High Nicotine Aerosol Liquid Formulation pH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol liquids with high nicotine levels cause irritation in the throat and nose area, and struggle to maintain high flavor intensity and vapor density, leading to a suboptimal sensory experience for users.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol liquid formulation includes at least 55 wt.% propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol, with a PG to glycerol ratio of at least 60:40, and controls the aerosol collected mass (ACM) to at least 85 mg/25 puffs, optimizing the sensorial profile and reducing negative sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high amounts of nicotine are used in aerosol liquid, then nicotine delivery is improved, but irritation in the throat and nose area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of the aerosol liquid to between 2.1-6.7 through addition of organic acids. This pH modification changes the physiological response to nicotine, reducing irritation in the throat and nose area while maintaining effective nicotine delivery to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses organic acids (such as pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, lauric acid, levulinic acid, or benzoic acid) as intermediary substances that mediate between nicotine and the user's respiratory tract. These acids modify the chemical environment to reduce nicotine's irritating effects while preserving its delivery function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high amounts of organic acids are added to reduce nicotine irritation, then irritation is reduced, but flavour intensity and vapour density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter within a specific range (2.1-6.7) to balance multiple effects: reducing nicotine irritation while maintaining flavour intensity and vapour density. This controlled parameter change prevents the negative effects of excessive acid addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses relatively high amounts of propylene glycol (57-68 wt.%) in combination with controlled organic acid levels. This partial excessive action of propylene glycol compensates for any flavour or vapour loss from acid addition, ensuring high flavour intensity and vapour density are maintained.
3Quantity of substance
If high levels of propylene glycol are used to maintain flavour intensity and vapour density, then flavour and vapour are improved, but irritation of the throat and nose area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter to between 2.1-6.7 through organic acid addition, which modifies the interaction between propylene glycol and respiratory tissues. This pH modification reduces the irritating effect of high propylene glycol levels while preserving flavour intensity and vapour density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite aerosol liquid formulation combining propylene glycol (57-68 wt.%), glycerol (2-10 wt.%), nicotine (2-6 wt.%), and organic acids. This composite formulation achieves synergistic effects where the combination reduces irritation compared to individual components, while maintaining high flavour and vapour quality.
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
This formulation effectively reduces the negative sensations associated with high nicotine levels while enhancing flavor intensity and vapor density, providing a more enjoyable and irritation-free aerosol experience.
Implementation Method 1
liquid is moved from the liquid container towards the heating element, where the liquid is vaporized
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device to provide an aerosol to a user from an aerosol liquid heated in an aerosol generating device comprising an electrical heater are described. The aerosol liquid includes at least 55 wt. % of propylene glycol, PG, glycerol, and at least 3 mg/ml of nicotine. The delivery of the aerosol is controlled by the device such that the aerosol collected mass, ACM, is at least 85 mg/25 puffs when the puffs are performed and the aerosol is collected by an analytical machine according to ISO 20768:2018.