Modified botanical extracts

Abstract

The present invention provides a modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract which has been treated to reduce the amount of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract. The invention also provides aerosol generating materials comprising the modified botanical extract or a botanical extract and a sequestering agent. The present invention also provides an aerosol-generating composition, a consumable, a non-combustible aerosol provision system, a method of generating aerosol and a method of forming an aerosol-generating composition.

Description

[0001] Modified botanical extracts

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to modified botanical extracts. The invention also relates to aerosol generating materials comprising the modified botanical extract or a botanical extract and a sequestering agent. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating composition, a consumable, a non-combustible aerosol provision system, a method of generating aerosol and a method of forming an aerosolgenerating composition.

[0004] Background

[0005] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Alternatives to these types of articles release an inhalable aerosol or vapour by releasing compounds from a substrate material by heating without burning. These may be referred to as non-combustible smoking articles, aerosol generating assemblies or non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

[0006] One example of such a product is a heating device which release compounds by heating, but not burning, a solid aerosolisable material. This solid aerosolisable material may, in some cases, contain a tobacco material. The heating volatilises at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These products may be referred to as heat-not-burn devices, tobacco heating devices or tobacco heating products (THP). Various different arrangements for volatilising at least one component of the solid aerosolisable material are known.

[0007] As another example, there are e-cigarette / tobacco heating product hybrid devices, also known as electronic tobacco hybrid devices. These hybrid devices contain a liquid source (which may or may not contain nicotine) which is vaporised by heating to produce an inhalable vapour or aerosol. The device additionally contains a solid aerosolisable material (which may or may not contain a tobacco material) and components of this material are entrained in the inhalable vapour or aerosol to produce the inhaled medium.

[0008] The aerosolisable material used in smoking articles, including non-combustible smoking articles, may contain a botanical extract, such as a tobacco extract. Summary

[0009] In one aspect, there is provided a modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract which has been treated to reduce the amount of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

[0010] In one aspect, there is provided a modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract which has been treated to reduce the amount of free metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

[0011] In one aspect, there is provided a botanical extract comprising less than about 2.5 wt% metal ions with a valency of two or more, such as less than about 1.5 wt%, less than about 1.0 wt% or less than about 0.5 wt%, such as from about 0.1 wt% to about 2.5 wt%. This may be the absolute concentration of metal ions, or the concentration of free metal ions.

[0012] In one aspect, there is provided a botanical extract comprising less than about 1.5 wt% calcium, such as less than about 1.0 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, or less than about 0.2 wt%, such as from about 0.01 wt% to about 1.5 wt%. This may be the absolute concentration of calcium, or the concentration of free calcium ions.

[0013] In one aspect, there is provided a composition comprising a botanical extract and a sequestering agent.

[0014] In one aspect, there is provided a modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract and a sequestering agent.

[0015] Also provided is a method for making a modified botanical extract, comprising reducing the amount of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

[0016] Also provided is a method for making a modified botanical extract, comprising reducing the amount of free metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

[0017] Also provided is an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol-generating agent and (i) the modified botanical extract described herein or (ii) a botanical extract and a sequestering agent. Also provided is a slurry comprising an aerosol-generating agent; the modified botanical extract described herein or a botanical extract and a sequestering agent; any other components of the aerosol generating material or precursors thereof; and a solvent.

[0018] Also provided is a method of making a aerosol-generating material, the method comprising:

[0019] (a) forming a slurry comprising: an aerosol-generating agent; the modified botanical extract described herein or a botanical extract and a sequestering agent; any other components of the aerosol generating material or precursors thereof; and a solvent;

[0020] (b) forming a layer of the slurry; and

[0021] (c) drying the slurry to form an aerosol-generating material.

[0022] Also provided is an aerosol-generating composition comprising the aerosol generating material described herein.

[0023] Also provided is a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the consumable comprising the aerosol-generating composition described herein.

[0024] Also provided is a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising the consumable described herein and a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0025] Also provided is a method of generating an aerosol using the non-combustible aerosol provision system described herein, the method comprising heating the aerosol-generating composition to a temperature of less than 350 °C.

[0026] To the extent that they are combinable, features described herein in relation to one aspect of the invention are explicitly disclosed in combination with each and every other aspect.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0028] Brief Description of the Figures

[0029] Figure 1 shows a section view of an example of an aerosol-generating article.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the article of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a sectional elevation of an example of an aerosol-generating article.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the article of Figure 3.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a section view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0035] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0036] Figure 8 shows a schematic illustration of an example consumable.

[0037] Figure 9 shows an example of a consumable comprising a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol-generating material.

[0038] Figures 10-13 show the viscosity of various mixtures or slurries, and Figure 14 shows the peel strength of some aerosol-generating materials.

[0039] Detailed Description

[0040] Botanical extracts (also called plant extracts) are extracts of botanical (i.e. plant) material, such as tobacco. Such extracts can be formed simply by combining a solvent, such as water, with botanical or plant material. The botanical or plant material may have been processed (e.g. by curing, cutting, etc.) after harvesting before formation of the extract. Since botanical or plant extracts are formed from natural materials their exact chemical composition is variable. For example, the composition of a given extract may vary depending on a large number of factors including, but not limited to, the exact type of plant or botanical material used (e.g. leaves, stem, roots, etc.), the species of plant, the age at which the plant was harvested, whether the material was cured or otherwise processed after harvesting, etc.

[0041] As a result of this variability, any material containing a botanical extract can be difficult to produce to an exact specification. In particular, since the composition of the botanical extract can vary, the composition of any material (e.g. an aerosolgenerating material) comprising the botanical extract can also vary. This is clearly undesirable for a commercial product, where it is important to be able to reproduce the same materials day-to-day or batch-to-batch. By way of example, a user of a specific brand or type of aerosol-generating material will expect the same taste profile whenever they purchase said material. Variability in the composition and therefore also in the taste of the material should therefore be minimised as far as possible.

[0042] Similarly, the variable chemical composition of botanical extracts can make any process which involves using a botanical extract can be difficult to control. In this regard, when producing a material comprising a botanical extract in a factory setting, it is important that the production process can be repeated using the same parameters and additional components day-to-day or batch-to-batch. In the case of materials (and specifically aerosol-generating materials) which contain a gelling or binding agent that crosslinks in the presence of metal ions with a valency of two or more (e.g. calcium or magnesium), it is clearly undesirable for the concentration of such metal ions in the compositions or slurries used in the production process to vary. It is therefore desirable for any botanical extract used in the production process to have a set or pre-determined concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more, such as calcium. This avoids the need to change the parameters of the process (e.g. by adding varying amounts of crosslinker) for different batches of botanical extract.

[0043] By way of example, tobacco extracts naturally contain some calcium ions (valency of 2), which can cause crosslinking of crosslinkable binders such as alginates and pectins. Thus, when a crosslinkable binder and a tobacco extract are combined (e.g. in a slurry for forming an aerosol-forming material) the binder can start to crosslink, which may be undesirable, for example because the viscosity can increase. Alternatively, it may be desirable for the binder to crosslink (e.g. to form a solid gel), but the extent and / or speed of the crosslinking can be difficult to predict or control if the amount of crosslinker (e.g. calcium ions) in the slurry is variably or not consistent from day-to-day or batch-to-batch.

[0044] Modified botanical extract

[0045] As described herein, the invention provides a modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract which has been treated to reduce the amount of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

[0046] The invention also provides a modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract which has been treated to reduce the amount of free metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

[0047] The invention also provides a modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract comprising a botanical extract and a sequestering agent.

[0048] As used herein, the term “free” in relation to metal ions with a valency of two or more means metal ions which are available to cause crosslinking of any crosslinkable substance (e.g. a crosslinkable binder). These ions may be solvated. This contrasts to an ion which is bound or sequestered. Thus, free metal ions could also be termed unsequestered metal ions.

[0049] Also provided is a modified botanical extract containing metal ions with a valency of two or more, wherein the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more is less than the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the corresponding unmodified botanical extract, i.e. the same botanical extract that has not been modified.

[0050] Also provided is a modified botanical extract containing free metal ions with a valency of two or more, wherein the concentration of free metal ions with a valency of two or more is less than the concentration of free metal ions with a valency of two or more in the corresponding unmodified botanical extract, i.e. the same botanical extract that has not been modified. As used herein, the term “unmodified botanical extract” refers to a botanical extract formed from a botanical material, where the extract has not be subjected to any further processing or has not had any further additional components added to it.

[0051] The unmodified botanical extract may comprise up to about 10 wt% metal ions with a valency of two or more, such as up to about 6 wt%, such as from about 1 to about 6 wt%, from about 1.5 to about 5.5 wt% or from about 2 to about 5 wt%.

[0052] The unmodified botanical extract may comprise up to about 5 wt% calcium, such as up to about 3 wt%, such as from about 0.5 to about 3 wt%, from about 0.7 to about 2.8 wt% or from about 1 to about 2.5 wt%.

[0053] The modified botanical extract comprises a lower concentration of metal ions or free metal ions with a valency of two or more (e.g. calcium) compared to the unmodified botanical extract (i.e. compared to the same botanical extract prior to modification).

[0054] The concentration of metal ions or free metal ions with a valency of two or more (e.g. calcium) may be at least about 5 %, about 10 %, about 20 %, about 30 %, about 40 %, about 50 %, about 60 %, about 70 %, about 80 %, or about 90 % less in the modified botanical extract compared to the unmodified botanical extract.

[0055] In some embodiments the concentration of metal ions or free metal ions with a valency of two or more (e.g. calcium) may be at least about 95 %, 98 % or 99 % less in the modified botanical extract compared to the unmodified botanical extract.

[0056] In some embodiments the modified botanical extract may comprise less than about

[0057] 2.5 wt% metal ions with a valency of two or more, such as less than about 1.5 wt%, less than about 1.0 wt% or less than about 0.5 wt%, such as from about 0.1 wt% to about 2.5 wt%. This may be the absolute concentration of metal ions, or the concentration of free metal ions.

[0058] In some embodiments the modified botanical extract may comprise less than about

[0059] 1.5 wt% calcium, such as less than about 1.0 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, or less than about 0.2 wt%, such as from about 0.01 wt% to about 1.5 wt%. This may be the absolute concentration of calcium, or the concentration of free calcium ions. Thus, the invention also provides a botanical extract comprising less than about 2.5 wt% metal ions with a valency of two or more, such as less than about 1.5 wt%, less than about 1.0 wt% or less than about 0.5 wt%, such as from about 0.1 wt% to about 2.5 wt%. This may be the absolute concentration of metal ions, or the concentration of free metal ions.

[0060] Thus, the invention also provides a botanical extract comprising less than about 1.5 wt% calcium, such as less than about 1.0 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, or less than about 0.2 wt%, such as from about 0.01 wt% to about 1.5 wt%. This may be the absolute concentration of calcium, or the concentration of free calcium ions.

[0061] As used herein, the term “metal ions with a valency of two or more” includes any metal which can form two or more bonds. Such ions can generally act as crosslinking agents. In some embodiments the metal ions have a valency of from 2 to 13, from 2 to 12, from 2 to 8, from 2 to 6 or from 2 to 4 (i.e. 2, 3 or 4). In some embodiments the metal ions have a valency of 2.

[0062] The metal ions with a valency of two or more may also be referred to as metal ions with an oxidation state of 2 or more. In some embodiments the metal ions have an oxidation state of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, such as 2, 3 or 4. In some embodiments the metal ions have an oxidation state of 2.

[0063] In some embodiments the metal ions with a valency of two or more are selected from the group consisting of zinc (Zn2+), barium (Ba2+), copper (Cu2+), strontium (Sr2+), iron (Fe2+or Fe3+), manganese (Mn2+), chromium (e.g. Cr3+or Cr6+), titanium (e.g. Ti4+), zirconium (Zr4+), aluminium (Al3+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). In some embodiments the metal ions with a valency of two or more are selected from the group consisting of zinc (Zn2+), barium (Ba2+), copper (Cu2+), strontium (Sr2+), iron (Fe2+or Fe3+), manganese (Mn2+), aluminium (Al3+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). In some embodiments the metal ions with a valency of two or more are selected from the group consisting of barium (Ba2+), copper (Cu2+), strontium (Sr2+), iron (Fe3+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). In some embodiments the metal ions with a valency of two or more are selected from the group consisting of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+). In some embodiments the metal ions with a valency of two or more are calcium ions (Ca2+). The botanical extract used herein therefore comprises or consists of a botanical extract which naturally contains metal ions with a valency of two or more (e.g. calcium and / or magnesium ions). That is, the ions are present without being added. In some embodiments, the botanical extract naturally contains calcium ions. The botanical extract may also be described as a plant extract.

[0064] As used herein, the term "botanical extract" includes an extract of any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the botanical extract may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0065] In some embodiments, the botanical extract comprises a tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the botanical extract consists essentially of or consists of a tobacco extract. In some embodiments the botanical extract is a tobacco extract.

[0066] Generally, tobacco extracts naturally contain some calcium ions. Thus, in some embodiments the botanical extract comprises or is a tobacco extract, and the metal ions comprise or are calcium ions.

[0067] The botanical extract may be an extract of any type of tobacco, including but not limited to oriental, burley and Virginia. The extract may be an extract of a single type or a blend of tobacco, for example, an extract of a blend of one or more, such as all of, oriental, burley and Virginia.

[0068] The botanical extract may be formed by any suitable procedure, which would be know to those skilled in the art. For example, an extract may be formed by contacting botanical material (e.g. tobacco material) with a solvent. Any suitable solvent may be used. In some embodiments the solvent comprises water and / or ethanol. The botanical extract may therefore contain water and / or ethanol.

[0069] The process may further comprise heating and / or agitating (e.g. stirring) the mixture of the solvent and the botanical material for a set period of time, after which the mixture may be filtered to remove the botanical material. In some embodiments the mixture is heated to a temperature of from about 30 to about 100 °C, such as from about 40 to about 80 °C or from about 50 to about 70 °C.

[0070] Method for making the modified botanical extract

[0071] The invention also provides a method for making a modified botanical extract, the method comprising reducing the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in a botanical extract. Also provided is a method for making a modified botanical extract, the method comprising reducing the concentration of free metal ions with a valency of two or more in a botanical extract.

[0072] Also provided is a method for making a modified botanical extract, the method comprising combining a botanical extract with a sequestering agent.

[0073] In some embodiments the method firstly comprises forming an (unmodified) extract from a botanical material.

[0074] In some embodiments the amount by which the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more is reduced depends on the concentration of such metal ions in the unmodified or starting botanical extract. Thus, the method may comprise determining the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in a botanical extract, and then reducing the concentration of such metal ions in the botanical extract to a predetermined concentration. Said metal ions may be free ions. This modification of a botanical extract to reduce the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more may be achieved in a number of ways. For example, the botanical extract may be subjected to an ion exchange process. This type of process may exchange one type of ion (specifically a metal ion with a valency of two or more) for another (e.g. a monovalent metal ion). For example, calcium and / or magnesium ions may be replaced by sodium and / or hydrogen ions. This type of exchange is often used in water softening processes.

[0075] Ion exchange processes may use an ion exchange resin. For example, the botanical extract may be passed or run through an ion exchange resin or ion exchange polymer.

[0076] Ion exchange resins are widely used in separation, purification, and decontamination processes, such as water softening and water purification. The skilled person would therefore be aware of suitable ion exchange resins that could be used in the process described herein. For example, ion exchange resins may comprise organic polymers which contain anionic functional groups to which multivalent cations, such as trivalent cations (such as iron (III) ions) or divalent cations (such as calcium ions), bind more strongly than monovalent cations (such as sodium ions).

[0077] After use, an ion exchange resin may be replaced, or may be recharged by known processes such as eluting the metal ions with a valency of two or more using solutions such as sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide.

[0078] In some embodiments, multiple ion exchange resins can be used in sequence. For example, a cationic exchange may exchange a metal ion with a valency of two or more for H+ions. These H+ions may then be removed by using an anion exchange process.

[0079] As the skilled person would recognise, the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more after an ion exchange process can be controlled by adjusting parameters of the ion exchange process, for example the time, flow speed, nature of the resin, etc. In this way it is possible to produce a botanical extract containing a predetermined or set concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more, regardless of the concentration of such metal ions in the starting or unmodified botanical extract. For example, a botanical extract having a relatively high concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more may be subjected to an ion exchange process for a longer period of time and / or at a slower flow rather than a botanical extract having a relatively low concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more, such that the modified botanical extract (i.e. the product of the process) in both cases has the same or a similar concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more.

[0080] Another method of removing metal ions with a valency of two or more (specifically calcium and optionally also magnesium) from a botanical extract may involve lime softening. In this process limewater or calcium hydroxide is added to an extract, causing calcium and magnesium ions to be precipitated (e.g. as calcium carbonate). These precipitates can then be removed.

[0081] Another method of removing metal ions or free metal ions with a valency of two or more from a botanical extract may comprises treating mixing or otherwise combining the botanical extract with a sequestering agent. The sequestering agent will be capable of sequestering or removing metal ions or free metal ions with a valency of two or more from the botanical extract.

[0082] Suitable sequestering agents (also called chelating agents) would be known to the skilled person. The skilled person would also understand that different sequestering agents would be suitable for sequestering (or chelating) different metal ions. Sequestering agents are sometimes used to remove metal ions or free metal ions from water.

[0083] Although it is described herein that metal ions are removed by sequestering agents, the skilled person would understand that the metal ions may not physically be removed from the extract, but rather that the metal ions may be sequestered, chelated or otherwise bound. In this case the metal ions will not be available to react with other components, for example by causing crosslinking of a component such as a binder. It is therefore to be understood that the sequestering agents described herein may be used to reduce the concentration of free metal ions with a valency of two or more. Thus, the concentration of free metal ions is decreased by the sequestering agent, even if the metals themselves are still present. The overall concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more can, however, be reduced, for example by removing the sequestering agent. Suitable sequestering agents for use in the present invention include aminopolycarboxylates (e.g. ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or EDTA) and their analogues (e.g. hydroxyaminocarboxylates); phosphates and phosphonates (e.g. ionorganic phosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate, or organophosphonic acids such as ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or EDTMP); hydroxycarboxylates (e.g. citrates); and polyacrylic acids and derivatives.

[0084] In some embodiments the sequestering agent is not a polymer.

[0085] In some embodiments the sequestering agent comprises a carbonate salt such as sodium carbonate.

[0086] In some embodiments the sequestering agent comprises a citrate salt such as sodium citrate.

[0087] In some embodiments the weight ratio of botanical extract to sequestering agent is from about 100:1 to about 1:100, such as from about 1:10 to about 50:1, from about 1:10 to about 10:1 , from about 1:5 to 5:1 or from about 1:3 to about 3:1. In some embodiments the weight of sequestering agent is greater than the weight of botanical extract (i.e. the weight ratio is less than 1 :1, such as less than 1:1 to about 1 :10, 1:5 or 1:3). In some embodiments the weight of botanical extract is greater than the weight of sequestering agent (i.e. the weight ratio is more than 1:1, such as from about 100:1 to about 2:1, from about 80:1 to about 10:1 or from about 50:1 to about 30:1).

[0088] The sequestering agent may be added for any length of time suitable to achieve the desired sequestering of the metal ions with a valency of two or more. Once the sequestering process is complete, the sequestering agent (and the sequestered metal) may be removed from the botanical extract using known means. Alternatively, the botanical extract may be used without removal of the sequestering agent.

[0089] In some embodiments the botanical extract and the sequestering agent may be mixed together with other components of an aerosol generating material or precursors thereof, and the sequestering may occur in situ during formation of the aerosol generating material. In other embodiments the botanical extract is modified to remove or sequester at least some of the metal ions with a valency of two or more before other components of the aerosol generating material or precursors thereof are added. This can ensure that the level of metal ions with a valency of two or more present in the botanical extract is at the desired or predetermined level before formation of the material, thereby making the process for forming the material more controllable for the reasons discussed above.

[0090] As the skilled person would recognise, the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the modified botanical extract can be controlled by adjusting parameters such as the type or amount of sequestering agent added. In this way it is possible to produce a botanical extract containing a predetermined or set concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more, whatever the concentration of such metal ions in the starting or unmodified botanical extract. For example, a botanical extract having a relatively high concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more may be mixed with a higher amount of sequestering agent than a botanical extract having a relatively low concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more, such that the modified botanical extract (i.e. the product of the process) in both cases has the same or similar concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more.

[0091] Aerosol generating material

[0092] The aerosol-generating materials / compositions described herein are materials / compositions that are capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.

[0093] The aerosol-generating material may be an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a “monolithic solid”. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. For example, the aerosol-generating material may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dried gel.

[0094] In embodiments the aerosol-generating material is not reconstituted tobacco. In embodiments the aerosol-generating material does not comprise reconstituted tobacco.

[0095] The aerosol-generating material is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the materials) or the retained fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0096] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of aerosol-generating material, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition consists of aerosol-generating material.

[0097] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise a cellulose- based substrate, such as paper, which is coated or impregnated with the components of the material.

[0098] In one aspect the present invention provides an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol-former material and (i) a modified botanical extract as described herein or (ii) a botanical extract and a sequestering agent.

[0099] The botanical extracts and sequestering agents may be those described above.

[0100] The aerosol generating material may further comprise other components, such as, but not limited to, a binder, an active, a flavourant, a filler and a colourant.

[0101] Binder

[0102] The aerosol generating material may comprise a binder in an amount of from about 1wt%, 5wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 10wt%, or 15wt% to about 20 wt%, 25wt%, 30wt%, 40wt%, 50wt% or 60wt% (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 1 to about 60 wt%, such as from about 3 to about 50 wt%, from about 5 to about 30 wt%, from about 5 to about 25 wt% or from about 7 to about 20 wt% binder. The binder used herein may comprise a hydrocolloid. In some examples, the binder may comprise one or more compounds selected from the group comprising alginates, pectins, starches (and derivatives), celluloses (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicones compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol and combinations thereof. For example, in some examples, the binder comprises one or more of alginates, pectins, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0103] In some embodiments, the binder comprises one or more compounds selected from cellulosic binders, non-cellulosic binders, guar gum, acacia gum and mixtures thereof.

[0104] The cellulosic binder may be selected from the group consisting of: hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and combinations thereof.

[0105] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more non-cellulosic binder, including, but not limited to, agar, xanthan gum, gum Arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan (e.g. iota-carrageenan), starch, alginate, gellan gums (e.g. high acyl gellan gum), and combinations thereof.

[0106] In some embodiments, the binder is a crosslinked binder.

[0107] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) alginate and / or pectin and / or carrageenan.

[0108] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) alginate and / or iota-carrageenan.

[0109] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) alginate and / or pectin.

[0110] In some examples, the binder comprises alginate and / or pectin, and may be combined with a setting agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may comprise a calcium-crosslinked alginate and / or a calcium-crosslinked pectin. In some embodiments, the binder comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of alginate and pectin.

[0111] In some embodiments, the binder comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of alginate and iota-carrageenan.

[0112] Aerosol-former material

[0113] The aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol-former material.

[0114] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material comprises one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0115] In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material 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.

[0116] In particular embodiments, the aerosol-former material comprises glycerol in combination with propylene glycol. In particular embodiments, the aerosol-former material comprises glycerol.

[0117] The aerosol generating material may comprise from about 1 wt% to about 60 wt% of aerosol-former material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise from about 1 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt% or 40 wt% to about 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt% or 40 wt% of aerosol-former material. In particular embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises from about 10 to about 60 wt% or from about 20 to about 55 wt% aerosol-former material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises from about 20 to about 40 wt% or from about 25 to about 35 wt% aerosol-former material, such as about 30 wt%.

[0118] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises from about 40 to about 60 wt% or from about 45 to about 55 wt% aerosol-former material, such as about 50 wt%.

[0119] Crosslinking agent

[0120] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a crosslinking agent. In some embodiments, the crosslinking agent comprises calcium ions. In some embodiments, the crosslinking agent comprises calcium lactate, calcium formate, and / or calcium acetate. In some embodiments, the crosslinking agent comprises calcium lactate. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises a calcium-crosslinked alginate. The crosslinking agent may also be described as a setting agent.

[0121] The aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 0.5wt%, 1wt%, 3wt% or 5wt% to about 10wt%, 9wt%, 8 wt% or 7wt% of crosslinking agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 1 to about 10 wt%, from about 3 to about 8 wt% or from about 5 to about 7 wt% of crosslinking agent (dry weight basis). These amounts represent the total amount of additional crosslinking agent(s) in the aerosol-generating material, i.e. excluding any crosslinking agent present in the modified botanical extract.

[0122] Filler

[0123] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more fillers. Use of a filler may help to reduce tackiness of the material, for example if high levels of aerosol-former material are present.

[0124] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 18 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt% or 40 wt% to about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt% or 30 wt% of filler (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 1 wt% to about 60 wt%, from about 1 wt% to about 50 wt%, from about 5 wt% to about 45 wt%, from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%, from about 18 wt% to about 35 wt% or from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt% of filler (all calculated on a dry weight basis). These amounts represent the total amount of filler(s) in the aerosol-generating material.

[0125] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises less than about 70 wt% filler, such as less than about 60 wt%, less than about 50 wt%, less than about 30 wt%, less than about 20 wt% or less than about 10 wt%. In some embodiments the aerosol-generating material is substantially free or complete free of filler.

[0126] The filler may comprise one or more inorganic filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic sorbents, such as molecular sieves. The filler may comprise one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives (e.g. ground cellulose).

[0127] In particular cases, aerosol-generating material comprises less than about 10 wt%, less than about 5 wt%, less than about 1 wt% or no calcium carbonate. It may be desirable to avoid including high amounts of calcium carbonate (e.g. more than 10 wt%, more than 25 wt% or more than 50 wt%) in the material because calcium carbonate has a high density. As such, including high amounts of calcium carbonate can cause the material to become dense and / or have a low fill value and / or may delay aerosol release.

[0128] In particular embodiments the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fibre, cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), nanocrystalline cellulose and / or ground cellulose. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including fibrous filler in an aerosol-generating material may increase the tensile strength of the material.

[0129] In some cases, the filler comprises wood pulp, MCC and / or ground cellulose.

[0130] In some cases, the filler has a density of less than about 2 g / cm3, such as less than about 0.5 g / cm3or less than about 0.3 g / cm3.

[0131] Flavour The aerosol-generating material may comprise a flavour in addition to the botanical extract

[0132] The aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 1 wt%, 10 wt% or 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, 60 wt% or 50 wt% of flavour (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 1 wt% to about 80 wt%, from about 10 wt% to about 60 wt%, or from about 20 wt% to about 50 wt% of flavour. These amounts represent the total amount of flavour(s) in the aerosol-generating material including the botanical extract. The additional flavour may be a further botanical extract different to the first botanical extract.

[0133] In some embodiments the aerosol-generating material does not comprise a flavour apart from the botanical extract. In this case the amounts set out about refer to the amounts of botanical extract.

[0134] As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0135] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises, consists essentially of or consists of menthol.

[0136] Active

[0137] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material additionally comprises an active substance.

[0138] The active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.

[0139] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0140] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents or derivatives of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0141] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of: cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM) and cannabielsoin ( BE), cannabicitran (CBT).

[0142] The active substance may comprise one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0143] The active substance may comprise cannabidiol (CBD).

[0144] The active substance may comprise nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

[0145] The active substance may comprise cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

[0146] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not comprise an active substance.

[0147] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition additionally comprises an active substance. For example, in some cases, the aerosol-generating composition additionally comprises a tobacco material and / or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise 5-60wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of a tobacco material and / or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise from about 1wt%, 5wt%, 10wt%, 15wt%, 20wt% or 25wt% to about 70wt%, 60wt%, 50wt%, 45wt%, 40wt%, 35wt%, or 30wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of an active substance. In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise from about 1wt%, 5wt%, 10wt%, 15wt%, 20wt% or 25wt% to about 70wt%, 60wt%, 50wt%, 45wt%, 40wt%, 35wt%, or 30wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of a tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise 10-50wt%, 15-40wt% or 20-35wt% of a tobacco material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise from about 1wt%, 2wt%, 3wt% or 4wt% to about 20wt%, 18wt%, 15wt% or 12wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise 1-20wt%, 2-18wt% or 3-12wt% of nicotine.

[0148] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition comprises no tobacco material but does comprise nicotine. In some such cases, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise from about 1wt%, 2wt%, 3wt% or 4wt% to about 20wt%, 18wt%, 15wt% or 12wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating composition may comprise 1-20wt%, 2-18wt% or 3-12wt% of nicotine.

[0149] Colourant

[0150] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a colourant. The addition of a colourant may alter the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material. The presence of colourant in the aerosol-generating material may enhance the visual appearance of the aerosol-generating material and the aerosol-generating composition. By adding a colourant to the aerosol-generating material, the aerosolgenerating material may be colour-matched to other components of the aerosolgenerating composition or to other components of an article comprising the aerosolgenerating material.

[0151] A variety of colourants may be used depending on the desired colour of the aerosolgenerating material. The colour of aerosol-generating material may be, for example, white, green, red, purple, blue, brown or black. Other colours are also envisaged. Natural or synthetic colourants, such as natural or synthetic dyes, food-grade colourants and pharmaceutical-grade colourants may be used. In certain embodiments, the colourant is caramel, which may confer the aerosol-generating material with a brown appearance. In such embodiments, the colour of the aerosolgenerating material may be similar to the colour of other components (such as tobacco material) in an aerosol-generating composition comprising the aerosolgenerating material. In some embodiments, the addition of a colourant to the aerosolgenerating material renders it visually indistinguishable from other components in the aerosol-generating composition.

[0152] The colourant may be incorporated during the formation of the aerosol-generating material (e.g. when forming a slurry comprising the materials that form the aerosolgenerating material) or it may be applied to the aerosol-generating material after its formation (e.g. by spraying it onto the aerosol-generating material).

[0153] In some embodiments, (brown) wood pulp is present as a filler, and a colourant may therefore be unnecessary.

[0154] Acid The aerosol-generating material and / or the aerosol-generating composition may comprise an acid. The acid may be an organic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be at least one of a monoprotic acid, a diprotic acid and a triprotic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may contain at least one carboxyl functional group. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of an alpha-hydroxy acid, carboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, tricarboxylic acid and keto acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be an alpha-keto acid.

[0155] In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of succinic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propanoic and pyruvic acid.

[0156] Suitably the acid is lactic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid. In other embodiments the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some of these embodiments the acid may be a mineral acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the acid is levulinic acid and / or pyruvic acid.

[0157] In some embodiments, the acid is selected from lactic acid, benzoic acid and levulinic acid.

[0158] Inclusion of an acid is particularly preferred in embodiments in which the aerosolgenerating composition comprises nicotine. The presence of the acid may reduce or substantially prevent evaporation of nicotine during drying of the slurry, thereby reducing loss of nicotine during manufacturing. The presence of the acid may also improve the flavour and impact of the aerosol when nicotine is present. For example, the perceived harshness of the nicotine may be reduced by the presence of the acid.

[0159] Other functional materials

[0160] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material or the aerosol-generating composition may further comprise one or more other functional materials. The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, preservatives, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0161] Form of the materials In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is formed as a sheet. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may be incorporated into the non-combustible aerosol provision system or consumable in sheet form. The sheet may be incorporated as a planar sheet, as a gathered or bunched sheet, as a crimped sheet, or as a rolled sheet (i.e. in the form of a tube). In some such cases, the aerosolgenerating material of these embodiments may be included in the system / consumable as a sheet, such as a sheet circumscribing a rod of second material (e.g. tobacco). For example, the aerosol-generating material sheet may be formed on a wrapping paper which circumscribes a second material, such as tobacco.

[0162] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a cellulose-based substrate, such as paper, which is coated or impregnated with the components of the aerosol-generating material (i.e. acid, etc.).

[0163] In other cases, the aerosol-generating material may be shredded and then mixed with a second material, such as cut rag tobacco.

[0164] In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a sheet or layer having a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may be in the range of from about 0.03 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm, for example 0.015-0.8 mm, 0.03-0.5 mm or 0.04-0.2 mm. The aerosol-generating material may comprise more than one layer, and the thickness described herein refers to the aggregate thickness of those layers.

[0165] If the aerosol-generating material is too thick, then heating efficiency may be compromised. This adversely affects the power consumption in use. Conversely, if the aerosol-generating material is too thin, it may be difficult to manufacture and handle; a very thin material is harder to cast and may be fragile, compromising aerosol formation in use.

[0166] The thickness stipulated herein is a mean thickness for the material. In some cases, the thickness may vary by no more than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% or 1%.

[0167] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form may have sufficient tensile strength such that it can be wound onto, or unwound from, a bobbin without breakages. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form has a tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 250 N / m.

[0168] The aerosol-generating material may have any suitable area density, such as from about 30 g / m2to 120 g / m2, from about 50 g / m2to 110 g / m2, or from about 60 g / m2to 100 g / m2. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may have a mass per unit area of from about 80 to 120 g / m2, or from about 70 to 110 g / m2, or particularly from about 90 to 110 g / m2, or suitably about 100 g / m2(so that it will not readily separate when mixed with tobacco, such as cut rag tobacco). Such area densities may be particularly suitable where the aerosol-generating material is included in the consumable / system in sheet form, or as a shredded sheet (described further herein below).

[0169] Amounts of constituents of the material, such as aerosol-former material (e.g. glycerol), can be determined by solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID).

[0170] Tobacco material

[0171] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from tobacco other than any tobacco extract or modified tobacco extract that is present. By “substantially free from” it is meant that the material comprises less than about 1 wt%, such as less than about 0.5wt % tobacco (dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is free from tobacco other than any tobacco extract or modified tobacco extract that is present. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not comprise tobacco fibres and / or tobacco particles. In particular embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not comprise fibrous material.

[0172] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition does not comprise tobacco fibres and / or tobacco particles. In particular embodiments, the aerosolgenerating composition does not comprise fibrous material.

[0173] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article does not comprise tobacco fibres and / or tobacco particles. In particular embodiments, the aerosol-generating article does not comprise fibrous material. In some embodiments the aerosol-generating material is not, or does not comprise, reconstituted tobacco.

[0174] Carrier

[0175] The aerosol-generating composition may comprise a carrier on which the aerosolgenerating material is provided. The carrier functions as a support on which the material layer forms, easing manufacture. The carrier may provide tensile strength to the material layer, easing handling.

[0176] In some cases, the carrier may be formed from materials selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, greaseproof paper, ceramic, carbon allotropes such as graphite and graphene, plastic, cardboard, wood or combinations thereof. In some cases, the carrier may comprise or consist of a tobacco material, such as a sheet of reconstituted tobacco. In some cases, the carrier may be formed from materials selected from metal foil, paper, cardboard, wood or combinations thereof. In some cases, the carrier itself be a laminate structure comprising layers of materials selected from the preceding lists. In some cases, the carrier may also function as a flavour carrier. For example, the carrier may be impregnated with a flavour or with tobacco extract.

[0177] In some cases, the surface of the carrier that abuts the material may be porous. For example, in one case, the carrier comprises paper. A porous carrier such as paper has been found to be particularly suitable; the porous (e.g. paper) layer abuts the material layer and forms a strong bond. The aerosol-generating material may be formed by drying a slurry and, without being limited by theory, it is thought that the slurry partially impregnates the porous carrier (e.g. paper) so that the carrier is partially bound into the material. This provides a strong binding between the material and the carrier.

[0178] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be laminated to a carrier, such as a paper sheet.

[0179] In some embodiments, when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry as described herein, the layer of slurry may be formed on a carrier, such as a paper sheet. In some cases, the carrier is formed from or comprises metal foil, such as aluminium foil. A metallic carrier may allow for better conduction of thermal energy to the material. Additionally, or alternatively, a metal foil may function as a susceptor in an induction heating system. In particular embodiments, the carrier comprises a metal foil layer and a support layer, such as cardboard. In these embodiments, the metal foil layer may have a thickness of less than 20 pm, such as from about 1 pm to about 10 pm, suitably about 5 pm.

[0180] In some cases, the carrier may have a thickness of between about 0.010 mm and about 2.0 mm, suitably from about 0.015 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm or 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.5 mm.

[0181] Consumable

[0182] In an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a consumable for use in a noncombustible aerosol provision device, the consumable comprising the aerosolgenerating composition as defined herein.

[0183] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating composition, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosolgenerating composition storage area, an aerosol-generating composition transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating composition to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0184] Articles of the present invention may be provided in any suitable shape. In some examples, the article is provided as a rod (e.g. substantially cylindrical). An article provided as a rod may include the aerosol-generating composition as a shredded sheet, optionally blended with cut tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the article provided as a rod may include the aerosol-generating composition as a sheet, such as a sheet circumscribing a rod of aerosol-generating material (e.g. tobacco, or a combination of tobacco and an aerosol-generating material such as that described herein). In some embodiments, the article comprises a layer portion of aerosol- generating composition disposed on a carrier. In examples, the article may have at least one substantially planar (flat) surface.

[0185] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material, mln particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating film is substantially tobacco free.

[0186] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0187] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosolgenerating material.

[0188] In one case, the aerosol-generating film is shredded and blended with another shredded aerosol-generating film.

[0189] In one case, there is provided a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosolprovision system comprising a planar support with complete coverage of the aerosolgenerating material (e.g. a continuous aerosol-generating film). Figure 8 provides a schematic illustration of such a consumable, which includes a support layer 4 and an aerosol-generating material layer 2.

[0190] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosolgenerating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosolgenerating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0191] In some cases, the discrete portions of aerosol-generating material are substantially round, cylindrical or hemispherical. In some cases, there is a grid-shaped distribution of the substantially round, cylindrical or hemispherical aerosol-generating material. In some cases, there is provided a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosolprovision system comprising a planar support with a discontinuous aerosolgenerating film (which comprises a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol-generating material) deposited on it.

[0192] Figure 9 provides an example of a consumable (401) wherein a discontinuous aerosol-generating film (which comprises a discrete portion of aerosol-generating material (403)) are provided on the consumable.

[0193] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically- conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically- conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0194] Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating.

[0195] In some embodiments, the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit. It has been found that, when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which results in greater or improved Joule heating. When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.

[0196] In each of the above processes, as heat is generated inside the object itself, rather than by an external heat source by heat conduction, a rapid temperature rise in the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly through selection of suitable object material and geometry, and suitable varying magnetic field magnitude and orientation relative to the object. Moreover, as induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be provided between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, design freedom and control over the heating profile may be greater, and cost may be lower.

[0197] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

[0198] The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0199] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating composition. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating composition to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating composition to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating composition without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating composition to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. Non-combustible aerosol provision system

[0200] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising the consumable described herein and a non- combustible aerosol provision device.

[0201] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating composition of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0202] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0203] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating composition heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0204] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is a heat-not- burn device.

[0205] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating compositions, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises the aerosol-generating composition described herein and an additional liquid or gel aerosol-generating composition.

[0206] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is an electronic tobacco hybrid device.

[0207] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device.

[0208] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating composition or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0209] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0210] The non-combustible aerosol provision system or device may comprise a heater configured to heat but not burn the aerosol-generating composition. The heater may be, in some cases, a thin film, electrically resistive heater. In other cases, the heater may comprise an induction heater or the like. In yet further cases, the heater may be a combustible heat source or a chemical heat source which undergoes an exothermic reaction to produce heat in use.

[0211] In some cases, in use, the heater may heat, without burning, the aerosol-generating material to a temperature equal to or less than 350 °C, such as between 120 °C and 350 °C. In some cases, the heater may heat, without burning, the aerosol-generating composition to between 140 °C and 250 °C in use, or between 220 °C and 280 °C. In some cases in use, substantially all of the aerosol-generating material is less than about 4mm, 3mm, 2mm or 1mm from the heater. In some cases, the material is disposed between about 0.010mm and 2.0mm from the heater, suitably between about 0.02mm and 1.0mm, suitably 0.1mm to 0.5mm. In some cases, a surface of the aerosol-generating material may directly abut the heater.

[0212] The heater is configured to heat not burn the aerosol-generating article, and thus the aerosol-generating composition. The heater may be, in some cases, a thin film, electrically resistive heater. In other cases, the heater may comprise an induction heater or the like. The heater may be a combustible heat source or a chemical heat source which undergoes an exothermic reaction to product heat in use. The aerosol generating assembly may comprise a plurality of heaters. The heater(s) may be powered by a battery. The aerosol-generating article may additionally comprise a cooling element and / or a filter. The cooling element, if present, may act or function to cool gaseous or aerosol components. In some cases, it may act to cool gaseous components such that they condense to form an aerosol. It may also act to space the very hot parts of the noncombustible aerosol provision device from the user. The filter, if present, may comprise any suitable filter known in the art such as a cellulose acetate plug.

[0213] In some cases, the aerosol generating assembly may be a heat-not-burn device. That is, it may contain a solid aerosol-generating material (and no liquid aerosolgenerating material). In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may comprise the tobacco material. A heat-not-burn device is disclosed in WO 2015 / 062983 A2, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0214] In some cases, the aerosol generating assembly may be an electronic tobacco hybrid device. An electronic tobacco hybrid device is disclosed in WO 2016 / 135331 A1, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0215] The aerosol-generating article (which may be referred to herein as an article, a cartridge or a consumable) may be adapted for use in a THP, an electronic tobacco hybrid device or another aerosol generating device. In some cases, the article may additionally comprise a filter and / or cooling element (which have been described above). In some cases, the aerosol-generating article may be circumscribed by a wrapping material such as paper.

[0216] The aerosol-generating article may additionally comprise ventilation apertures. These may be provided in the sidewall of the article. In some cases, the ventilation apertures may be provided in the filter and / or cooling element. These apertures may allow cool air to be drawn into the article during use, which can mix with the heated volatilised components thereby cooling the aerosol.

[0217] The ventilation enhances the generation of visible heated volatilised components from the article when it is heated in use. The heated volatilised components are made visible by the process of cooling the heated volatilised components such that supersaturation of the heated volatilised components occurs. The heated volatilised components then undergo droplet formation, otherwise known as nucleation, and eventually the size of the aerosol particles of the heated volatilised components increases by further condensation of the heated volatilised components and by coagulation of newly formed droplets from the heated volatilised components.

[0218] In some cases, the ratio of the cool air to the sum of the heated volatilised components and the cool air, known as the ventilation ratio, is at least 15%. A ventilation ratio of 15% enables the heated volatilised components to be made visible by the method described above. The visibility of the heated volatilised components enables the user to identify that the volatilised components have been generated and adds to the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

[0219] In another example, the ventilation ratio is between 50% and 85% to provide additional cooling to the heated volatilised components. In some cases, the ventilation ratio may be at least 60% or 65%.

[0220] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there are shown a partially cut-away section view and a perspective view of an example of an aerosol-generating article 101. The article 101 is adapted for use with a device having a power source and a heater. The article 101 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with the device 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7, described below. In use, the article 101 may be removably inserted into the device shown in Figure 5 at an insertion point 20 of the device 1.

[0221] The article 101 of one example is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod that includes a body of aerosol-generating composition 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating composition comprises the aerosolgenerating material described herein.

[0222] The filter assembly 105 includes three segments, a cooling segment 107, a filter segment 109 and a mouth end segment 111. The article 101 has a first end 113, also known as a mouth end or a proximal end and a second end 115, also known as a distal end. The body of aerosol-generating composition 103 is located towards the distal end 115 of the article 101. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is located adjacent the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 between the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 109, such that the cooling segment 107 is in an abutting relationship with the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 103. In other examples, there may be a separation between the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 and the cooling segment 107 and between the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 109. The filter segment 109 is located in between the cooling segment 107 and the mouth end segment 111. The mouth end segment 111 is located towards the proximal end 113 of the article 101, adjacent the filter segment 109. In one example, the filter segment 109 is in an abutting relationship with the mouth end segment 111. In one embodiment, the total length of the filter assembly 105 is between 37mm and 45mm, more preferably, the total length of the filter assembly 105 is 41mm.

[0223] In one example, the rod of aerosol-generating composition 103 is between 34mm and 50mm in length, suitably between 38mm and 46mm in length, suitably 42mm in length.

[0224] In one example, the total length of the article 101 is between 71mm and 95mm, suitably between 79mm and 87mm, suitably 83mm.

[0225] An axial end of the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 is visible at the distal end 115 of the article 101. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 115 of the article 101 may comprise an end member (not shown) covering the axial end of the body of aerosol-generating composition 103.

[0226] The body of aerosol-generating composition 103 is joined to the filter assembly 105 by annular tipping paper (not shown), which is located substantially around the circumference of the filter assembly 105 to surround the filter assembly 105 and extends partially along the length of the body of aerosol-generating composition 103. In one example, the tipping paper is made of 58GSM standard tipping base paper. In one example the tipping paper has a length of between 42mm and 50mm, suitably of 46mm.

[0227] In one example, the cooling segment 107 is an annular tube and is located around and defines an air gap within the cooling segment. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatilised components generated from the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 to flow. The cooling segment 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article 101 is in use during insertion into the device 1. In one example, the thickness of the wall of the cooling segment 107 is approximately 0.29mm. The cooling segment 107 provides a physical displacement between the aerosolgenerating composition 103 and the filter segment 109. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 107 will provide a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling segment 107. In one example the cooling segment 107 is configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 40 degrees Celsius between a heated volatilised component entering a first end of the cooling segment 107 and a heated volatilised component exiting a second end of the cooling segment 107. In one example the cooling segment 107 is configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 60 degrees Celsius between a heated volatilised component entering a first end of the cooling segment 107 and a heated volatilised component exiting a second end of the cooling segment 107. This temperature differential across the length of the cooling element 107 protects the temperature sensitive filter segment 109 from the high temperatures of the aerosol-generating composition 103 when it is heated by the device 1. If the physical displacement was not provided between the filter segment 109 and the body of aerosol-generating composition 103 and the heating elements of the device 1 , then the temperature sensitive filter segment may 109 become damaged in use, so it would not perform its required functions as effectively.

[0228] In one example the length of the cooling segment 107 is at least 15mm. In one example, the length of the cooling segment 107 is between 20mm and 30mm, more particularly 23mm to 27mm, more particularly 25mm to 27mm, suitably 25mm.

[0229] The cooling segment 107 is made of paper, which means that it is comprised of a material that does not generate compounds of concern, for example, toxic compounds when in use adjacent to the heater of the device 1. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube which provides a hollow internal chamber yet maintains mechanical rigidity. Spirally wound paper tubes are able to meet the tight dimensional accuracy requirements of highspeed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

[0230] In another example, the cooling segment 107 is a recess created from stiff plug wrap or tipping paper. The stiff plug wrap or tipping paper is manufactured to have a rigidity that is sufficient to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article 101 is in use during insertion into the device 1. The filter segment 109 may be formed of any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatilised compounds from heated volatilised components from the aerosolgenerating material. In one example the filter segment 109 is made of a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 109 provides cooling and irritation-reduction from the heated volatilised components without depleting the quantity of the heated volatilised components to an unsatisfactory level for a user.

[0231] In some embodiments, a capsule (not illustrated) may be provided in filter segment 109. It may be disposed substantially centrally in the filter segment 109, both across the filter segment 109 diameter and along the filter segment 109 length. In other cases, it may be offset in one or more dimension. The capsule may in some cases, where present, contain a volatile component such as a flavourant or aerosol-former material.

[0232] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of the filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop across the filter segment 109, which in turn controls the draw resistance of the article 101. Therefore the selection of the material of the filter segment 109 is important in controlling the resistance to draw of the article 101. In addition, the filter segment performs a filtration function in the article 101.

[0233] In one example, the filter segment 109 is made of a 8Y15 grade of filter tow material, which provides a filtration effect on the heated volatilised material, whilst also reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets which result from the heated volatilised material.

[0234] The presence of the filter segment 109 provides an insulating effect by providing further cooling to the heated volatilised components that exit the cooling segment 107. This further cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user’s lips on the surface of the filter segment 109.

[0235] In one example, the filter segment 109 is between 6mm to 10mm in length, suitably 8mm.

[0236] The mouth end segment 111 is an annular tube and is located around and defines an air gap within the mouth end segment 111. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatilised components that flow from the filter segment 109. The mouth end segment 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article is in use during insertion into the device 1. In one example, the thickness of the wall of the mouth end segment 111 is approximately 0.29mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 111 is between 6mm to 10mm, suitably 8mm.

[0237] The mouth end segment 111 may be manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube which provides a hollow internal chamber yet maintains critical mechanical rigidity. Spirally wound paper tubes are able to meet the tight dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

[0238] The mouth end segment 111 provides the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the exit of the filter segment 109 from coming into direct contact with a user.

[0239] It should be appreciated that, in one example, the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107 may be formed of a single tube and the filter segment 109 is located within that tube separating the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107.

[0240] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there are shown a partially cut-away section and perspective views of an example of an article 301. The reference signs shown in Figures 3 and 4 are equivalent to the reference signs shown in Figures 1 and 2, but with an increment of 200.

[0241] In the example of the article 301 shown in Figures 3 and 4, a ventilation region 317 is provided in the article 301 to enable air to flow into the interior of the article 301 from the exterior of the article 301. In one example the ventilation region 317 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the article 301. The ventilation holes may be located in the cooling segment 307 to aid with the cooling of the article 301. In one example, the ventilation region 317 comprises one or more rows of holes, and preferably, each row of holes is arranged circumferentially around the article 301 in a cross-section that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the article 301. In one example, there are between one to four rows of ventilation holes to provide ventilation for the article 301. Each row of ventilation holes may have between 12 to 36 ventilation holes 317. The ventilation holes 317 may, for example, be between 100 to 500pm in diameter. In one example, an axial separation between rows of ventilation holes 317 is between 0.25mm and 0.75mm, suitably 0.5mm.

[0242] In one example, the ventilation holes 317 are of uniform size. In another example, the ventilation holes 317 vary in size. The ventilation holes can be made using any suitable technique, for example, one or more of the following techniques: laser technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling segment 307 or pre-perforation of the cooling segment 307 before it is formed into the article 301. The ventilation holes 317 are positioned so as to provide effective cooling to the article 301.

[0243] In one example, the rows of ventilation holes 317 are located at least 11mm from the proximal end 313 of the article, suitably between 17mm and 20mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301. The location of the ventilation holes 317 is positioned such that user does not block the ventilation holes 317 when the article 301 is in use.

[0244] Providing the rows of ventilation holes between 17mm and 20mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301 enables the ventilation holes 317 to be located outside of the device 1, when the article 301 is fully inserted in the device 1, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 7. By locating the ventilation holes outside of the device, non-heated air is able to enter the article 301 through the ventilation holes from outside the device 1 to aid with the cooling of the article 301.

[0245] The length of the cooling segment 307 is such that the cooling segment 307 will be partially inserted into the device 1 , when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 1. The length of the cooling segment 307 provides a first function of providing a physical gap between the heater arrangement of the device 1 and the heat sensitive filter arrangement 309, and a second function of enabling the ventilation holes 317 to be located in the cooling segment, whilst also being located outside of the device 1, when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 1. As can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, the majority of the cooling element 307 is located within the device 1. However, there is a portion of the cooling element 307 that extends out of the device 1. It is in this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends out of the device 1 in which the ventilation holes 317 are located. Referring now to Figures 5 to 7 in more detail, there is shown an example of a device 1 arranged to heat aerosol-generating composition to volatilise at least one component of said aerosol-generating composition, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled. The device 1 is a heating device which releases compounds by heating, but not burning, the aerosol-generating composition.

[0246] A first end 3 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth or proximal end 3 of the device 1 and a second end 5 is sometimes referred to herein as the distal end 5 of the device 1. The device 1 has an on / off button 7 to allow the device 1 as a whole to be switched on and off as desired by a user.

[0247] The device 1 comprises a housing 9 for locating and protecting various internal components of the device 1. In the example shown, the housing 9 comprises a unibody sleeve 11 that encompasses the perimeter of the device 1 , capped with a top panel 17 which defines generally the ‘top’ of the device 1 and a bottom panel 19 which defines generally the ‘bottom’ of the device 1. In another example the housing comprises a front panel, a rear panel and a pair of opposite side panels in addition to the top panel 17 and the bottom panel 19.

[0248] The top panel 17 and / or the bottom panel 19 may be removably fixed to the uni-body sleeve 11 , to permit easy access to the interior of the device 1 , or may be “permanently” fixed to the uni-body sleeve 11 , for example to deter a user from accessing the interior of the device 1. In an example, the panels 17 and 19 are made of a plastics material, including for example glass-filled nylon formed by injection moulding, and the uni-body sleeve 11 is made of aluminium, though other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

[0249] The top panel 17 of the device 1 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 3 of the device 1 through which, in use, the article 101 , 301 including the aerosol-generating composition may be inserted into the device 1 and removed from the device 1 by a user.

[0250] The housing 9 has located or fixed therein a heater arrangement 23, control circuitry 25 and a power source 27. In this example, the heater arrangement 23, the control circuitry 25 and the power source 27 are laterally adjacent (that is, adjacent when viewed from an end), with the control circuitry 25 being located generally between the heater arrangement 23 and the power source 27, though other locations are possible.

[0251] The control circuitry 25 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heating of the aerosolgenerating composition in the article 101, 301 as discussed further below.

[0252] The power source 27 may be for example a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include for example a lithium-ion battery, a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), an alkaline battery and / or the like. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heater arrangement 23 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the control circuitry 25 to heat the aerosol-generating composition in the article (as discussed, to volatilise the aerosol-generating material without causing the aerosolgenerating composition to burn).

[0253] An advantage of locating the power source 27 laterally adjacent to the heater arrangement 23 is that a physically large power source 25 may be used without causing the device 1 as a whole to be unduly lengthy. As will be understood, in general a physically large power source 25 has a higher capacity (that is, the total electrical energy that can be supplied, often measured in Amp-hours or the like) and thus the battery life for the device 1 can be longer.

[0254] In one example, the heater arrangement 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube, having a hollow interior heating chamber 29 into which the article 101, 301 comprising the aerosol-generating material is inserted for heating in use. Different arrangements for the heater arrangement 23 are possible. For example, the heater arrangement 23 may comprise a single heating element or may be formed of plural heating elements aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heater arrangement 23. The or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or at least part-annular or part-tubular around its circumference. In an example, the or each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example, the or each heating element may be made of a ceramics material. Examples of suitable ceramics materials include alumina and aluminium nitride and silicon nitride ceramics, which may be laminated and sintered. Other heating arrangements are possible, including for example inductive heating, infrared heater elements, which heat by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating elements formed by for example a resistive electrical winding. In one particular example, the heater arrangement 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and comprises a polyimide heating element. The heater arrangement 23 is dimensioned so that substantially the whole of the body of aerosol-generating composition 103, 303 of the article 101 , 301 is inserted into the heater arrangement 23 when the article 101 , 301 is inserted into the device 1.

[0255] The or each heating element may be arranged so that selected zones of the aerosolgenerating material can be independently heated, for example in turn (over time, as discussed above) or together (simultaneously) as desired.

[0256] The heater arrangement 23 in this example is surrounded along at least part of its length by a thermal insulator 31. The insulator 31 helps to reduce heat passing from the heater arrangement 23 to the exterior of the device 1. This helps to keep down the power requirements for the heater arrangement 23 as it reduces heat losses generally. The insulator 31 also helps to keep the exterior of the device 1 cool during operation of the heater arrangement 23. In one example, the insulator 31 may be a double-walled sleeve which provides a low pressure region between the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulator 31 may be for example a “vacuum” tube, i.e. a tube that has been at least partially evacuated so as to minimise heat transfer by conduction and / or convection. Other arrangements for the insulator 31 are possible, including using heat insulating materials, including for example a suitable foam-type material, in addition to or instead of a double-walled sleeve.

[0257] The housing 9 may further comprises various internal support structures 37 for supporting all internal components, as well as the heating arrangement 23.

[0258] The device 1 further comprises a collar 33 which extends around and projects from the opening 20 into the interior of the housing 9 and a generally tubular chamber 35 which is located between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum sleeve 31 . The chamber 35 further comprises a cooling structure 35f, which in this example, comprises a plurality of cooling fins 35f spaced apart along the outer surface of the chamber 35, and each arranged circumferentially around outer surface of the chamber 35. There is an air gap 36 between the hollow chamber 35 and the article 101 , 301 when it is inserted in the device 1 over at least part of the length of the hollow chamber 35. The air gap 36 is around all of the circumference of the article 101 , 301 over at least part of the cooling segment 307. The collar 33 comprises a plurality of ridges 60 arranged circumferentially around the periphery of the opening 20 and which project into the opening 20. The ridges 60 take up space within the opening 20 such that the open span of the opening 20 at the locations of the ridges 60 is less than the open span of the opening 20 at the locations without the ridges 60. The ridges 60 are configured to engage with an article 101 , 301 inserted into the device to assist in securing it within the device 1. Open spaces (not shown in the Figures) defined by adjacent pairs of ridges 60 and the article 101 , 301 form ventilation paths around the exterior of the article 101 , 301. These ventilation paths allow hot vapours that have escaped from the article 101 , 301 to exit the device 1 and allow cooling air to flow into the device 1 around the article 101 , 301 in the air gap 36.

[0259] In operation, the article 101 , 301 is removably inserted into an insertion point 20 of the device 1 , as shown in Figures 5 to 7. Referring particularly to Figure 6, in one example, the body of aerosol-generating composition 103, 303, which is located towards the distal end 115, 315 of the article 101 , 301 , is entirely received within the heater arrangement 23 of the device 1. The proximal end 113, 313 of the article 101 , 301 extends from the device 1 and acts as a mouthpiece assembly for a user.

[0260] In operation, the heater arrangement 23 will heat the article 101 , 301 to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol-generating composition from the body of aerosolgenerating composition 103, 303.

[0261] The primary flow path for the heated volatilised components from the body of aerosol-generating composition 103, 303 is axially through the article 101 , 301 , through the chamber inside the cooling segment 107, 307, through the filter segment 109, 309, through the mouth end segment 111 , 313 to the user. In one example, the temperature of the heated volatilised components that are generated from the body of aerosol-generating composition is between 60°C and 250°C, which may be above the acceptable inhalation temperature for a user. As the heated volatilised component travels through the cooling segment 107, 307, it will cool and some volatilised components will condense on the inner surface of the cooling segment 107, 307.

[0262] In the examples of the article 301 shown in Figures 3 and 4, cool air will be able to enter the cooling segment 307 via the ventilation holes 317 formed in the cooling segment 307. This cool air will mix with the heated volatilised components to provide additional cooling to the heated volatilised components.

[0263] Method of making material

[0264] In one aspect the present invention provides a method of making an aerosolgenerating material, the method comprising:

[0265] (a) forming a slurry comprising:

[0266] - an aerosol-generating agent;

[0267] - a modified botanical extract as described herein or a botanical extract and a sequestering agent;

[0268] - any other components of the aerosol generating material or precursors thereof; and

[0269] - a solvent

[0270] (b) forming a layer of the slurry; and

[0271] (c) drying the slurry to form an aerosol-generating material.

[0272] As used herein, the term “mixture” may be used in place of “slurry”.

[0273] The modified botanical extract may comprise a botanical extract which has been treated to reduce the amount of metal ions or free metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

[0274] When present, the sequestering agent may be added to the slurry or added to the botanical extract before adding the combination of the botanical extract and sequestering agent to the slurry.

[0275] In some embodiments the sequestering agent is present in the slurry in the amount of from about 0.1 wt%, 1 wt% or 2 wt% to about 10 wt%, 8 wt%, 5 wt% or 4 wt%. In some embodiments the sequestering agent is present in the slurry in the amount of from about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%, such as from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt% or from about 2 wt% to about 4 wt%.

[0276] Step (b) of forming a layer of the slurry may comprise spraying, casting or extruding the slurry, for example. In some cases, the slurry layer is formed by electrospraying the slurry. In some cases, the slurry layer is formed by casting the slurry. In some cases, (b) and / or (c) may, at least partially, occur simultaneously (for example, during electrospraying). In some cases, (b) and (c) may occur sequentially.

[0277] The drying (c) may, in some cases, remove from about 50wt%, 60wt%, 70wt%, 80wt% or 90wt% to about 80wt%, 90wt% or 95wt% (WWB) of water in the slurry.

[0278] In some cases, the resulting aerosol-generating material comprises from about 1wt% to about 15wt% water, calculated on a wet weight basis. Suitably, the resulting aerosol-generating material comprises from about 5wt% to about 15wt% water, calculated on a wet weight basis (WWB). Suitably, the water content of the aerosolgenerating material may be from about 5wt%, 7wt% or 9wt% to about 15wt%, 13wt% or 11wt% (WWB), most suitably about 10wt%.

[0279] If the drying process occurs too quickly, the aerosol-generating material may crack. The aerosol generated from a cracked aerosol-generating material on heating is less consistent as compared to a solid that is not cracked. The drying process is therefore important as it affects the aerosol generation and user satisfaction.

[0280] In some cases, the drying results in an aerosol-generating material which has a thickness that is between about 5% and about 60% of the slurry thickness, such as from about 5% to about 50% or about 5% and 20% , suitably about 10%. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may have a thickness of about 0.015mm to about 1.0mm. Suitably, the thickness may be in the range of from about 0.03 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm, for example 0.015-0.8 mm, 0.03-0.5 mm or 0.04-0.2 mm. The aerosol-generating material may comprise more than one layer, and the thickness described herein refers to the aggregate thickness of those layers.

[0281] In some cases, the method comprises forming a layer of the slurry which is less than about 4mm thick. Suitably, the thickness of the slurry layer is in the range of from about 0.05 to about 3mm, such as from about 0.1 to about 2mm or from about 0.1 to about 1.5mm.

[0282] If the slurry layer is too thick, it can be difficult to dry to form an aerosol-generating material with the required water content, whilst minimising cracking of the solid on drying. If the aerosol-generating material is too thick, heating efficiency may be compromised. This adversely affects the power consumption in use. Conversely, if the aerosol-generating material is too thin, it may be difficult to manufacture and handle; a very thin material is harder to cast and may be fragile, compromising aerosol formation in use.

[0283] The aerosol-generating material thicknesses stipulated herein optimise the material properties in view of these competing considerations.

[0284] Any thickness stipulated herein is a mean thickness. In some cases, the thickness may vary by no more than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% or 1%.

[0285] In some cases, the drying step (c) comprises flowing air over the slurry, wherein the air temperature is in the range of from about 30°C to about 180°C, such as from about 80°C to about 140°C. In some cases, the air flow speed is less than about 30m / s, and is suitably in the range of 10m / s to 30m / s. In some cases, the air flow speed is about 20 m / s.

[0286] In some cases, the drying step (c) comprises heating the slurry for less than about 40 minutes, 30 minutes or 20 minutes. In some cases, it comprises heating the slurry for at least about 10 minutes. In other cases it comprises heating the slurry for from about 30 seconds to about 7 minutes, such as from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes or from about 2 minutes to about 4 minutes.

[0287] In some cases, the drying step (c) comprises heating the slurry to a temperature in the range of about 25°C, 30°C, 50°C, 80°C, 85°C or 90°C to about 180°C, 150°C, 140°C, 130°C, 120°C or 110°C.

[0288] In some cases, the surface temperature of the slurry during drying does not exceed about 100°C.

[0289] During step (c) the slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent.

[0290] It has been found that the peel adhesion strength between the aerosol-generating material and any material to which it is joined (e.g. a carrier) is improved by the use of the modified botanical extract disclosed herein, and / or the addition of a sequestering agent.

[0291] In some embodiments the peel strength between the aerosol-generating material and any material to which it is joined (e.g. a carrier) is at least about 30 mN / mm, such as t least about 100 mN / mm or at least about 120 mN / mm. In some embodiments the peel force is from about 30 to about 300 mN / mm, such as from about 100 to about 200 mN / mm or from about 120 to about 180 mN / mm. The peel force may be measured using the procedure set out in Example 5.

[0292] The slurry itself also forms part of the invention. Thus, in one aspect the present invention provides a slurry comprising:

[0293] - an aerosol-generating agent;

[0294] - (i) a modified botanical extract as described herein or (ii) a botanical extract and a sequestering agent;

[0295] - any other components of the aerosol generating material or precursors thereof; and

[0296] - a solvent.

[0297] In some examples, the slurry solvent consists essentially of or consists of water. In some examples, the slurry comprises from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt% or 90 wt% of solvent (WWB).

[0298] Since the modified botanical extract or botanical extract and sequestering agent results in a reduced concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more, less crosslinking of any crosslinkable binder may occur in the slurry. As a result, the slurry may have a lower viscosity that an otherwise identical slurry comprising an unmodified botanical extract and no sequestering agent. Consequently the amount of solvent may be reduced, whilst still obtaining a slurry with a suitable viscosity for forming the desired aerosol-generating material.

[0299] In some embodiments the slurry has a viscosity of from about 0.1 to about 1000 Pa.s at a shear rate of 1 / s, such as from about 1 to about 800 Pa.s at a shear rate of 1 / s or from about 10 to about 500 Pa.s at a shear rate of 1 / s. In some embodiments the slurry has a viscosity of from about 0.01 to about 100 Pa.s at a shear rate of 100 / s, such as from about 0.1 to about 10 Pa.s at a shear rate of 100 / s or from about 1 to about 10 Pa.s at a shear rate of 100 / s.

[0300] In examples where the solvent consists of water, the dry weight content of the slurry may match the dry weight content of the aerosol-generating material. Thus, the discussion herein relating to the composition of the aerosol-generating material is explicitly disclosed in combination with the slurry aspect of the invention.

[0301] Method of generating an aerosol

[0302] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of generating an aerosol using a non-combustible aerosol provision system as described herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises heating the aerosolgenerating material (or the aerosol-generating composition) to a temperature of less than or equal to 350 °C. In some embodiments, the method comprises heating the aerosol-generating material (or the aerosol-generating composition) to a temperature of from about 220 °C to about 280 °C. In some embodiments, the method comprises heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material (or the aerosolgenerating composition) to a temperature of from about 220 °C to about 280 °C over a session of use.

[0303] “Session of use” as used herein refers to a single period of use of the noncombustible aerosol provision system by a user. The session of use begins at the point at which power is first supplied to at least one heating unit present in the heating assembly. The device will be ready for use after a period of time has elapsed from the start of the session of use. The session of use ends at the point at which no power is supplied to any of the heating elements in the aerosol-generating device. The end of the session of use may coincide with the point at which the smoking article is depleted (the point at which the total particulate matter yield (mg) in each puff would be deemed unacceptably low by a user). The session will have a duration of a plurality of puffs. Said session may have a duration less than 7 minutes, or 6 minutes, or 5 minutes, or 4 minutes and 30 seconds, or 4 minutes, or 3 minutes and 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the session of use may have a duration of from 2 to 5 minutes, or from 3 to 4.5 minutes, or 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, or suitably 4 minutes. A session may be initiated by the user actuating a button or switch on the device, causing at least one heating element to begin rising in temperature. All percentages by weight described herein (denoted wt%) are calculated on a dry weight basis (DWB), unless explicitly stated otherwise. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. A weight quoted on a dry weight basis refers to the whole of the slurry, aerosol-generating composition or aerosol-generating material, other than the water, and may include components which by themselves are liquid at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, a weight percentage quoted on a wet weight basis (WWB) refers to all components, including water.

[0304] For the avoidance of doubt, where in this specification the term “comprises” is used in defining the invention or features of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature can be defined using the terms “consists essentially of” or “consists of” in place of “comprises”. Reference to a material “comprising” certain features means that those features are included in, contained in, or held within the material.

[0305] Any feature described in relation to one aspect of the invention is expressly disclosed in combination with any other aspect described herein.

[0306] Examples

[0307] Example 1

[0308] Water was placed into a robot cook food blender and set to 2500 rpm. Alginate was poured slowly into the food blender while mixing. The mixture was left to stir for 5 minutes with the insides of the blender wiped with the wiper blade every minute. The mixing speed was decreased to 2000 rpm and tobacco extract formed from Burley, Oriental or a blend of Virginia, Oriental and Burley tobacco (referred to below as “blend” or “the blend”) was poured in slowly into the blender. Once no extract remained the blender was increased to 2500 rpm and left to mix for 10 minutes while wiping the inside of the food blander every 2 minutes with the wiper blade. After 10 minutes the speed was decreased to 1000 rpm for 5 minutes.

[0309] In this way three mixtures or slurries (F001, F002 and F003) were prepared comprising 1.01 wt% alginate, 3.3 wt% glycerol, 8.44 wt% tobacco extract and 87.25 wt% water, as set out in Table 1 below. Each mixture or slurry comprised a different type of tobacco extract (formed from Burley, Oriental or blend tobacco). Table 1

[0310] The flow rheology of the mixtures was then measured, with the results set out in Figure 10.

[0311] Example 2

[0312] Sodium alginate (Algogel 6021) was dispersed into glycerol using a magnetic stirrer at 200 rpm for 5 minutes. Once dissolved the mixture was added slowly to a stainless-steel beaker of water stirring at 600 rpm with an Ultra turrax dispersing device. The beaker was stirred for 5 minutes at 1200 rpm. A tobacco extract formed from Oriental tobacco was then poured in slowly while stirring at 1000 rpm. Once in the mixture, it was stirred at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes. Sodium citrate dihydrate was then in the amount of 2 wt%, 3 wt% or 4 wt% were then formed, to form mixtures F108, F109 and D110 as set out in Table 2 below.

[0313] Table 2 The flow rheology of the mixtures was then measured, with the results set out in Figure 11.

[0314] The results show that when 2 wt% sodium citrate was added there was still crosslinking of the alginate, with the mixture showing a shear thinning flow profile. In contrast, when 3 wt% sodium citrate was added the mixture showed a more Newtonian flow profile over the range of shear rates tested. The same was observed for the mixture containing 4 wt% sodium citrate. This indicates that at 3 wt% the sodium citrate is in excess.

[0315] Example 3

[0316] The mixtures of Example 2 comprising 3 or 4 wt% sodium citrate (F110) was found to be not viscous enough to be drawn down into a homogeneous film.

[0317] It was then investigated whether reducing the water content of the formulations with sodium citrate in excess could increase the viscosity to ensure a film could be formed from the mixture.

[0318] Mixtures were therefore formed according to the procedure set out in Example 2, having the formulations set out in Table 3 below.

[0319] Table 3 The rheology of these formulations was investigated to further understand how controlling the water content can be used to manipulate the rheology. The results are shown in Figure 12.

[0320] As shown in Figure 12, by decreasing the water content of the mixture an increase in viscosity is observed. This shows that water content of the formulations containing sodium citrate can be used to control the rheology.

[0321] Example 4

[0322] It was then investigated whether the addition of sodium citrate to reduce crosslinking reduced the variation between mixtures prepared with different tobacco extracts.

[0323] Mixtures were therefore formed according to the procedure set out in Example 2, having the formulations set out in Table 4 below.

[0324] Table 4

[0325] The rheology of these mixtures was then tested, with the results shown in Figure 13.

[0326] As shown in Figure 13, there were still differences observed in the rheology of the formulations prepared from the three different tobacco extracts. This is thought to be due to differing concentrations of metal (e.g. calcium) ions in the different extracts. The difference in rheology between the different tobacco extracts is reduced compared to the same mixtures containing no chelating agents (Figure 10), particularly at higher shear rates.

[0327] Example 5 Mixtures were formed according to the procedure set out in Example 2, having the formulations set out in Table 5 below. The mixtures were then cast on an aluminium foil and dried to form an aerosol generating material of the invention. The adhesion between the aerosol generating material and the aluminium foil (e.g. carrier) was then measured.

[0328] Table 5

[0329] Once formulated each mixture was placed into a sample jar where it was pipetted onto the aluminium side of an aluminium and paper laminate substrate. The substrate was held using a TQC Sheen Automatic Film Applicator and doctor blade. The draw down speed was set to 8 mm / second. The wet film thicknesses were 950 pm (F002, F003 and F107) and 420 pm (F111).

[0330] The adhesion between the foil and the dried film was then measured using a 90° peel adhesion test.

[0331] 90° peel adhesion testing was conducted using a Nordson DAGE 8000PLUS bond tester fitted with a T1kg tweezer cartridge. Test specimens were mounted onto 25 x 75 mm microscope slides using Tesa double sided tape. Scotch 508 tape was applied to the coating and pressed using a force of >2 kg. The peel test was initiated by hand, with the tape peeled back approximately 5 mm. Mounted specimens were then clamped into a vice and the tape gripped by the tweezer cartridge such that a 90° peel angle was achieved. The peel test was performed at 1.5 mm / s for between 20-40 mm. The average peel force was calculated from at least 15 mm of plateaued data (typically data recorded after the first 5 mm of travel).

[0332] The average peel force is shown in Figure 14. As shown in Figure 14, the peel adhesion strength of the film was improved by the addition of a sequestering agent. This was also reflected in a change of peel adhesion failure mode from a failure between the coating and substrate for F002 and F003 to a failure between the coating and the peel tape for F107 and F111. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is postulated that either a diminished degree of crosslinking or reduced rate of crosslinking of alginate had resulted from the addition of the sequestering agent (sodium citrate), which resulted in increased adhesion of the film.

Claims

Claims:

1. A modified botanical extract comprising a botanical extract which has been treated to reduce the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the extract.

2. The modified botanical extract of claim 1, wherein the metal ions with a valency of two or more are calcium and / or magnesium ions.

3. The modified botanical extract of claim 1, wherein the metal ions with a valency of two or more are calcium ions.

4. The modified botanical extract of any preceding claim, wherein the botanical extract comprises a tobacco extract.

5. The modified botanical extract of any preceding claim, wherein the modified botanical extract comprises a sequestering agent, optionally wherein the sequestering agent is a citrate salt such as sodium citrate.

6. The modified botanical extract of any preceding claim, wherein the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more is at least about 50% less than the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in the corresponding unmodified botanical extract; and / or wherein the concentration of free metal ions with a valency of two or more in the modified botanical extract is less than about 2.5 wt%; and / or wherein the concentration of free calcium ions in the modified botanical extract is less than about 1.5 wt%.

7. A method for making the modified botanical extract of any preceding claim, the method comprising reducing the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in a botanical extract.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method first comprises forming the botanical extract from a botanical material.

9. The method of any of claims 7-8, wherein the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more is reduced using an ion exchange process.

10. The method of any of claims 7-8, wherein the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more is reduced using a sequestering agent.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sequestering agent is a citrate salt such as sodium citrate.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the sequestering agent is added to the botanical extract in a weight ratio of from about 1 : 10 to about 10:1 botanical extract to sequestering agent.

13. The method of any of claims 7-12, wherein the method further comprises determining the concentration of metal ions with a valency of two or more in a botanical extract, and then reducing the concentration of such metal ions in the botanical extract to a predetermined concentration.

14. An aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol-generating agent and (i) the modified botanical extract of any of clams 1-6 or (ii) a botanical extract and a sequestering agent.

15. The aerosol generating material of claim 14, which further comprises a binder.

16. The aerosol generating material of claim 15, wherein the binder comprises a crosslinkable binder.

17. The aerosol generating material of claim 16, wherein the crosslinkable binder comprises alginate, pectin, carrageenan, or combinations thereof.

18. The aerosol generating material of claim 17, wherein the crosslinkable binder comprises alginate.

19. The aerosol generating material of any of claims 14-18, wherein the aerosolgenerating material comprises a crosslinking agent, which optionally comprises calcium ions, such as calcium lactate, calcium formate, and / or calcium acetate.

20. The aerosol generating material of any of claims 14-19, wherein the aerosol generating material further comprises a flavourant and / or an active and / or an acid.

21. An aerosol-generating composition comprising the aerosol generating material of any of claims 14-20.

22. A consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the consumable comprising the aerosol-generating composition of claim 21.

23. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising the consumable of claim 22 and a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

24. A slurry comprising- an aerosol-generating agent;- (i) the modified botanical extract of any of clams 1-6 or (ii) a botanical extract and a sequestering agent;- any other components of the aerosol generating material or precursors thereof; and- a solvent.

25. A method of making the aerosol-generating material of any of claims 14-20, the method comprising:(a) forming a slurry comprising:- an aerosol-generating agent;- (i) the modified botanical extract of any of clams 1-6 or (ii) a botanical extract and a sequestering agent;- any other components of the aerosol generating material or precursors thereof; and- a solvent(b) forming a layer of the slurry; and(c) drying the slurry to form an aerosol-generating material.

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