation system may be a one-piece aerosol generation system in which the cartridge and device portions are not detachable from one another, and the reservoir compartment and mouthpiece of the cartridge are not detachable from one another.

[0210] The aerosol generation system may be a two-part aerosol generation system. For example, the aerosol generation system may be a two-part aerosol generation system in which the cartridge and device portion are not detachable from one another, but the reservoir compartment and mouthpiece of the cartridge are detachable from one another. For example, the aerosol generation system may be a two-part aerosol generation system in which the cartridge and device portion are detachable from one another, but the reservoir compartment and mouthpiece of the cartridge are not detachable from one another.

[0211] The aerosol generation system may be a three-part aerosol generation system, for example, the aerosol generation system may be a three-part aerosol generation system in which the cartridge and device portions are detachable from one another, and the reservoir compartment and mouthpiece of the cartridge are detachable from one another.

[0212] Preferably, the aerosol generating system is a handheld aerosol generating system.

[0213] More preferably, the aerosol generating system is a handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system.

[0214] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0215] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a gel aerosol-generating substrate.

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

[0217] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

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

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

[0220] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

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

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

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

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

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

[0226] The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol former may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at temperatures typically reached during use of the aerosol generating system.

[0227] Examples of suitable aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin); esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate); aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate); and combinations thereof.

[0228] The aerosol former may include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerin. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0229] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0237] Example Ex8. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the antibacterial polymeric material comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTG), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0238] Example Ex9. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex8, wherein the antibacterial polymeric material comprises glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTG).

[0239] Example Ex10. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex9, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 88 weight percent.

[0240] Example Ex11. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex10, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 90 weight percent.

[0241] Example Ex12. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex11, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 92 weight percent.

[0242] Example Ex13. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex12, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 94 weight percent.

[0243] Example Ex14. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex13, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 96 weight percent.

[0244] Example Ex15. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex14, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of 99.9 weight percent or less.

[0245] Example Ex16. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex15, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of 99.5 weight percent or less.

[0246] Example Ex17. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex16, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of 99 weight percent or less.

[0247] Example Ex18. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex17, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of 98.5 weight percent or less.

[0248] Example Ex19. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex18, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of 98 weight percent or less.

[0249] Example Ex20. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex19, wherein the antibacterial agent is a bacteriostatic agent.

[0250] Example Ex21. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex20, wherein the antibacterial agent is a bactericide.

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

[0252] Example Ex23. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the antibacterial agent is a bacteriostatic agent.

[0253] Example Ex24. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex23, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a bactericide.

[0254] Example Ex25. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, wherein the antibacterial agent is an antiviral agent.

[0255] Example Ex26. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex25, wherein the antibacterial agent is a virostatic agent.

[0256] Example Ex27. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex26, wherein the antibacterial agent is a viricide.

[0257] Example Ex28. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex27, wherein the antibacterial agent is an antifungal agent.

[0258] Example Ex29. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex28, wherein the antibacterial agent is a fungistatic agent.

[0259] Example Ex30. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex29, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a fungicide.

[0260] Example Ex31. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex30, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a single zinc antimicrobial agent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0271] Example Ex42. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex41, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.02 weight percent or greater.

[0272] Example Ex43. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex42, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.025 weight percent or greater.

[0273] Example Ex44. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex43, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.03 weight percent or greater.

[0274] Example Ex45. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex44, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.04 weight percent or greater.

[0275] Example Ex46. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex45, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.05 weight percent or greater.

[0276] Example Ex47. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex4046, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 1 weight percent or less.

[0277] Example Ex48. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex4147, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.75 weight percent or less.

[0278] Example Ex49. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex4248, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.5 weight percent or less.

[0279] Example Ex50. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex4349, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.1 weight percent or less.

[0280] Example Ex51. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4450, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.09 weight percent or less.

[0281] Example Ex52. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex51, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a single silver antimicrobial agent.

[0282] Example Ex53. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex51, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a plurality of silver antimicrobial agents.

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

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

[0285] Example Ex56. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex55, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.02 weight percent or greater.

[0286] Example Ex57. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex56, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.025 weight percent or greater.

[0287] Example Ex58. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex57, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.03 weight percent or greater.

[0288] Example Ex5359. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex58, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.04 weight percent or greater.

[0289] Example Ex60. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex59, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.05 weight percent or greater.

[0290] Example Ex61. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex60, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 1 weight percent or less.

[0291] Example Ex62. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex61, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.75 weight percent or less.

[0292] Example Ex63. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex62, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.5 weight percent or less.

[0293] Example Ex64. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex63, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.1 weight percent or less.

[0294] Example Ex65. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex64, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.09 weight percent or less.

[0295] Example Ex66. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex65, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more metals.

[0296] Example Ex67. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex66, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more transition metals.

[0297] Example Ex68. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex67, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more metals selected from cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium, and silver.

[0298] Example Ex69. The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex68, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises 0.05 weight percent or more of silver.

[0299] Example Ex70. A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex69, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises 10 weight percent or less of silver.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0307] Example Ex78. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex77.

[0308] Example Ex79. A cartridge according to example Ex78, comprising a storage compartment containing an aerosol-forming substrate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0318] Example Ex89. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any of Examples Ex78-Ex88 and a device portion comprising power supply and control electronics.

[0319] Example Ex90. The aerosol generating system according to example Ex89, wherein the aerosol generating system is a handheld aerosol generating system.

[0320] Example Ex91. The aerosol generating system according to example Ex89, wherein the aerosol generating system is a handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0321] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the aerosol generation system of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus portion of the aerosol generating system of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0322] Figure 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol generation system 10 shown in Figure 1. The aerosol generation system 10 is a handheld aerosol generation system sized to fit comfortably in a user's hand.

[0323] The aerosol generation system 10 comprises a cartridge 20 and a device portion 40 coupled together. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge separated from the device portion. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device portion separated from the cartridge.

[0324] As described further below, cartridge 20 comprises a liquid aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating element, and a mouthpiece. Device portion 40 comprises a power source and control electronics. In use, device portion 40 functions to provide power to the aerosol-generating element within cartridge 40 to vaporize the liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The vaporized aerosol-generating substrate is entrained in the airflow through aerosol generation system 10 resulting from a user puffing on the mouthpiece of cartridge 20. The vaporized aerosol-generating substrate cools in the airflow, forming an aerosol before being drawn into the user's mouth.

[0325] Cartridge 20 has a mouth end remote from device portion 40 and a device end proximate device portion 40. Mouthpiece 23 is located at the mouth end of cartridge 20. Mouthpiece 23 is formed from the composition shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0326] An additive masterbatch containing the component labeled B in Table 1 is added to the PCTG (labeled A in Table 1), and the mixture is then injection molded to form mouthpiece 23 .

[0327] The cartridge 20 comprises a housing 22. Within the housing is a storage compartment 24 containing a liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26. The cartridge housing 22 and storage compartment 24 are molded in one piece. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26 comprises 39% by weight glycerin, 39% by weight propylene glycol, 20% by weight water and flavorings, and 2% by weight nicotine. Of course, other liquid aerosol-generating substrates may be used. It should also be understood that the aerosol-generating substrate need not be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate, but could instead be a gel aerosol-generating substrate or a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0328] The storage compartment 24 is open at the device end of the cartridge 20. A cap 30 fits over the open end of the storage compartment 24. The cap 30 is formed of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). An aerosol-generating assembly 28, including a fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element, is held on the cap 30. The cap 30 has an opening formed in its front surface, and the aerosol-generating assembly 28 extends across the opening. The aerosol-generating assembly 28 includes a pair of electrical contact pads secured to the cap 30 and the fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element. The fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element is a flat, fluid-permeable mesh heating element and includes a mesh of conductive heater filaments spanning the opening and secured to electrical contact pads on opposite sides of the opening. This type of aerosol-generating assembly is described in WO 2015 / 117702 A1. The fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element is formed of stainless steel, and the electrical contact pads are formed of tin.

[0329] A liquid retention material 32 is positioned within the cap 30. The liquid retention material 32 is formed of a polypropylene PET copolymer. A capillary material 31 is positioned between the aerosol-generation assembly 28 and the liquid retention material 32. The capillary material 31 is formed of glass fiber. A protective cover 33 is fitted to the housing 22. The protective cover 33 is formed of a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The protective cover 33 holds the aerosol-generation assembly 28 and cap 30 outside the open end of the storage compartment 24. The protective cover 33 also covers the flat mesh heating element and protects it from damage.

[0330] The protective cover 33 has a front wall that covers the aerosol-generation assembly 28. As shown in FIG. 3, a contact opening 39 is formed in the front wall and is positioned to receive a spring-loaded electrical contact element 45 of the device portion 40, shown in FIG. 4. An air inlet hole 37 is also formed in the front wall. A dilution air inlet (not shown) is formed in a side wall of the protective cover 33 to provide additional air for mixing with the vapor from the aerosol-generation assembly 28. The protective cover 33 also includes an arm 35 that extends around the storage compartment 24 within the cartridge 20. A portion of the airflow path within the cartridge 20 is defined between the arm 35 and the wall of the storage compartment 24.

[0331] Protective cover 33 is held in place by a snap-fit ​​engagement with cartridge housing 22. Ribs 34 extend around protective cover 33 and engage corresponding recesses in housing 22 of cartridge 20. In this position, protective cover 33 also presses against a portion of aerosol-generating assembly 28 to hold aerosol-generating assembly 28 and cap 30 outside the open end of the storage compartment.

[0332] To assemble cartridge 20, storage compartment 24 is filled with liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26. Liquid retention material 32 is then placed into the open end of storage compartment 24, and capillary material 31 is placed on top of liquid retention material 32. Cap 30, with aerosol-generating assembly 28 already secured thereto, is then placed over the open end of storage compartment 24. Storage compartment 24 and cap 30 may include keyed features to ensure that cap 30 is placed on storage compartment 24 in the correct orientation. Protective cover 33 is then fitted onto housing 22 to hold all components of cartridge 20 in place.

[0333] Device portion 40 includes a housing 46. Power source 42 and control electronics 44 are located within housing 46. Power source 42 is a lithium-ion battery. As shown in FIG. 4, device portion 40 also includes spring-loaded electrical contact elements 45 configured to contact electrical contact pads on aerosol generation assembly 28 within cartridge 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a button 41 is provided on device portion 40 that activates a switch within the control electronics to activate device portion 40. When device portion 40 is activated, control electronics provides power from power source 42 to the fluid-permeable aerosol generation element within cartridge 20. After activation, control electronics may be configured to control the supply of power to the fluid-permeable aerosol generation element in a number of different ways known in the art. For example, the control electronics may be configured to control the power supplied to the fluid-permeable aerosol generating element based on one or more of the temperature of the fluid-permeable aerosol generating element, the detected airflow through the aerosol generating system 10, the time since activation, the determined or estimated amount of liquid aerosol generating substrate 26 in the cartridge 20, the identity of the cartridge 20, and ambient conditions.

[0334] The cartridge 20 is coupled to the device portion 40 by a press fit. The housing 22 of the cartridge 20 is shaped to allow coupling to the device portion 40 in only two orientations. This ensures that spring-loaded electrical contact elements 45 are received in contact openings 39 formed in the front wall of the protective cover and make contact with electrical contact pads on the aerosol-generation assembly 28. Ribs 48 extend around the periphery of the device portion 40 and engage corresponding recesses 25 in the housing 22 of the cartridge 20 to hold the cartridge 20 and device portion 40 together.

[0335] In operation, after cartridge 20 and device portion 40 are coupled together, the user activates device portion 40 by pressing button 41. The user then puffs on mouthpiece 23 at the oral end of cartridge 20 to draw air through aerosol generation system 10. Control electronics may provide power to aerosol generation assembly 28 based on a detected user puff, or may provide power continuously after user activation of device portion 40. The fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element is heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a liquid aerosol-generating substrate in the vicinity of the fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element. The vaporized aerosol-generating substrate passes through the fluid-permeable aerosol-generating element and into the airflow passing through the aerosol-generation system. [Example]

[0336] The mouthpiece according to the present invention comprises an antibacterial polymer material, the antibacterial polymer material comprising glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTG) and an antibacterial agent including one or both of a zinc antibacterial agent and a silver antibacterial agent, and is manufactured by the methods set forth in Examples A to G below.

[0337] Example A (1) Heat and dry the PCTG (e.g., at 88°C for 4-6 hours). (2) adding an antimicrobial agent to the PCTG to form a mixture; (3) heating the mixture (e.g., at 260-282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste; (4) injecting or extruding the paste into a mold; and (5) The temperature of the mold is lowered (for example, to 38-66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0338] Example B (1) preparing a solution containing an antibacterial agent in an organic solvent and / or an aqueous solvent; (2) Mixing the solution with PCTG and drying by heating (e.g., 88°C for 4-6 hours); (3) heating the dried mixture (e.g., at 260-282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste; (4) injecting or extruding the paste into a mold; and (5) The temperature of the mold is lowered (for example, to 38-66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0339] Example C (1) preparing a solution containing an antibacterial agent in an organic solvent and / or an aqueous solvent; (2) Mixing the solution with PCTG monomer; (3) Polymerizing the monomer to form PCTG together with the antibacterial agent; (4) Heating and drying the PCTG containing the antimicrobial agent (e.g., at 88°C for 4-6 hours); (5) heating the dried PCTG with antimicrobial agent (e.g., at 260-282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste; (6) injecting or extruding the paste into a mold; and (7) The temperature of the mold is lowered (for example, to 38-66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0340] Example D (1) preparing a solution containing an antibacterial agent in an organic solvent and / or an aqueous solvent; (2) Mixing the solution with PCTG monomer; (3) polymerizing the PCTG monomer to form PCTG together with the antimicrobial agent; (4) Heating and drying the PCTG containing the antimicrobial agent (e.g., at 88°C for 4-6 hours); (5) mixing the dried PCTG with the antimicrobial agent to form a mixture; (6) heating the mixture (e.g., at 260-282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste; (7) injecting or extruding the paste into a mold; and (8) The temperature of the mold is lowered (for example, to 38-66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0341] Example E (1) preparing a solution containing an antibacterial agent in an organic solvent and / or an aqueous solvent; (2) mixing the solution with dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) monomer; (3) polymerizing the DMT monomer to form DMT together with the antibacterial agent; (4) Heating and drying the DMT containing the antibacterial agent (e.g., at 88°C for 4-6 hours); (5) mixing the dried DMT with antimicrobial agent with PCTG to form a mixture; (6) heating the mixture (e.g., at 260-282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste; (7) injecting or extruding the paste into a mold; and (8) The temperature of the mold is lowered (for example, to 38-66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0342] Example F (1) Heat and dry the PCTG (e.g., at 88°C for 4-6 hours). (2) Mixing dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) with an antimicrobial agent and then heating and drying (e.g., at 88°C for 4-6 hours); (3) mixing the dry PCTG, the dry DMT, and the antimicrobial agent to form a mixture; (4) heating the mixture (e.g., at 260-282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste; (5) injecting or extruding the paste into a mold; and (6) The temperature of the mold is reduced (for example, to 38-66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece. Example G (1) Heat and dry the PCTG (e.g., at 88°C for 4-6 hours). (2) mixing the dried PCTG with dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and an antimicrobial agent to form a mixture; (3) heating the mixture (e.g., at 260-282 degrees Celsius) to form a paste; (4) injecting or extruding the paste into a mold; and (5) The temperature of the mold is lowered (for example, to 38-66 degrees Celsius) to form the mouthpiece.

[0343] Although glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTG) is used in Examples A-G above, it will be appreciated that mouthpieces according to the present invention may also be formed comprising antimicrobial polymeric materials, including other thermoplastic polymers.

[0344] It will also be appreciated that additional components such as colorants, fillers, and stabilizers may be added to the antimicrobial polymeric material during manufacture of the mouthpiece.

[0345] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10 percent of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error of measurement for the property that A modifies. In some instances, as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. The mouthpiece of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of 0.025 weight percent to 1 weight percent.

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

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

10. The mouthpiece of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of 0.025 weight percent to 1 weight percent.

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

12. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the antibacterial polymeric material comprises glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCTG) and a zinc antibacterial agent.

13. The mouthpiece of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises at least 90 weight percent thermoplastic polymer.

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

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

16. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A cartridge according to claim 15; and a device portion comprising a power source and control electronics.

17. 17. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the aerosol generation system is a handheld aerosol generation system.

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