Protonated Nicotine Aerosol Formulation for Smoother Vaping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-cigarettes struggle to provide an aerosol that mimics the complex flavor and nicotine absorption of traditional tobacco products, and there is a desire to reduce toxicants to enhance user experience and harm reduction.
Innovation Solution
An aerosolizable formulation comprising at least 50 wt% water, nicotine, and one or more acids, which controls nicotine release by protonation, optimizing flavor, impact, irritation, and smoothness, while reducing toxicants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional e-cigarette formulations are used, then nicotine delivery is provided, but the flavor complexity and sensory experience fail to mimic tobacco products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the formulation by introducing acids (citric acid, malic acid, benzoic acid) to create a protonated nicotine system. This parameter change transforms the sensory properties of the aerosol, providing a more complex flavor profile and improved throat hit that mimics traditional tobacco products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation system combining water, nicotine, and multiple acids in specific proportions. This composite material approach allows for synergistic effects where the acid-nicotine interactions produce enhanced sensory properties that neither component could achieve alone, including improved flavor complexity and throat irritation similar to combustion.
2Quantity of substance
If heating is used to vaporize nicotine, then nicotine delivery is achieved, but toxicants are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters by operating at lower temperatures (below 100°C) compared to traditional heating elements. The acid-nicotine complex allows nicotine to be delivered in a protonated state that requires less thermal energy, thereby avoiding the formation of harmful thermal degradation products and toxicants associated with high-temperature heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heating system with a chemical system where acids protonate nicotine to form deliverable complexes. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature heating elements that generate toxicants, using instead a chemical mechanism (protonation) to achieve nicotine delivery without combustion-related harmful byproducts.
3Quantity of substance
If nicotine concentration is increased to improve impact, then nicotine reward is enhanced, but irritation and harshness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acids as intermediary substances that protonate nicotine to form acid-nicotine complexes. These complexes act as intermediaries that allow high nicotine concentrations to be delivered while the protonated form reduces direct irritation to the throat and mouth. The acid intermediary modifies the chemical state of nicotine to be less harsh while maintaining or enhancing nicotine reward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state parameter of nicotine from free base to protonated form through acid addition. This parameter change allows for higher nicotine concentrations to be formulated without the proportionate increase in irritation, as the protonated nicotine provides a smoother sensation while maintaining effective nicotine delivery for reward.
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 enhances the vaping experience by controlling nicotine delivery to the lungs and mouth, improving sensory properties, and minimizing toxicant formation.
Implementation Method 1
The formulation comprises water, nicotine and one or more acids
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosolizable formulation comprising (i) water in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the aerosolizable formulation; (ii) nicotine; and (iii) one or more acids. A process for forming the aerosolizable formulation, the aerosolizable formulation contained within a container, and aerosolizing the aerosolizable formulation for inhalation by a user with an electronic aerosol provision system.