Cyclodextrin-Based High-Water Nicotine Aerosol for Reduced Toxicants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-cigarettes fail to provide an aerosol that mimics the complex flavor and nicotine absorption experience of traditional tobacco products, and there is a need to reduce harmful toxicants.
Innovation Solution
An aerosolisable formulation comprising at least 85 wt.% water, nicotine, and cyclodextrins, which avoids the use of glycerol and propylene glycol, allowing for a high water content that delivers desirable nicotine 'hit' and flavor release while minimizing the formation of toxicants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional e-cigarette formulations using glycerol and propylene glycol are used, then vapor generation is achieved, but toxicant formation increases and user experience does not closely mimic tobacco smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using at least 85 wt% water instead of traditional glycerol/propylene glycol bases, and incorporates cyclodextrins to form inclusion complexes with nicotine. This parameter change reduces toxicant formation while maintaining acceptable vapor generation and flavor delivery, directly resolving the contradiction between harmful factors and user experience quality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high water content formulation is used, then toxicant formation is reduced, but nicotine delivery and flavor release may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cyclodextrins as intermediary molecules that form inclusion complexes with nicotine. These cyclodextrin-nicotine complexes serve as mediators that enable nicotine delivery through high water content formulations, allowing the system to maintain at least 85 wt% water (reducing toxicants) while still achieving effective nicotine transfer to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation creates a composite system combining water, cyclodextrins, and nicotine where the cyclodextrins act as solubilizing agents. This composite approach allows nicotine to be effectively delivered in a high water content matrix that would otherwise be incompatible with adequate nicotine vaporization, resolving the contradiction between toxicant reduction and nicotine delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional e-liquid composition is used, then device compatibility is maintained, but the aerosol does not provide acceptable flavor complexity and nicotine absorption profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the formulation parameters by using high water content (at least 85 wt%) and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, which changes the physical and chemical properties of the aerosol. Despite these parameter changes, the formulation maintains compatibility with conventional e-cigarette devices while significantly improving flavor complexity and nicotine absorption characteristics to better mimic tobacco smoke.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The formulation provides a sensory experience similar to tobacco-based cigarettes with reduced toxicant formation by using a high water content and cyclodextrins, enhancing user satisfaction and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an aerosolisable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 85 wt.% based on the aerosolisable formulation; (ii) nicotine; and (iii) one or more cyclodextrins
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
There is provided an aerosolisable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 85 wt.% based on the aerosolisable formulation; and (ii) nicotine. There is also provided a process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising aerosolising an aerosolisable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 85 wt.% based on the aerosolisable formulation; and (ii) nicotine or one or more flavours.