MDI Formulation Wax and Terpene Additives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metered dose inhalers often fail to provide a comfortable experience for users due to discomfort associated with the delivery of formulations, particularly in terms of temperature and sensation, which can be exacerbated by the use of traditional propellants and lack of additives like wax and terpenes.
Innovation Solution
The formulation includes cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, a polar solvent like ethanol, and a propellant like HFA 134a, along with natural wax and terpenes, which are combined and processed to create a gel or viscous liquid for improved comfort and delivery characteristics, including a specific actuator orifice configuration for optimal aerosol distribution and heat sink properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional propellants are used in metered dose inhalers, then the formulation can be delivered, but user comfort deteriorates due to temperature and sensation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the formulation by adding wax (0.1-10 mg/mL) and terpene (0.1-5 mg/mL) components, and adjusting propellant ratios (HFA 134a and HFA 227ea in various combinations). These parameter modifications alter the temperature profile and sensation characteristics of the inhaled formulation, resolving the contradiction between reliable delivery and user comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wax and terpenes are added to the formulation, then subject comfort improves, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation by combining cannabinoids or extracts with specific wax components (0.1-10 mg/mL) and terpene components (0.1-5 mg/mL) in a propellant mixture. This composite approach integrates multiple functional components that work together to improve comfort while maintaining manageable formulation complexity through defined concentration ranges.
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuator orifice is configured for optimal aerosol distribution, then particle size distribution improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by specifically configuring the actuator orifice geometry (diameter, shape, surface characteristics) to control aerosolization characteristics. This localized optimization of the orifice structure achieves improved particle size distribution (MMAD 1-5 micrometers) without requiring changes to the entire device manufacturing process.
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 more comfortable inhalation experience by maintaining dose content uniformity and particle size distribution, with the addition of wax and terpenes enhancing subject comfort and the HFA propellant ensuring efficient delivery, achieving greater than 1 mg of extract per actuation with improved comfort metrics.
Implementation Method 1
an amount of a propellant suitable for metered dose inhalation application to a human subject
Implementation Method 2
a polar solvent miscible with the propellant, the cannabinoid(s), and an amount of a wax and/or terpene
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are embodiments related to metered dose inhalers and formulations for such inhalers. In some embodiments, the inhalers are configured so as to allow a more comfortable experience for the subject receiving the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises various ingredients, such as terpenes and/or waxes, which can further enhance the level of comfort for the subject receiving the formulation.