Particle populations used in non-combustion aerosol delivery systems

Abstract

To provide a population of particles for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system.SOLUTION: Each particle comprises (i) a binder, (ii) an absorbent comprising silica or a silicate, and (iii) an aerosol-generating material, where the population of particles has a bulk density of about 0.5 to about 1.1 g cm-3 or a median particle size D50 of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a population of particles for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, a cartridge for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, and a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. As an alternative to these combustible products, non-combustion aerosol delivery systems have been provided that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material, typically by heating without combustion, to produce an inhalable aerosol or vapor.

[0003] One example of a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system is an electronic vapor delivery system, also known as an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette. These generally contain a container of liquid that is vaporized to produce an inhalable aerosol. The liquid typically contains nicotine. When a user inhales on the device, a heater is activated to vaporize a small amount of the liquid, which is inhaled by the user.

[0004] Current vaping products use a liquid that is drawn into a heater that generates an aerosol that delivers, for example, nicotine and flavorants. Current e-cigarette formulations typically use glycerol and / or propylene glycol as aerosol-forming agents in the liquid. These systems can leak liquid during storage and handling, both from the device and the bottle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a population of particles for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system, each particle comprising: (i) a binder; (ii) an absorbent comprising silica or a silicate; and (iii) an aerosol-generating material, the population of particles having a mass of about 0.5 g cm -3 ~Approx. 1.1g cm -3 It has a bulk density of.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention provides a population of particles for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system, each particle comprising (i) a binder, (ii) an absorbent comprising silica or a silicate, and (iii) an aerosol-generating material, the median particle size D50 being between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0007] A third aspect of the invention provides a cartridge for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system, the cartridge comprising a population of particles according to the first or second aspect.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system comprising a population of particles according to the first or second aspect and an aerosol generator configured in use to aerosolise one or more components of the aerosol-generating material, optionally comprising a cartridge according to the third aspect containing the population of particles.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method for producing a population of particles of the first aspect, the method comprising combining (i) a binder, (ii) an absorbent comprising silica or a silicate, and (iii) an aerosol-generating material to form a slurry, extruding the slurry to form an extrudate, and spheronizing the extrudate to form the population of particles.

[0010] Any configuration described herein in relation to one embodiment is expressly disclosed herein in combination with each of the other embodiments to the extent that they are compatible. In particular, any particle or particle configuration described in relation to the first or second embodiment is expressly disclosed herein in combination with the other of the first and second embodiments to the extent that they are combinable.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows an SEM image of particles according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] As noted above, in some cases, the present invention provides a population of particles for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system, each particle comprising (i) a binder, (ii) an absorbent comprising silica or a silicate, and (iii) an aerosol-generating material, the particles having a density of about 0.5 g cm -3 ~Approx. 1.1g cm -3 It has a bulk density of.

[0014] The particles trap the aerosol-generating material and minimize leakage of that material during storage (prior to use) and / or within a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system.

[0015] Bulk density is the density of a mass when freely flowing and settled (i.e., the density of the mass as a whole, not the density of any one particle).

[0016] The specified bulk density and material ensure a good balance of various properties including, but not limited to, one or more of particle stiffness, flowability, absorptive capacity (especially for hydrophilic substances), surface area and aerosol release characteristics, resistance to temperatures to which the particles may be exposed during use, and toxicity. Preferred examples of these configurations are described below to further optimize the balance of these properties.

[0017] In some cases the bulk density is about 0.6 g cm -3 ~0.9g cm -3 and preferably about 0.7 g cm -3 ~0.8g cm -3 It may be between.

[0018] In some cases, the average particle weight may be between about 0.2 mg and about 6 mg, preferably between about 1 mg and about 4 mg, and most preferably between about 1.5 mg and about 3 mg. In some cases, the average particle weight may be between about 2 mg and about 2.5 mg.

[0019] Optionally the binder comprises cellulose or a cellulose derivative, preferably carboxymethylcellulose and / or microcrystalline cellulose. Optionally the binder comprises or consists of microcrystalline cellulose.

[0020] Optionally, the absorbent comprises one or more components selected from silica, diatomaceous earth, and zeolite. Optionally, the absorbent comprises or consists of silica. Optionally, the specific surface area of ​​the particulate absorbent component is at least about 400 m 2 / g, preferably at least about 450 m 2 / g or 500m 2 / g.

[0021] In some cases, the weight ratio of absorbent to binder is between about 1:1 and 2:1. In some cases, the weight ratio of absorbent to binder is between about 1.3:1, 1.4:1, or about 1.5:1 and about 1.9:1 or 1.8:1. In some cases, the weight ratio of absorbent to binder is about 1.7:1.

[0022] In some cases, the maximum dimension of the particle is about 1 mm to 2 mm. In some cases, the particle may be substantially spherical. (The term "maximum dimension" refers to the longest linear distance from any point on the surface of a particle to any other surface point of the same particle.)

[0023] In some cases, the particles may contain less than about 10% water by weight, preferably less than about 6%, 5% or 4% water by weight, based on the total weight of the particle.

[0024] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorants. In preferred cases, the aerosol-generating material is a liquid that is absorbed into an absorbent material.

[0025] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and / or flavorants, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and, if desired, one or more other functional ingredients, which may include, for example, one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0026] In some cases, the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol forming material. In some cases, the aerosol forming material comprises or consists of glycerol, propylene glycol, water and mixtures thereof.

[0027] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance and / or a flavourant. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance, which comprises or consists of nicotine.

[0028] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material is present in an amount of about 50% to 90% by weight, preferably about 50%, 60% or 65% to about 90%, 80% or 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the particle. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material is present in an amount of about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the particle.

[0029] In some cases, the median particle size (D50) is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm. The D50 value may be determined by classification and is therefore related to the maximum dimension of each particle. This particle size provides good handling properties and particles of this size are not easily carried by the aerosol formed. Moreover, even if carried by the aerosol, they will not pass through the mouth of the user and therefore will not enter the lungs. In some cases, the particles may be substantially spherical.

[0030] In some cases, the particle population is at least about 0.7 g cm -3 In some cases, the particles have a Hausner ratio value of less than about 1.25, preferably less than about 1.2, 1.15, 1.10, or 1.05. Thus, the particle population is flowable and easy to handle. (Tap density and bulk density can be measured using a TD1 tap density tester (SOTAX). USP 2 methods can be used for all measurements.) In one particular case, a collection of particles has a bulk density of 0.78 g cm -3 and the tap density is 0.8 g cm -3 which gives a Hausner ratio of 1.026.

[0031] In some cases, the present invention provides a population of particles for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system, the particles comprising: (i) a binder; (ii) an absorbent comprising silica or a silicate; and (iii) an aerosol-generating material, the particles having a median particle size D50 between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0032] The particles can be produced by any suitable method known in the art. i) mixing the ingredients of the particles, e.g. propylene glycol and / or glycerin, silica, and microcrystalline cellulose, optionally together with water and / or actives and / or flavours, under low shear to form a slurry; ii) extruding the slurry through a low pressure extrusion system equipped with a 1 mm die; iii) The extrudate is spheronized (100-120 RPM) to produce beads of approximately 1-2 mm in diameter. Form.

[0033] Consumables or cartridges In some cases, the invention provides a cartridge for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system, the cartridge containing a population of such particles, which may be referred to herein as a consumable.

[0034] In some cases, the cartridge may be a disposable item that is discarded after the aerosol-generating material contained therein has been consumed, whereas in other cases, the cartridge may be refillable with a new population of particles after consumption and prior to subsequent use.

[0035] In some cases, the cartridge contains about 80 to 120 particles. Preferably, the cartridge contains about 90 to 110 particles, and most preferably, the cartridge contains about 100 particles.

[0036] In some cases, the particles in the cartridge may have a total mass of about 20 mg to about 600 mg, preferably about 100 mg to about 400 mg, and most preferably about 150 mg to about 300 mg. In some cases, the particles may have a total weight of about 200 mg to about 250 mg.

[0037] In some embodiments, a cartridge for use with a non-combustion based aerosol delivery device may include one or more of an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material reservoir, an aerosol-generating material transport member, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0038] The cartridge may be formed from any suitable material that retains a population of particles within a chamber defined therein. The cartridge is configured to allow airflow through the cartridge. In some cases, the cartridge may be formed from metal, ceramic, plastic, or paper. In some cases, the cartridge may be configured with an end wall having an opening therein to allow airflow through the cartridge, and a substantially impermeable side wall connecting the end wall. In some cases, the cartridge may be formed from a porous material that allows air to flow through the cartridge. In such cases, there may be an opening in one wall to allow the aerosol to exit the cartridge without passing through the pores of the porous material (thereby avoiding any filtration by the porous material). In other aspects, the cartridge may be formed from a mesh or the like. Such materials are advantageous because they are lightweight, and it may be easier to volatilize the particles if there is only a partial physical barrier between the aerosol generator and the particles.

[0039] Non-combustion aerosol supply system In some cases, the present invention provides a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system. In accordance with the present disclosure, a "non-combustion based" aerosol delivery system is one that does not combust or burn constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0040] The non-combustion based aerosol delivery system of the present invention includes a population of particles and an aerosol generator configured to aerosolize one or more components of the aerosol-generating material during use. Optionally, the population of particles may be provided in a cartridge as described herein.

[0041] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, high pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0042] Optionally, the aerosol generator includes a heater that is configured, in use, to heat the particles to a maximum temperature of less than about 250° C., preferably less than about 230° C. or less than 220° C. Preferably, the heater is configured, in use, to heat the particles to at least about 180° C., 190° C., or 200° C. At such use temperatures, the particles do not decompose, burn, melt or otherwise degrade.

[0043] In some embodiments, non-combustion based aerosol delivery systems are also known as e-cigarettes, vaping devices or electronic nicotine delivery systems (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0044] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. The particles are provided to the consumable.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that is energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a thermally conductive material proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustion based aerosol delivery system may include one or more of a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. EXAMPLES

[0047] In one example, 5.0 grams of silica (500 ml 2 1.0 grams of microcrystalline cellulose (having a specific surface area of ​​1.0 g / g), 3.0 grams of microcrystalline cellulose, and 12.0 grams of the e-liquid formulation may be combined and mixed in a low shear mixer. The e-liquid formulation may include propylene glycol, glycerol nicotine, flavorings (such as menthol), and organic acids. The mixing conditions may be about 20-24°C and 20-40% relative humidity.

[0048] The resulting slurry can be extruded through a 1 mm die at low pressure.

[0049] The extrudate can then be spheronized at 100-120 RPM to form beads approximately 1 mm in diameter.

[0050] The beads may have a Hausner ratio of about 1.03. The particles may have a density of 0.80 g cm -3 The particle population may have a D50 value of about 1.1 mm, a D10 value of about 0.85 mm, and a D90 value of about 1.35 mm.

[0051] The beads may be heated to about 180-220° C. to generate the aerosol. About 100 beads may be heated to generate enough aerosol for the user to take about 10-12 puffs.

[0052] The beads may be evaluated after heating. The shape of the beads is substantially unchanged and the compressibility is essentially unchanged from before heating. The measured mass loss indicates good transfer of the aerosol generating material to an aerosol.

[0053] Comparison beads containing no generated material can also be subjected to the same heating procedure and no loss in bead mass is observed.

[0054] definition The term "aerosol forming material" as used herein refers to a material capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate, and / or aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming material comprises one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0055] The term "active substance" as used herein refers to a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may be, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, B6 or B 12 or vitamins such as C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives or mixtures thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other plants.

[0056] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B 12 Includes.

[0057] As noted herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the active agent is selected from one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabiersoin (CBE) and cannabicitran (CBT).

[0059] The active substance may include one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0060] The active substance may include cannabidiol (CBD).

[0061] The active substances may include nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

[0062] Active substances may include nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD), and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0063] As mentioned herein, the active material may include or be derived from one or more botanical materials or their components, derivatives or extracts. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from a plant, such as extracts, leaves, bark, fiber, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, pods, etc. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally occurring in plants, synthetically obtained active compounds. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, ground particles, granules, pellets, strips, strips, sheets, etc. Exemplary plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, corn sprout, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea, such as green or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, sedge, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiene, oregano, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, fennel, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from mint varieties such as corn mint, Moroccan mint, Egyptian mint, peppermint, cologne mint, candy mint, curly mint, Kentucky kernel mint, horse mint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, English spearmint, and malva.

[0064] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0065] In some embodiments, the active agent may include or be derived from one or more of a plant or its components, derivatives or extracts, the plant being selected from eucalyptus, tallow tree, cocoa and hemp.

[0066] In some embodiments, the composition may comprise or be derived from one or more of a plant or its components, derivatives or extracts, the plant being selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0067] As used herein, the terms "flavorant" and "flavoring agent" are those permitted by local regulations and used to produce a taste, odor or other somatosensory stimulus desired by an adult consumer.They may be naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, raspberry ... Roots, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel quid, shisha, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, Sage, fennel, wasabi, pimento, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, burdock, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, scutellaria, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, melon. sucrose, damien, origanum, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, fennel, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals or breath fresheners.They may be mimetics, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder or a gas.

[0068] In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises contains flavour compounds extracted from cannabis.

[0069] In some embodiments, the flavorings may include sensory elicitors, which are chemically induced and recognized, usually by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the aroma or taste nerves, and which may include agents that provide a heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing sensation. A suitable heating agent is, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent is, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0070] As used herein, the term "aerosol modifier" refers to a substance that is typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation region and configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier-releasing member that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0071] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring agent, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or a granule. The aerosol modifier may be free of a filter material.

[0072] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely for the purpose of aiding in the understanding and teaching of the claimed configurations. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive or exclusive. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, features, configurations, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims. Furthermore, other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, configurations, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A population of particles for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system, each particle comprising: (i) a binder; (ii) an absorbent material comprising one or more components selected from silica, silicates, diatomaceous earth, and zeolites; and (iii) an aerosol-generating material; The particle mass is about 0.5 g cm －３ ~Approx. 1.1g・cm －３ or a median particle size D50 between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

2. The population of particles according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent has a specific surface area of ​​at least 400 m 2 / g, at least 450 m 2 / g or at least 500 m 2 / g.

3. 3. The collection of particles according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-forming material.

4. The collection of particles as described in claim 3, characterized in that the aerosol generating material is a liquid absorbed in an absorbent material.

5. 5. A population of particles according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance and / or a flavourant.

6. 6. A population of particles according to any preceding claim, wherein the binder comprises cellulose or a cellulose derivative, preferably microcrystalline cellulose.

7. 7. The population of particles of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the weight ratio of absorbent to binder is between about 1:1 and 2:

1.

8. 8. The population of particles according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating material is present in an amount of about 50% to 90% by weight based on the total weight of the particles.

9. 9. The population of particles according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the median particle size D50 is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

10. 10. The population of particles of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the population of particles has a Hausner ratio value of less than about 1.

25.

11. 11. A cartridge for use in a non-combustion based aerosol delivery system comprising a population of particles according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 12. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the cartridge contains about 80 to 120 particles.

13. 11. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising a population of particles according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator configured in use to aerosolise one or more components of the aerosol-generating material.

14. 14. The non-combustion based aerosol delivery system of claim 13, wherein the aerosol generator includes a heater configured to heat the particles to a maximum temperature of less than about 250°C during use.

15. A method for producing a population of particles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: combining (i) a binder, (ii) an absorbent comprising one or more components selected from silica, silicates, diatomaceous earth, and zeolites, and (iii) an aerosol-generating material to form a slurry; extruding the slurry to form an extrudate; spheronizing the extrudate to form a mass of particles; A method for producing a population of particles comprising:

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