JP7473139B2 - Aerosol Generation Assembly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, an inhalable medium generating assembly, a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly, a method for generating an inhalable medium, a kit, a liquid pod, and a nicotine-containing pod.

background

Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Alternatives to these types of articles release compounds without combustion to form an inhalable medium.

Examples of such products are heated devices, including e-cigarette/non-combustion heat hybrid devices, also known as electronic cigarette hybrid devices. These hybrid devices contain a liquid that is vaporized by heating to produce an inhalable vapor and/or aerosol. The liquid may contain flavorings and/or aerosol generating substances, such as glycerol, and optionally nicotine. The vapor and/or aerosol passes through a substrate within the device and incorporates one or more components of the substrate to produce an inhalation medium. The substrate material may be, for example, tobacco, which may or may not contain nicotine, other non-tobacco products, or combinations, such as blended mixtures.

overview

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation assembly comprising:
a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater;
an aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid and having a pH of 2 or greater but less than 7;
An assembly is provided that is configured to heat an aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or an aerosol, and to contact the vapor/aerosol with a solid nicotine-containing material to form an inhalable medium by entraining one or more components thereof.

The assembly may be referred to as an e-cigarette hybrid device. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the assembly is configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by the vapor/aerosol.

In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is 8-9.5 or 8.5-9. In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4-5 or 4.3-4.8. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 3.0-5.5. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25° C. is 0.1 Pa to 2.5 kPa. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an amount of acid of 0.001-5% by weight. In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 0.5, greater than 1, greater than 1.5, greater than 2, greater than 2.5, or greater than 3, preferably 3.7-4.3.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation assembly comprising:
a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater;
and an aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid having a pKa greater than 0.5;
An assembly is provided that is configured to heat an aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or an aerosol, and to contact the vapor/aerosol with a solid nicotine-containing material to form an inhalable medium by entraining one or more components thereof.

The assembly may be referred to as an e-cigarette hybrid device. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the assembly is configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by the vapor/aerosol.

In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 3, or between 3.7 and 4.3. In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is between 8 and 9.5, or between 8.5 and 9. In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is between 2 and less than 7, or between 4 and 5, preferably between 4.3 and 4.8. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is between 3.0 and 5.5. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25° C. is between 0.1 Pa and 2.5 kPa. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an amount of acid between 0.001 and 5% by weight.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly, comprising an aerosolizable liquid in a first chamber, the aerosolizable liquid containing an acid and having a pH of 2 or more and less than 7, and a solid nicotine-containing material in a second chamber, the solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or more. In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4-5 or 4.3-4.8. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 3.0-5.5. In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 0.5 or greater than 3, preferably 3.7-4.3. In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is 8-9.5 or 8.5-9. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25° C. is 0.1 Pa to 2.5 kPa. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an amount of acid of 0.001-5% by weight.

The cartridge may be used in an assembly that may be referred to as an e-cigarette hybrid device. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the cartridge is used in an assembly configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by vapor/aerosol.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly, comprising an aerosolizable liquid in a first chamber, the aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid having a pKa greater than 0.5, and a solid nicotine-containing material in a second chamber, the solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater. In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 3, or between 3.7 and 4.3. In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is less than 7, or between 4 and 5, preferably between 4.3 and 4.8. In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is between 8 and 9.5, or between 8.5 and 9. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is between 3.0 and 5.5. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25° C. is between 0.1 Pa and 2.5 kPa. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an amount of acid between 0.001 and 5% by weight.

The cartridge may be used in an assembly that may be referred to as an e-cigarette hybrid device. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the cartridge is used in an assembly configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by vapor/aerosol.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing an inhalable medium using an assembly comprising an aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid and having a pH between 2 and 7, and a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater, comprising the steps of:
heating an aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or an aerosol;
and contacting the aerosolizable liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form with a solid nicotine-containing material to entrap one or more components thereof, thereby forming an inhalable medium. In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4-5 or 4.3-4.8. In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 0.5 or greater than 3, preferably 3.7-4.3. In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is 8-9.5 or 8.5-9. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 3.0-5.5. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25° C. is 0.1 Pa-2.5 kPa. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an acid in an amount of 0.001-5 wt.%.

In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the assembly is configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by the vapor/aerosol.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing an inhalable medium using an assembly comprising an aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid having a pKa above 0.5 and a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater, comprising the steps of:
heating an aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or an aerosol;
and contacting the aerosolizable liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form with a solid nicotine-containing material to form an inhalable medium by incorporating one or more components thereof. In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 3, or between 3.7 and 4.3. In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is between 2 and less than 7, or between 4 and 5, preferably between 4.3 and 4.8. In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is between 8 and 9.5, or between 8.5 and 9. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is between 3.0 and 5.5. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25° C. is between 0.1 Pa and 2.5 kPa. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an acid in an amount of 0.001 to 5% by weight.

The assembly may be referred to as an e-cigarette hybrid device. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the assembly is configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by the vapor/aerosol.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an acidic vapour and/or aerosol for extracting nicotine from a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or more, whereby the rate of nicotine extraction exceeds the rate of nicotine salt formation in the solid, thereby increasing the nicotine content in the vapour and/or aerosol compared to when a neutral vapour and/or aerosol is used.

According to a further aspect of the present invention,
(i) a liquid pod containing an aerosolizable liquid that contains an acid and has a pH of 2 or greater and less than 7;
(ii) a nicotine-containing pod containing a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater,
A kit is provided in which the liquid pod and the nicotine-containing pod are configured to be used in an assembly for use in generating an inhalable medium, the assembly being configured, in use, to generate the inhalable medium by contacting an aerosolizable liquid in the form of a vapor and/or aerosol with a solid nicotine-containing material to entrap one or more components thereof.

The liquid pod and the nicotine-containing pod may be used in an assembly that may be referred to as an e-cigarette hybrid device. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the liquid pod and the nicotine-containing pod are configured for use in an assembly configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by vapor/aerosol.

In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4-5 or 4.3-4.8. In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 0.5 or greater than 3, preferably 3.7-4.3. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25°C is 0.1 Pa-2.5 kPa. In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is 8-9.5 or 8.5-9. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 3.0-5.5. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an amount of acid of 0.001-5% by weight.

According to a further aspect of the present invention,
(i) a liquid pod containing an aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid having a pKa greater than 0.5;
(ii) a nicotine-containing pod containing a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater,
A kit is provided in which the liquid pod and the nicotine-containing pod are configured to be used in an assembly for use in generating an inhalable medium, the assembly being configured, in use, to generate the inhalable medium by contacting an aerosolizable liquid in the form of a vapor and/or aerosol with a solid nicotine-containing material to entrap one or more components thereof.

The liquid pod and the nicotine-containing pod may be used in an assembly that may be referred to as an e-cigarette hybrid device. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material includes tobacco material. In some examples, the solid nicotine-containing material is tobacco material. In some examples, the liquid pod and the nicotine-containing pod are configured for use in an assembly configured such that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by vapor/aerosol.

In some examples, the pKa of the acid is greater than 3, or between 3.7 and 4.3. In some examples, the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material is between 8 and 9.5, or between 8.5 and 9. In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is between 2 and less than 7, or between 4 and 5, preferably between 4.3 and 4.8. In some examples, the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is between 3.0 and 5.5. In some examples, the vapor pressure of the acid at 25° C. is between 0.1 Pa and 2.5 kPa. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid has an amount of acid between 0.001 and 5% by weight.

Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with all other aspects, to the extent compatible. For example, features described in relation to an assembly, cartridge, nicotine-containing pod, liquid pod, or kit are expressly disclosed in combination with each of the other features of the assemblies, cartridges, nicotine-containing pods, liquid pods, and kits. In particular, features of the solid nicotine-containing materials and aerosolizable liquids described herein are expressly disclosed in combination with the assembly, cartridge, nicotine-containing pod, liquid pod, and kit embodiments of the invention. Similarly, features described in relation to a device are expressly disclosed in combination with the method and use aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

Features and further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Examples of inhalable medium generating assemblies and cartridges according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of an inhalable medium generating assembly. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of an inhalable medium generating assembly. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of an inhalable medium generating assembly. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a liquid chamber and an integral solid material chamber. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example cartridge having a liquid chamber and a removable solid material chamber. 1 shows nicotine delivery from assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention and comparative assemblies.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to improving the taste of inhalable aerosols and increasing nicotine delivery in assemblies used in hybrid devices where the nicotine has been pH treated to increase the pH.

Most generally, the assemblies described herein volatilize an aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or an aerosol that passes through a solid nicotine-containing material to produce an inhalable medium that includes one or more components, such as nicotine, derived from the solid.

In some assemblies, base-treated nicotine may be included in the solid nicotine-containing material. Nicotine reacts with a base, which deprotonates the nicotine, making it more volatile and releasing it from its bound state to provide the deprotonated base form of nicotine (hereinafter referred to as "deprotonated nicotine" or simply "free nicotine"). As a result, the base-treated nicotine is more volatile when heated. However, the present invention has found that inhalable aerosols containing free nicotine (sometimes referred to herein as "inhalable media") have a less desirable flavor than those containing nicotine salts.

In some embodiments, the inhalable aerosol of the assembly may have improved sensory qualities, such as flavor. In some embodiments, the inhalable aerosol may have a higher nicotine delivery and may facilitate nicotine extraction from the nicotine source when the nicotine source is base-treated to increase the pH compared to other inhalable aerosols.

The inventors have determined that by including an acid in the aerosolizable liquid, a better tasting inhalable aerosol is produced. The acid in the vapor/aerosol - produced by heating the aerosolizable liquid - reacts with the free nicotine from the solid nicotine-containing material to produce a better tasting salt form of nicotine. That is, the acid and free nicotine undergo acid-base salt formation to produce a nicotine salt in the vapor/aerosol.

While the use of an acidic aerosol/vapor improves flavor, it was thought that some reduction in overall nicotine delivery would be expected to be observed because fewer volatile nicotine salts are formed in the solid nicotine-containing material after contact with the acidic vapor/aerosol.

Surprisingly, the inventors have found that including an acid in the aerosolizable liquid of the assembly actually increases the overall nicotine delivery during use, as compared to a neutral aerosolizable liquid. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the affinity between free nicotine and the acid in the vapor/aerosol allows the nicotine to be drawn or extracted from the solid nicotine-containing material. This extraction is believed to occur at a rate that is faster than the rate of formation of nicotine salts in the solid. Thus, an inhalable aerosol with improved flavor and higher nicotine content can be provided. The use of an acidic vapor/aerosol can also increase the total amount of nicotine extracted from the solid.

Solid Nicotine-Containing Material In some examples, the present invention provides an inhalable medium generating assembly or a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly, the assembly or cartridge comprising a solid nicotine-containing material (referred to herein as a "nicotine source" or simply as a "solid").

The pH of the nicotine source is 7 or greater. In some examples, the pH of the nicotine source is 8-9.5, 8.2-9.3, 8.3-9.2, or 8.4-9.1. Preferably, the pH is 8.5-9, or 8.5. This allows the nicotine in the solid nicotine-containing material to be provided in the form of a deprotonated base (as free nicotine), thereby increasing the volatility of the nicotine such that it is more likely to volatilize after heating.

In some examples, the pH of the nicotine source is selected such that the difference between the pH of the nicotine source and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 3-5.5, 3.5-5, 3.7-4.8, preferably 4.1-4.2, and preferably 3.6-3.8. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that a greater pH difference results in a greater affinity between the acidic vapor/aerosol and the free nicotine, resulting in increased extraction rates and increased nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium.

The nicotine source may be treated to increase the pH, which is measured according to the CORESTA protocol for measuring the pH of tobacco, CORESTA Recommended Method No. 69 (CRM-69). One example of a pH treatment method may include the addition of a base solution to the nicotine source. The base solution may, in some examples, include an aqueous solution of, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or mixtures thereof, or other GRAS water-soluble base.

In some examples, the nicotine source includes a tobacco material. In some examples, the nicotine source is a tobacco material. It may also provide a tobacco flavoring to the inhalable medium.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material that contains tobacco or its derivatives. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, agglomerated tobacco, spheronized tobacco, and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as a single grade or blend, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental, cut rag or whole leaf. The tobacco may be a "fine powder" or powder of tobacco particles, expanded tobacco, stems, expanded stems, and other processed stem materials such as cut rolled stems. The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may include tobacco fiber and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier-type papermaking process with the later addition of tobacco extract, or by extrusion.

In some instances, the nicotine source may be porous to allow the aerosol and/or vapor to pass through the solid nicotine source. This increases the contact area of the nicotine source with the aerosol and/or vapor. Thus, the components of the nicotine source are efficiently incorporated into the aerosol/vapor.

The nicotine source may additionally include flavoring agents and/or aerosol generating agents. As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that can be used to produce a desired flavor or aroma in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations.

In some examples, the nicotine source may be provided in one of two chambers of the cartridges described herein.

In some examples, the nicotine source may be provided in a nicotine-containing pod configured for use in an assembly for use in generating an inhalable medium as part of a kit described herein.

Aerosolizable Liquid In some examples, the present invention provides an inhalable medium generating assembly, or a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly, the assembly or cartridge containing an aerosolizable liquid (sometimes simply referred to herein as "liquid").

The aerosolizable liquid may, in some instances, comprise a gel and/or a liquid. Preferably, the aerosolizable liquid comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a liquid.

The aerosolizable liquid may include liquids conventionally used in e-cigarettes or hybrid assemblies. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid may include flavorings and/or aerosol generating agents, including, but not limited to, propylene glycol and/or glycerol. The aerosolizable liquid is typically vaporized at around 100-300°C, preferably around 150-250°C. In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid does not contain nicotine.

The aerosolizable liquid includes an acid such that the pH can be at least 2 to 7, or about 2.5 to about 5. In some embodiments, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4 to 5. In some examples, the pH of the liquid is 4.1 to 4.9, 4.2 to 4.8, preferably 4.3 to 4.8, preferably 4.37, preferably 4.8. In some examples, the pH of the liquid is 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, or 4 up to 6.9, 6.8, 6.7, 6.6, 6.5, 6.4, 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6, 5.9, 5.8, 5.7, 5.6, 5.5, 5.4, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1, 5, 4.9, 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, 4.4, 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, or 4. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that this results in an affinity between the free nicotine from the nicotine source and the acid in the vapor/aerosol, which allows the vapor/aerosol to draw or extract the nicotine from the nicotine source. It is believed that a lower pH of the aerosolizable liquid can increase the extraction rate by increasing the affinity between the free nicotine and the aerosolizable liquid.

The pH of an aerosolizable liquid depends on various properties such as the kPa or concentration of the acid and the acidity or basicity of any other components in the aerosolizable liquid.

In some examples, the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is selected such that the difference between the pH of the nicotine source and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 3-5.5, 3.5-5, 3.7-4.8, preferably 4.1-4.2, and preferably 3.6-3.8. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that a greater pH difference results in a greater affinity between the acidic vapor/aerosol and the free nicotine, resulting in increased extraction and increased nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium.

In some instances, the properties of the aerosolizable liquid may be altered or selected to increase the affinity of the liquid with the free "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source, including but not limited to dipole moment, polarity, and vapor pressure. For example, a higher dipole moment, polarity, or vapor pressure can increase the affinity of the liquid with the free "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source. The addition of an acid can change the polarity and vapor pressure properties of the aerosolizable liquid, which is important to the desired effect in the present invention. Additionally, non-acidic substances that can change the polarity (increase a more positive dipole in the liquid) can produce a similar effect as the addition of an acid.

Acids suitable for protonating the acid nicotine may be used in the aerosolizable liquid. Examples of acids include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, or sulfuric acid, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, saturated and unsaturated alicyclic acids, aromatic acids (including heteroaromatic acids), polycarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, alkoxy acids, keto acids, oxo acids, thio acids, amino acids, and each of the above optionally substituted with one or more heteroatoms, including but not limited to halogens. In some examples, the acid is a carboxylic acid, preferably benzoic acid. In some examples, the carboxylic acid is a hydroxy acid, preferably lactic acid. In some examples, the acid is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, and combinations thereof. The selected acid may protonate free nicotine and promote acid-base salt formation after the aerosol/vapor contacts the nicotine source, thereby providing a nicotine salt. This promotes nicotine extraction from the nicotine source to increase nicotine delivery of the assembly and improves the taste of nicotine in the inhalable medium.

In some examples, the pKa of the selected acid is greater than 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, or 3.5, or preferably between 3.7 and 4.3. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that this promotes acid-base salt formation of free nicotine to improve flavor and nicotine delivery from the inhalable vehicle, and that a lower or more acidic pKa for the same pH of the nicotine source increases the affinity between the aerosolizable liquid and the free nicotine and also promotes nicotine extraction from the nicotine source, allowing for increased nicotine delivery in the inhalable vehicle during use.

In some instances, the pKa of the acid is greater than 3 or is between 3.7 and 4.3, resulting in an aerosolizable liquid with a pH of 4-5, 4.1-4.9, 4.2-4.8, preferably 4.3-4.8, preferably 4.37, preferably 4.8. Thus, in some embodiments, this promotes acid-base salt formation of free nicotine, improving flavor upon use and increasing nicotine delivery by the inhalable vehicle.

In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid comprises an acid having a vapor pressure at 25°C of 0.05 Pa to 3 kPa, 0.1 Pa to 2.5 kPa, 0.1 Pa to 2 kPa, 0.1 Pa to 1.5 kPa, 0.1 Pa to 1 kPa, 0.1 Pa to 750 Pa, 0.1 to 500 Pa, 0.1 to 250 Pa, 0.1 to 100 Pa, 0.1 to 90 Pa, 0.1 to 80 Pa, 0.1 to 70 Pa, 0.1 to 60 Pa, 0.1 to 50 Pa, 0.1 to 40 Pa, 0.1 to 30 Pa, 0.1 to 20 Pa, 0.1 to 11 Pa, preferably 0.1 to 0.2, and preferably 9 to 11 Pa. The increased vapor pressure at 25°C of the acid makes it more volatile. Therefore, more acid can be present in the aerosol/vapor, which can further increase the rate of free nicotine extraction from the nicotine source during use.

In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid comprises an acid in an amount of 0.001-5% by weight. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable liquid comprises an acid in an amount of at least 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, or at least 1%. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable liquid comprises an acid in an amount of up to 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3%, 2.5%, 2%, 1.5%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, or up to 0.01% by weight. Inclusion of a higher concentration of acid in the aerosolizable liquid increases the acidity and decreases the pH of the aerosolizable liquid. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that increasing the acidity of the aerosolizable liquid increases the affinity of the aerosolizable liquid for the free nicotine in the nicotine source, thereby facilitating the extraction of nicotine and allowing for increased nicotine delivery by the inhalable medium during use.

In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid containing the acid may be provided in one of two chambers of the cartridges described herein.

In some examples, the aerosolizable liquid containing the acid may be provided in a liquid pod configured for use in an assembly used to generate an inhalable medium as part of a kit described herein.

In some instances, the acid may be selected such that the conjugate acid-base salt formed upon reaction with free nicotine in the aerosol/vapor is highly volatile (i.e. has a high vapor pressure), which can further increase the amount of nicotine delivered in the inhalable medium.

In some embodiments, the vapor pressure of the conjugate acid-base is similar to or slightly lower than the acid used. Conjugate acid-base formation is one mechanism for increasing vapor pressure.

The assembly according to some examples of the present invention may be configured such that, in use, liquid volatilized by the heater passes through a solid nicotine source in at least one of the form of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby capturing one or more components from the nicotine source to generate an inhalable medium. In some examples, the inhalable medium is expelled through an outlet.

The assembly may include components such as a first chamber for containing an aerosolizable liquid (referred to herein as the "liquid chamber"), and a second chamber for containing a solid nicotine-containing material (referred to herein as the "solid chamber"). The assembly may further include an outlet, and a flow path between the chambers and the outlet.

As the vapor/aerosol passes over the nicotine source, it comes into contact with the nicotine source and picks up one or more components thereof. After being picked up by the vapor/aerosol, one or more components from the nicotine source may undergo a reaction with a component in the vapor/aerosol. For example, an acid-base salt formation reaction may occur. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that acid-base salt formation reactions in the vapor/aerosol occur at a faster rate than acid-base salt formation reactions in solids. The use of an acidic vapor/aerosol may result in an increased amount of nicotine being extracted or drawn from the tobacco compared to a vapor/aerosol that is pH neutral.

In some embodiments, the assembly heats the nicotine source during use to facilitate release of components of the nicotine source into the inhaled medium. In other embodiments, the assembly heats both the nicotine source and the aerosolizable liquid. Suitably, the assembly may be configured such that the heater directly heats only the aerosolizable liquid, and the nicotine source is heated by heat carried over to the vapor/aerosol formed from the aerosolizable liquid (thereby volatilizing components of the nicotine source that are subsequently entrained in the vapor/aerosol stream). That is, the assembly is configured to directly heat the aerosolizable liquid but not directly heat the solid nicotine-containing material.

In some examples, the present invention provides a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly, comprising an aerosolizable liquid in a first chamber, the aerosolizable liquid including an acid, the aerosolizable liquid corresponding to the liquid described herein above, and a solid nicotine-containing material in a second chamber, the solid nicotine-containing material corresponding to the nicotine source described herein above. The cartridge is configured such that, in use, vapor and/or aerosol generated from the aerosolizable liquid passes through the second chamber, which contains the nicotine source, and entrains one or more components of the nicotine source. Suitably, the cartridge may be configured for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly as described herein.

In some embodiments, the assembly includes a cooling device or cooling zone downstream of the heater and upstream of the second chamber containing the nicotine source, configured to cool the vaporized material to form an aerosol of droplets that, in use, pass through the nicotine source in the second chamber. In some embodiments, the cooling device may be configured to act substantially as a heat exchanger to allow for heat recovery from the vapor and/or aerosol. The recovered heat may be used, for example, to preheat the nicotine source and/or assist in heating the aerosolizable liquid.

In one embodiment, the assembly is battery powered.

In one embodiment, each heater is an electrical resistance heater.

In one embodiment, the heater is puff activated, i.e. the assembly includes a puff sensing device and only heats the aerosolizable liquid upon sensing a puff. This means that vapor/aerosol is only formed within the assembly during a puff.

In one embodiment, the first and/or second chambers are removable. The first and/or second chambers may be in the form of a pot or the like (which may be, for example, annular in some embodiments) and/or an absorbent filling or the like. The first and/or second chambers may be disposable products that are replaced substantially in their entirety after use. Alternatively, the first and/or second chambers may be configured for the user to remove them from the assembly, replace used material or replenish material in the first and/or second chambers, and then return them to the assembly.

In some examples, the first and/or second chambers may not be removable from the assembly. In such embodiments, the user need only replace used material or refill the chambers with material after use as needed.

In some examples, the first and/or second chambers are an integral unit. In some examples, the integral unit is a cartridge that is removable from the assembly.

In some examples, the first and/or second chambers are removable from the assembly. The first and/or second chambers may be in the form of, for example, a cartridge that contains a nicotine source prior to use. The second chamber containing the nicotine source may be a disposable product that is replaced substantially in its entirety after use. Alternatively, the device may be configured such that a user removes the second chamber from the assembly, replaces the used material in the second chamber, and then replaces the second chamber back into the assembly.

The present invention also provides a kit including an aerosol generating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The kit includes (i) a liquid pod containing an aerosolizable liquid according to an embodiment described herein, and (ii) a nicotine-containing pod containing a solid nicotine-containing material according to an embodiment described herein. The features described above with respect to the assembly herein are expressly disclosed in combination with the kit aspects of the present invention. Thus, for example, the assembly may include one or more puff activation devices, cooling elements or zones, activation means such as buttons, further heaters, pumps for wetting agents, etc.

The present invention also provides the use of an acidic vapor and/or aerosol to extract nicotine from a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH above 7, whereby the rate of nicotine extraction exceeds the rate of nicotine salt formation in the solid nicotine-containing material, thereby increasing the nicotine content in the vapor and/or aerosol compared to using a neutral vapor and/or aerosol.

Next, examples of cartridges, liquid pods, nicotine-containing pods and assemblies for producing inhalable media according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

With reference to FIG. 1, an example of an inhalable medium generating assembly 1 is shown. Broadly speaking, the assembly 1 volatilizes an aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or aerosol that passes through the nicotine source to generate an inhalable medium that includes one or more components derived from the nicotine source.

In this regard, it should first be noted that a vapor is generally a substance in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid, for example, by increasing its pressure without lowering the temperature. On the other hand, an aerosol is generally a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets present in air or another gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the assembly 1 in this example has an outer housing 2 that is generally hollow and cylindrical. The housing 2 has an open end 3. In this example, a tubular mouthpiece 4 is provided at the open end 3. The mouthpiece 4 in this example is removable from the housing 2 by the user. An O-ring or other seal 5 assists in sealing the mouthpiece 4 in the housing 2. At or towards the other end 6 of the housing 2 is a battery 7 that powers the various components of the assembly 1, as will be further described below. The battery 7 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. A controller 8 is also provided in the housing 2 for controlling the operation of the various components of the assembly 1, as will be further described below.

The housing 2 has a chamber 9 (sometimes referred to herein as the "liquid chamber") that holds or contains an aerosolizable liquid (sometimes referred to herein simply as the "liquid") 10. The liquid 10 corresponds to the liquids described above herein and may have a pH of 4-5 and/or may contain an acid, for example with a pKa of greater than 3. A variety of different forms can be used for the liquid chamber 9. In the example of FIG. 1, the liquid chamber 9 is in the form of an annular chamber 9 provided in the housing 2 between the open end 3 and the other end 6. In this particular example, the housing 2 is divided into two parts, a first part 2a towards the open end 3 and a second part 2b towards the other end 6. The first and second parts 2a and 2b of the housing 2 may be connected to each other, such as by a screw thread or a bayonet fitting. In use, the first and second parts 2a and 2b of the housing 2 can be separated by the user to allow the aerosolizable liquid 10 to be refilled or replaced as required. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 4 can be removed to allow access to the liquid chamber 9. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible. For example, the liquid 10 may be provided in a separate annular pot-like liquid chamber that can be removed in its entirety from the housing 2. The separate liquid chamber may be disposable to allow a user to replace the liquid 10 by fitting a new liquid chamber containing the liquid 10 into the housing 2. Alternatively, the chamber may be reusable. In such an example, a user may refill or replace the liquid 10 in the liquid chamber that has been removed from the housing 2 and then return the refilled liquid chamber to the housing 2. It will be appreciated that the housing 2 need not be in two parts and may be provided with other configurations that allow for user access, for example to allow for in situ refilling.

The heater 11 is typically located in the center of the housing 2, i.e., in this example, centrally along the length and width of the housing 2. In this example, the heater 11 is powered by the battery 7 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 7. The heater 11 may be an electrical resistance heater, including, for example, a Nichrome resistance heater, a ceramic heater, and the like. The heater 11 may be, for example, a wire, which may be in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate of multiple different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, and may also be multi-layered), a thin film heater, and the like. Other configurations, including non-electrical heating configurations, may also be used.

The heater 11 is provided to volatilize the liquid 10. In the example described, the annular wick 12 surrounds the heater 11 and is in (thermal) contact with it. The outermost surface of the annular wick 12 is in contact with the liquid 10 contained in the liquid chamber 9. The wick 12 is generally absorbent and serves to draw the liquid 10 from the liquid chamber 9 by capillary action. The wick 12 is preferably non-woven and may be of a material such as cotton or wool, or a synthetic material including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose or polypropylene. This will be described in more detail below, but it should be noted here that in use, the liquid 10 drawn into the wick 12 is heated by the heater 11. The liquid 10 may be volatilized to generate an aerosol of droplets or sufficiently heated to generate vapor. The aerosol and/or vapor so generated is expelled from the wick 12 and moves towards the mouthpiece 4 by the user's action of holding the mouthpiece 4, as shown by arrow A. The heater 11 and wick 12 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated product, sometimes referred to as an "atomizer", such that the heating and wicking functions are effectively performed by a single unit.

The housing 2 further contains a chamber (sometimes referred to herein as a "solid chamber") 13 that holds or contains a solid nicotine-containing material (sometimes referred to herein as a "nicotine source") 14 in the assembly 1. The nicotine source 14 corresponds to the nicotine sources described above in this specification and may be base-treated, e.g., having a pH of 8 to 9.5. In use, the user can access the solid chamber 13 and replace or replenish the nicotine source 14 through the open end 3 of the housing 2 by removing the mouthpiece 4 and/or separating the two parts 2a and 2b of the housing 2. A variety of different configurations can be used for the solid chamber 13. For example, each solid chamber 13 may be a tube containing nicotine, completely open at both ends. As another example, each solid chamber 13 may be a tube having one or more end walls with through holes through which vapor and/or aerosol can pass. The solid chamber 13 may remain in place within the housing 2 while the user removes and replaces the nicotine source 14. Alternatively, the solid chamber 13 containing the nicotine source 14 may be a separate product that is inserted into and removed from the housing 2 in its entirety when used. This type of removable solid chamber 13 may be disposable, such that the user replaces the nicotine source 14 by fitting a new solid chamber 13 containing an unused nicotine source 14 into the housing 2. Alternatively, the chamber 13 may be reusable. In such an example, the user may replace the nicotine source 14 in the solid chamber 13 while removed from the housing 2, and then replace the refilled chamber 13 back into the housing 2. In yet another example, the solid chamber 13 may be provided inside the housing 2 with a clip or the like that holds the nicotine source 14 in place. In some examples, the nicotine source 14 simply fits snugly into the solid chamber 13. Alternatively, the chamber 9 containing the liquid 10 may itself be configured to support or carry the nicotine source 14. For example, the liquid chamber 9 may have one or more clips, tubes, or the like for receiving and holding the nicotine source 14 in place. The dual function liquid chamber 9/solid chamber 13, intended for both containing the liquid 10 and receiving the nicotine source 14, may be in the form of a cartridge or the like, and may be a disposable product or may be reusable such that the liquid 10 and the nicotine source 14 are replaced or refilled by the user as needed. In some examples, the user is provided with sufficient liquid 10 for multiple uses and only needs to refill or replace the nicotine source 14 from time to time. Once the liquid 10 is consumed, the user disposes of the dual function liquid chamber 9/solid chamber 13 and uses a new one. Similarly, a sufficient nicotine source 14 is provided for multiple uses and only needs to refill or replace the liquid 10 from time to time. Once the nicotine source 14 has been consumed, the user disposes of the dual function liquid chamber 9/solid chamber 13 and uses a new one. Specific examples of dual function liquid chambers/solid chambers are discussed in more detail below.

The nicotine source 14 is disposed in the housing 2 downstream of where the aerosol and/or vapor is generated from the liquid 10 and upstream of the open end 3 of the housing 2 and the mouthpiece 4. In this particular example, the nicotine source 14 is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of the housing 2 as the wick 12. The aerosol and/or vapor generated from the liquid 10 is expelled from the wick 12 and moves toward the nicotine source 14 by the user's action of holding the mouthpiece 4 to their mouth, as shown by arrow A. In certain embodiments, the nicotine source 14 is porous such that the aerosol and/or vapor passes through the nicotine source 14 and then through the open end 3 of the housing 2 and the mouthpiece 4.

In some embodiments, the nicotine source 14 and/or its chamber 13 are configured such that there are no air gaps between the nicotine source 14/solid chamber 13 and the interior of the housing 2 such that the entire aerosol and/or vapor flows through the nicotine source 14.

The liquid 10 is preferably a liquid that is volatilizable at moderate temperatures, preferably above 100-300°C, especially around 150-250°C, so as to help reduce the power consumption of the assembly 1. Suitable materials include those materials conventionally used in e-cigarette assemblies, including, for example, propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerin). The liquid 10 corresponds to the liquids described above herein and may have a pH of 4-5 and/or may include an acid, for example with a pKa above 3.

The nicotine source 14 imparts flavorings to the aerosol and/or vapor generated from the liquid 10 as it passes through the interior of the nicotine source 14. As the acidic aerosol and/or vapor passes through and over the nicotine source 14, the hot aerosol and/or vapor imparts flavorings to the aerosol and/or vapor on its way to the mouthpiece 4 by picking up organic and other compounds or components from the nicotine source 14 that impart organoleptic properties to the nicotine source. In particular, the liberated "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source 14 undergoes acid-base salt formation with the acidic vapor and/or aerosol from the liquid 10. In this manner, nicotine can be drawn or extracted from the nicotine source 14 by the acidic vapor and/or aerosol to increase the nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium. Furthermore, by passing the acidic vapor/aerosol through the nicotine source 14, the nicotine is provided in a more flavorful salt form.

Assembly 1 provides nicotine for the user. The nicotine may be obtained from a nicotine source 14, or may be provided as a coating on the nicotine source 14, or a combination thereof. Similarly, flavorings may be added to the nicotine source 14 and/or the liquid 10.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, the only heat source required to heat the nicotine source 14 in the assembly 1 to produce organic compounds and other compounds or components from the nicotine source 14 is the hot aerosol and/or vapor produced from heating the liquid 10.

2, another example of an inhalable medium generating assembly is shown. In the following description and in FIG. 2, components and features that are the same or similar to the corresponding components and features of the example described with reference to FIG. 1 have the same reference numerals, plus 200. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components and features will not be repeated in their entirety here. It will be understood that the configurations and alternatives, etc. described above in relation to the example of FIG. 1 are also applicable to the example of FIG. 2. Again, in broad terms, the assembly 201 of FIG. 2 heats a liquid to form a vapor and/or aerosol that passes through the nicotine source 214 to generate an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from the nicotine source 214.

The assembly 201 in this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 202 with an open end 203 and a tubular mouthpiece 204. The mouthpiece 204 in this example is removable from the housing 202 by the user, and an O-ring or other seal 205 helps seal the mouthpiece 204 in the housing 202. A battery 207, which powers the various components of the assembly 201, and a controller 208 are provided at or towards the other end 206 of the housing 202. The housing 202 in this example is divided into two parts, with a first part 202a towards the open end 203 and a second part 202b towards the other end 206.

The housing 202 has a chamber (sometimes referred to herein as the "liquid chamber") 209 that holds or contains an aerosolizable liquid (sometimes referred to herein simply as the "liquid") 210. The liquid 210 corresponds to the liquids described above in this specification and may have a pH of 4-5 and/or may contain an acid, e.g., a pKa of greater than 3. The liquid chamber 209 may be of any type described above in connection with the example of FIG. 1. A heater 211 is typically provided in the center (along the length and width) of the housing 202 to volatilize the liquid 210. In this example, the heater 211 is powered by the battery 207 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 207. The heater 211 may be an electrical resistance heater, a ceramic heater, or the like. For example, the heater 211 may be a wire, which may be in the form of, for example, a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate of different materials, one or more of which may be conductive, one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be, for example, a woven or non-woven fabric, which may also be multi-layered), or a thin film heater. Other heating configurations may be used, including induction heating configurations or non-electrical heating configurations. The annular wick 212 surrounds and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 211. The outermost surface of the annular wick 212 is in contact with the liquid 210 contained in the liquid chamber 209. The liquid 210 may be heated to generate an aerosol of droplets or may be sufficiently heated to generate vapor. The aerosol and/or vapor so generated is expelled from the wick 212 and moves towards the mouthpiece 204 by the user's action of holding the mouthpiece 204 to their mouth, as shown by arrow A. The heater 211 and wick 212 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated product, such that the heating and wicking functions are effectively performed by a single unit.

The housing 202 further contains a chamber (sometimes referred to herein as a "solid chamber") 213 that holds or contains a nicotine source 214 in the assembly 201. The nicotine source 214 corresponds to the nicotine sources described above in this specification and may be base treated, e.g., having a pH of 8 to 9.5. The solid chamber 213 may be of any type described above in connection with the example of FIG. 1. The nicotine source 214 is located in the housing 202 downstream of where the aerosol and/or vapor is generated from the liquid 210 and upstream of the open end 203 and mouthpiece 204 of the housing 202. In this particular example, the nicotine source 214 is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of the housing 202 as the wick 212. The aerosol and/or vapor generated from the liquid 210 is expelled from the wick 212 and moves toward the nicotine source 214 by the user's action of holding the mouthpiece 204 to their mouth, as shown by arrow A. In certain embodiments, the nicotine source 214 is porous so that the aerosol and/or vapor passes through the nicotine source 214 and then through the open end 203 of the housing 202 and the mouthpiece 204.

In some embodiments, the nicotine source 214 and/or its chamber 213 are configured such that there are no air gaps between the nicotine source 214/chamber 213 and the interior of the housing 202 such that the entirety of the aerosol and/or vapor flows through the nicotine source 214. As the aerosol and/or vapor passes through and over the nicotine source 214, the hot aerosol and/or vapor flavors the aerosol and/or vapor on its way toward the mouthpiece 204 by picking up organic compounds and other compounds or components from the nicotine source 214 that impart organoleptic properties to the nicotine source. In particular, the liberated "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source 214 undergoes acid-base salt formation with the acidic vapor and/or aerosol from the liquid 210. In this manner, nicotine can be drawn or extracted from the nicotine source 214 by the acidic vapor and/or aerosol to increase nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium. Additionally, by passing the acidic vapor/aerosol through the nicotine source 214, the nicotine is provided in a more flavorful salt form.

The liquid chamber 209 that contains the liquid 210 may itself be configured to support or carry the nicotine source 214. For example, the liquid chamber 209 may have one or more clips, tubes, or the like for receiving and holding the nicotine source 214 in place. The dual-function liquid chamber 209/solid chamber or receptacle 213 for both containing the liquid 210 and receiving the nicotine source 214 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like, and may be a disposable product or may be reusable such that the liquid 210 and the nicotine source 214 are replaced or replenished as needed by the user. In some examples, the user only needs to replenish or replace the nicotine source 214 from time to time, provided that the user has provided sufficient liquid 210 for multiple uses. Once the liquid 210 is consumed, the user disposes of the dual-function liquid chamber 209/solid chamber 213 and uses a new one. Similarly, it is believed that the user only needs to replenish or replace the liquid 210 from time to time, provided that the user has provided sufficient nicotine source 214 for multiple uses. Once the nicotine source 214 is consumed, the user disposes of the dual function liquid chamber 209/solid chamber 213 and uses a new one.

In the example assembly 201 of FIG. 2, a second heater 215, e.g., an oven heater, is provided in thermal contact with the nicotine source 214 to preheat the nicotine source 214 and/or provide additional heat to the nicotine source 214 throughout use of the assembly 201. This promotes the release of components from the nicotine source 214 as the vapor and/or aerosol passes through the interior of the nicotine source 214 during use. The amount of liquid 210 heated to achieve the desired heating of the nicotine source 214 may be reduced. The second heater 215 may be, for example, an electrical resistance heater powered by the battery 207, a ceramic heater, or the like. For example, the second heater 215 may be a wire, e.g., in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate of multiple different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be, for example, a woven or non-woven material, which may also be multi-layered), a thin film heater, or the like. The second heater 215 may be an induction heater, for example, powered by a battery 207. The nicotine source 214 may include a material that is susceptible to induction heating. Other heating configurations may be used for the second heater 215, including non-electrical heating configurations.

In the example assembly 201 of FIG. 2, the heater 215 for heating the nicotine source 214 is provided outside the nicotine source 214 and heats the nicotine source 214 by thermal conduction from the outside of the nicotine source 214. The heater 215 in this example is generally cylindrical. The heater 215 may actually be an integral element of the assembly 201 or may be provided as part of the housing 202. Alternatively, the heater 215 may be provided integrally with the solid chamber 213 that holds or contains the nicotine source 214. In this alternative, if the solid chamber 213 is disposable, the heater 215 would be replaced when the user loads a new solid chamber 213 containing an unused nicotine source into the assembly 201.

Now referring to FIG. 3, another example of an inhalable medium generating assembly is shown. In the following description and in FIG. 3, components and features that are the same or similar to the corresponding components and features of the example described with reference to FIG. 1 have the same reference numerals, but increased by 300. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components and features will not be repeated in their entirety here. It will be understood that the configurations and alternatives, etc. described above in relation to the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 are also applicable to the example of FIG. 3. Again, in broad terms, the assembly 301 of FIG. 3 heats a liquid to form a vapor and/or aerosol that passes through a nicotine source 314 to generate an inhalable medium that includes one or more components derived from the nicotine source 314.

The assembly 301 in this example again has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 302 including an open end 303 and a tubular mouthpiece 304, removable from the housing 302 by a user. An O-ring or other seal 305 helps seal the mouthpiece 304 in the housing 302. A battery 307, which powers the various components of the assembly 301, and a controller 308 are provided at or towards the other end 306 of the housing 302. The housing 302 in this example is again divided into two parts, with a first part 302a towards the open end 303 and a second part 302b towards the other end 306.

The housing 302 has a chamber (sometimes referred to herein as the "liquid chamber") 309 that holds or contains an aerosolizable liquid (sometimes referred to herein simply as the "liquid") 310. The liquid 310 corresponds to the liquids described above in this specification and may have a pH of 4-5 and/or may contain an acid, for example, with a pKa of more than 3. The liquid chamber 309 may be of any type described above in connection with the examples of Figures 1 and 2. A heater 311 is provided, typically in the center of the housing 302, to heat the liquid 310. The heater 311 may be of any type described above. In this example, the heater 311 is powered by the battery 307 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 307. The annular wick 312 surrounds the heater 311 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 311. The outermost surface of the annular wick 312 is in contact with the liquid 310 contained in the liquid chamber 309. The liquid 310 may be heated to produce an aerosol of droplets, or may be heated sufficiently to produce a vapor. The aerosol and/or vapor so produced is expelled from the wick 312 and moves towards the mouthpiece 304, as indicated by arrow A, by the user's action of holding the mouthpiece 304. The heater 311 and wick 312 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated product, such that the heating and wicking functions are effectively performed by a single unit.

The housing 302 further contains a chamber (sometimes referred to herein as a "solid chamber") 313 that holds or contains a nicotine source 314 in the assembly 301. The nicotine source 314 corresponds to the nicotine sources described above in this specification and may be base-treated, e.g., having a pH of 8 to 9.5. The solid chamber 313 may be of any of the types described above in connection with the examples of Figures 1 and 2. (In the example described in Figure 3, the solid chamber 313 is in the form of a tube having an end wall 316 with a through hole 317 through which the vapor and/or aerosol may pass, which was mentioned above as an option.) The nicotine source 314 is located in the housing 302 downstream of where the aerosol and/or vapor is generated from the liquid 310 and upstream of the open end 303 and mouthpiece 304 of the housing 302. Again, in this particular example, the nicotine source 314 is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of the housing 302 as the wick 312. Aerosol and/or vapor generated from the liquid 310 is expelled from the wick 312 by the user's movement of the mouthpiece 304 to the mouth, as shown by arrow A, and travels toward the nicotine source 314. In certain embodiments, the nicotine source 314 is porous such that the aerosol and/or vapor passes through the nicotine source 314 and then through the open end 303 of the housing 302 and the mouthpiece 304.

In some embodiments, the nicotine source 314 and/or its chamber 313 are configured such that there are no air gaps between the nicotine source 314/chamber 313 and the interior of the housing 302 such that the entire aerosol and/or vapor flows through the nicotine source 314. As the aerosol and/or vapor passes through and over the nicotine source 314, the hot aerosol and/or vapor picks up organic and other compounds or components from the nicotine source 314, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol and/or vapor on its way to the mouthpiece 304. In particular, the liberated "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source 314 may undergo acid-base salt formation with the acidic vapor and/or aerosol from the liquid 310. In this manner, nicotine can be drawn or extracted from the nicotine source 314 by the acidic vapor and/or aerosol to increase nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium. Additionally, by passing an acidic vapor/aerosol through the nicotine source 314, nicotine can be provided in a more flavorful salt form.

The chamber 309 containing the liquid 310 may itself be configured to support or carry the nicotine source 314. For example, the liquid chamber 309 may have one or more clips, tubes, or the like for receiving and holding the nicotine source 314 in place. The dual-function liquid chamber 309/solid chamber or receptacle 313 for both containing the liquid 310 and receiving the nicotine source 314 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like, and may be a disposable product or may be reusable such that the liquid 310 and the nicotine source 314 are replaced or replenished as needed by the user. In some examples, the user only needs to replenish or replace the nicotine source 314 from time to time, provided that the user has provided sufficient liquid 310 for multiple uses. Once the liquid 310 is consumed, the user disposes of the dual-function liquid chamber 309/solid chamber 313 and uses a new one. Similarly, it is believed that the user only needs to replenish or replace the liquid 310 from time to time, provided that the user has provided sufficient nicotine source 314 for multiple uses. Once the nicotine source 314 is consumed, the user disposes of the dual function liquid chamber 309/solid chamber 313 and uses a new one.

3, a second heater 318 is also provided in thermal contact with the nicotine source 314 to heat the nicotine source 314 and promote release of ingredients therefrom as vapor and/or aerosol passes therethrough during use. The second heater 318 may be, for example, an electrical resistance heater powered by a battery 307, a ceramic heater, or the like. Other heating configurations, including non-electrical heating configurations, may also be used for the second heater 318.

In the example assembly 301 of FIG. 3, the heater 318 for heating the nicotine source 314 is provided inside the nicotine source 314 and heats the nicotine source 314 by thermal conduction from inside the nicotine source 314. The heater 318 in this example is generally in the form of a cylindrical rod disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the nicotine source 314. In other configurations, the heater 318 may be a wire, which may be in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate of multiple different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, and may also be multi-layered), a thin film heater, etc. The nicotine source 314 in this example is generally tubular or otherwise has an internal opening for receiving the heater 318. The heater 318 may actually be an integral element of the assembly 301 or may be provided as part of the housing 302. In this example, when the nicotine source 314 is loaded into the assembly 301 (e.g., when the solid chamber 313 containing the nicotine source 314 is loaded into the assembly 301), the nicotine source 314 surrounds the second heater 318. Alternatively, the heater 318 may be integral with the chamber 313 that holds or contains the nicotine source 314. In this alternative, if the solid chamber 313 is disposable, the heater 318 would be replaced when the user loads a new solid chamber 313 with an unused nicotine source into the assembly 301.

In another example, multiple internal heaters 318 may be provided to provide more efficient heating of the nicotine source 314. In another example, the nicotine source 314 may be heated by both one or more external heaters (such as the second heater 215 in the example of FIG. 2) and one or more internal heaters (such as the second heater 318 in the example of FIG. 3).

4, there is shown a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example cartridge 600 having a liquid chamber 601 containing an aerosolizable liquid 602 and a receptacle or chamber (sometimes referred to herein as a "solid chamber") 603 for a nicotine source 604. The liquid 602 corresponds to the liquids described above herein and may have a pH of 4-5 and/or may include an acid, e.g., a pKa of greater than 3. The nicotine source 604 corresponds to the nicotine source described above herein and may be base-treated and have a pH of, e.g., 8-9.5. In this example, the liquid chamber 601 and the nicotine source chamber 603 are provided as one integral component, either by being formed integrally from the beginning or by being formed initially of two parts that are later assembled in a substantially permanent manner. The cartridge 600 is configured such that the liquid 602 is vaporized to produce an aerosol of droplets or is heated sufficiently to produce a vapor, and at least a portion, and preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol and/or vapor passes through the nicotine source 604 to absorb flavorants from the nicotine source 604. In particular, the liberated "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source 604 may undergo acid-base salt formation with the acidic vapor and/or aerosol from the liquid 602. In this manner, nicotine can be drawn or extracted from the nicotine source 604 by the acidic vapor and/or aerosol to increase nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium. Additionally, passing the acidic vapor/aerosol through the nicotine source 604 can provide nicotine in a more flavorful, salt form.

In the example of FIG. 4, the liquid chamber 601 is generally located in the center of the cartridge 600. The liquid chamber 601 in the example described is frustoconical, but may have a different shape, such as conical or cylindrical. The liquid chamber 601 is surrounded by an outer shell 605 that defines an annular passage 606 that surrounds the exterior of the length of the liquid chamber 601 and extends from one end of the liquid chamber 601 to the other end. The outer shell 605 extends beyond the first end wall 607 of the liquid chamber 601 to define a chamber 608 that extends beyond the first end wall 607 of the liquid chamber 601. In the example described, both the chamber 608 and the annular passage 606 contain the nicotine source 604, and thus can be viewed as collectively providing a solid chamber 603 for the nicotine source 604. In another example, the nicotine source 604 may be provided only in the chamber 608, thus defining a solid chamber 603 for the nicotine source 604, and the annular channel 606 is empty. The chamber 608 is blocked by an end wall 609 that is spaced from the end wall 607 of the liquid chamber 601. The end wall 609 may be part of the outer shell 605 or may be a separate plastic or rubber cap or the like. In yet another example, the annular channel 606 contains the nicotine source 604 and there is no material in the chamber 608, in fact the chamber 608 may be omitted and the channel 606 substantially terminates at the end wall 609. The channel 606 and/or the chamber 608 may be filled entirely with the nicotine source 604 or may contain only a portion or mass of the nicotine source 604. The end wall 609 is porous and/or has one or more through holes 610 to allow aerosol and/or vapor to exit the cartridge 600 and be inhaled by a user. The liquid chamber 601 and solid chamber 603 may each be formed of a hard, water-tight and air-tight material, such as metal, a suitable plastic, or the like.

The example cartridge 600 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a heater 611 and a wick 612 in thermal contact with the heater 611. In this example, the heater 611 and wick 612 are provided as a single unit, often referred to as an "atomizer." In this example, if the cartridge 600 includes an atomizer, it is often referred to as a "cartomizer." The orientation of the heater 611 is shown diagrammatically, for example, the heater 611 may be a coil with a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 600, rather than parallel as shown in FIG. 4.

The wick 612 contacts the liquid 602. This can be achieved, for example, by inserting the wick 612 through a through hole (not shown) in the second end wall 613 of the liquid chamber 601. Alternatively, additionally, the second end wall 613 may be a porous member (schematically depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 4) that allows liquid to pass from the liquid chamber 601, and the wick 612 may contact the porous second end wall 613. The second end wall 613 may be in the form of a porous ceramic disc, for example. Such a porous second end wall 613 helps regulate the flow of liquid into the wick 612. The wick 612 is generally absorbent and serves to draw the liquid 602 from the liquid chamber 601 by capillary action. The wick 612 is preferably non-woven and may be a material such as cotton or wool, or a synthetic material including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, or polypropylene.

In use, the cartridge 600 is connected by the user to a battery section (not shown) of the assembly to power the heater 611. When the atomizer heater 611 is powered (which may be activated, for example, by the user operating a button on the entire assembly, or by a puff detector on the entire assembly, as known per se), the liquid 602 drawn from the liquid chamber 601 by the wick 612 is heated by the heater 611 which volatilizes or vaporizes the liquid. When the user holds the mouthpiece of the entire assembly in his mouth, the vapor and/or aerosol travels to the annular flow passage 606 and chamber 608 which surrounds the exterior of the length of the liquid chamber 601, as shown by arrow A. The vapor and/or aerosol absorbs the flavor from the nicotine source 604 and takes up one or more of its components. When the vapor and/or aerosol contacts the nicotine source 604, the liberated "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source 604 may undergo acid-base salt formation with the acid vapor and/or aerosol from the liquid 602. In this manner, nicotine can be drawn or extracted from the nicotine source 604 by the acid vapor and/or aerosol to increase the nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium. Additionally, by passing the acid vapor/aerosol through the nicotine source 604, nicotine can be provided in a more flavorful salt form. The vapor and/or aerosol can then be exhausted from the cartridge 600 through the end wall 609, as shown by arrow B. Optionally, a one-way valve 614 may be provided inside the end wall 609 to allow the vapor and/or aerosol to only be exhausted from the cartridge 600 and not flow back to the heater 611 or the electronics of the entire assembly.

5, there is shown a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a cartridge 700 having a chamber (sometimes referred to herein as the "liquid chamber") 701 that contains an aerosolizable liquid (sometimes referred to herein simply as the "liquid") 702 and a chamber (sometimes referred to herein as the "solid chamber") 703 that defines a chamber 708 that contains a nicotine source 704. The liquid 702 corresponds to the liquids described herein above and may have a pH of 4-5 and/or may include an acid, e.g., a pKa of greater than 3. The nicotine source 704 corresponds to the nicotine sources described herein above and may be base-treated and have a pH of, e.g., 8-9.5. In the following description and in FIG. 5, components and features that are the same or similar to the corresponding components and features of the example described with reference to FIG. 4 bear reference numerals with the same numerals plus 100. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components and features will not be repeated in their entirety here.

In this example, the liquid chamber 701 and the solid chamber 703 of the cartridge 700 are provided as separate components that are removably connected to each other during use. The liquid chamber 701 and the solid chamber 703 may be, for example, clipped or otherwise removably secured to each other, or, for example, the solid chamber 703 may simply ride or frictionally fit to the liquid chamber 701. The cartridge 700 is configured such that the liquid 702 is vaporized to produce an aerosol of droplets or is heated sufficiently to produce vapor, and at least a portion and preferably all or substantially all of the aerosol and/or vapor passes through the nicotine source 704 to absorb flavoring from the nicotine source 704 and incorporate one or more components thereof. When the vapor and/or aerosol contacts the nicotine source 704, the liberated "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source 704 may undergo acid-base salt formation with the acidic vapor and/or aerosol from the liquid 702. In this manner, nicotine can be drawn or extracted from the nicotine source 704 by the acidic vapor and/or aerosol, increasing the amount of nicotine delivered in the inhalable medium. Additionally, by passing the acidic vapor/aerosol through the nicotine source 704, the nicotine can be provided in a more flavorful salt form.

In this example, the liquid chamber 701 is surrounded by an outer shell 705 that defines an annular flow passage 706 that surrounds the exterior of the length of the liquid chamber 701 and extends from one end of the liquid chamber 701 to the other. The outer shell 705 extends beyond a first end wall 707 of the liquid chamber 701 and terminates in an end wall 709. The end wall 709 may be another plastic cap, a rubber cap, or the like. The end wall 709 may be porous and/or have one or more through holes 710 to allow aerosol and/or vapor to exit the annular flow passage 706. A one-way valve 714 may be provided inside the end wall 709 so that the vapor and/or aerosol can only exit the annular flow passage 706 at the end distal to the heater 711 and wick 712, but cannot flow back to the heater 711 or the electronics of the entire assembly. The nicotine source chamber 703 is disposed above the end wall 709 such that, in use, vapor and/or aerosol exiting through the end wall 709 travels to the solid chamber 703. The solid chamber 703 has an exit opening and/or a porous end wall 715 to allow aerosol and/or vapor to exit the cartridge 700 and be inhaled by the user.

In use, the cartridge 700 is connected by the user to a battery section (not shown) of the assembly to power the heater 711. When the atomizer heater 711 is powered (for example, it may be activated by the user operating a button on the entire assembly or by a puff detector of the entire assembly, as known per se), the liquid 702 drawn from the liquid chamber 701 by the wick 712 through the end wall 713 is heated by the heater 711 which volatilizes or vaporizes the liquid. When the user bites into the mouthpiece of the entire assembly, the vapor and/or aerosol travels to the annular flow passage 706 that surrounds the exterior of the length of the liquid chamber 701 and toward the end wall 709 of the outer shell 705, as shown by arrow A. The vapor or aerosol then travels through the end wall 709 (via the one-way valve 714, if present) to the solid chamber 703, where it absorbs flavoring from the nicotine source 704 contained therein and takes up one or more components of the nicotine source 704. When the vapor and/or aerosol contacts the nicotine source 704, the liberated "deprotonated" nicotine in the nicotine source 704 may undergo acid-base salt formation with the acidic vapor and/or aerosol from the liquid 702. In this manner, nicotine may be drawn or extracted from the nicotine source 704 by the acidic vapor and/or aerosol to increase the nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium. Additionally, passing the acidic vapor/aerosol through the nicotine source 704 may provide nicotine in a more flavorful salt form. The vapor and/or aerosol may then be expelled from the cartridge 700 through the end wall 715 of the solid chamber 703, as shown by arrow B.

The example depicted in Figures 4 and 5 is particularly suitable for use with so-called modular or "e-go" products, where the cartomizer is typically snapped onto a battery section (not shown) by a screw thread or bayonet fitting or the like. The cartomizer is typically discarded in its entirety after use and a new replacement cartomizer is used. Alternatively, the user may be able to reuse the cartridge by refilling with liquid and/or replacing solid material from time to time as needed.

4 and 5 can be easily adapted for use with other types of e-cigarette hybrid devices known per se. For example, so-called "e-cigarette look-alike" or "ciga-like" assemblies, which are generally small and have a similar form and appearance to a conventional cigarette. In such assemblies, the liquid chamber typically includes some kind of filler material, e.g. cotton, to hold the liquid. The cartridge or cartomizer in such known assemblies is typically entirely disposable, but may allow for refilling of the liquid and/or replacement of the solid material in examples using embodiments of the present invention. Another example is the so-called tank assembly or personal vaporizer, which generally has a large liquid chamber for holding a relatively large amount of liquid, and also offers advanced features that allow the user to control many aspects of the assembly.

As an alternative to any of the above cartomizer configurations, an atomizer for the liquid (i.e., heater and wick) may be provided separately from the liquid and solids chambers. The atomizer may, for example, be provided as part of the battery section of the overall assembly to which the cartridge is removably attached by the user during use.

In any of the examples described above in relation to Figures 4 and 5, a heater for the nicotine source may be provided to "pre-heat" the nicotine source. This heater may be provided as part of the cartridge or as part of the battery section of the assembly in which the cartridge is attached during use.

To enhance nicotine delivery in an inhalable medium, several experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of using acidic vapors and/or aerosols on nicotine extraction from a nicotine source.

The objective in this example was to test whether the use of an acidic aerosolizable liquid would result in the extraction of nicotine from pH-treated tobacco in a manner that would increase the nicotine delivery in the inhalable medium.
1-C, a control sample of an e-liquid composition consisting of glycerol (17 wt%), propylene glycol (71 wt%) and water (12 wt%);
Three aerosolizable liquids were prepared: 1-BA, a sample containing 0.04 wt. % benzoic acid and e-liquid, and 1-LA, a sample containing 0.04 wt. % lactic acid and e-liquid.

The solid nicotine-containing material used was a tobacco blend that had been treated with base to a pH of 8.5. The material was loaded into a standard test system as a pod and the liquid was heated. The heater element had a power output of 7.5 W. The vapor/aerosol formed from the liquid was then passed through or over the pH-treated tobacco composition, entraining one or more components of the composition to provide an inhalable medium that travels via an outlet to a sensing device.

During one experiment, the system produced a total of 60 puffs per pod, divided into three blocks of 20 puffs each, and measured the nicotine delivery after each of the 20 puffs. Puffs were produced using a 55/3/30 regime (55 ml puffs for 3 seconds, separated by 30 seconds). Measurements were repeated four times for each sample. A summary of the results is shown in the table below.

Referring to FIG. 6, a graph of the experimental results described above is shown, demonstrating examples of nicotine delivery from assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention, as well as comparative assemblies.

For 1-20 puff block measurements for each sample, nicotine delivery increased with the acidified liquid. For benzoic acid-containing liquid, nicotine delivery increased from 67.2 μg/puff (control, 1-C) to 79 μg/puff (1-BA). For lactate-containing liquid, nicotine delivery increased from 67.2 μg/puff (control, 1-C) to 100 μg/puff (1-LA).

The results of these experiments therefore demonstrate that the use of an acidic vapor/aerosol (such as those formed from liquids containing benzoic acid or lactic acid in 1-BA or 1-LA, respectively) increases the amount of nicotine delivered to the user compared to a neutral vapor/aerosol (such as the liquid used in 1-C).

Furthermore, the above results indicate that the total amount of nicotine removed from the solid tobacco is increased when an acidic vapor/aerosol is used. That is, a greater amount of nicotine is extracted from the tobacco using an acidic vapor/aerosol (1-BA, 1-LA) compared to a neutral vapor/aerosol (1-C). Thus, in some embodiments, the assembly allows for an increased nicotine extraction rate as well as an increase in the total amount of nicotine available to be extracted from the nicotine source.

As used herein, "aerosol generating agent" refers to a compound or mixture that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol generating agent can facilitate the generation of an aerosol by facilitating the initial evaporation and/or condensation of a gas into an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol.

In general, any suitable aerosol generating agent or agents may be included in the aerosolizable liquid or nicotine source. Suitable aerosol generating agents include, but are not limited to, polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, or myristic acid including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used to produce a desired flavor or odor in products intended for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. Examples include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, and the like). Examples of suitable additives include: spices, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals or breath fresheners. The flavors and flavorings may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. The flavors and flavorings may be in any suitable form, such as oils, liquids or powders.

For the avoidance of doubt, where the term "comprises" is used herein in defining the invention or a feature of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature can be defined using the term "consists essentially of" or "consists of" instead of "comprises."

As used herein, the term pH is used to refer to pH measured at room temperature, i.e., 20-22°C. In some embodiments, room temperature is 20°C.

The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are envisioned. It should be understood that any feature described in connection with any one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with other features described, and can also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not illustrated above can also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The various embodiments described herein are presented solely for the purpose of aiding in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are presented only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein should not be taken as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention are preferably considered to include, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the present disclosure is considered to include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims (20)

1. An aerosol generation assembly comprising:
a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater;
an aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid and having a pH of 2 or greater but less than 7;
An assembly configured to heat the aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or aerosol, and to contact the vapor/aerosol with the solid nicotine-containing material to form an inhalable medium by entraining one or more components thereof. The aerosol generating assembly of claim 1, wherein the solid nicotine-containing material comprises a tobacco material. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid nicotine-containing material has a pH of 8 to 9.5 or 8.5 to 9. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4 to 5 or 4.3 to 4.8. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the difference between the pH of the solid nicotine-containing material and the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 3.0 to 5.5. The aerosol generating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acid has a vapor pressure of 0.1 Pa to 2.5 kPa at 25°C. The aerosol generating assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the aerosolizable liquid has an acid in an amount of 0.001 to 5% by weight. The aerosol generating assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, configured so that the solid nicotine-containing material is heated only by the vapour/aerosol. 1. An aerosol generation assembly comprising:
a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater;
and an aerosolizable liquid comprising an acid having a pKa greater than 0.5;
An assembly configured to heat the aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or aerosol, and to contact the vapor/aerosol with the solid nicotine-containing material to form an inhalable medium by entraining one or more components thereof. The aerosol generating assembly of claim 9, wherein the pKa of the acid is greater than 3 or is between 3.7 and 4.3. The aerosol generating assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the solid nicotine-containing material has a pH of 8 to 9.5 or 8.5 to 9. A cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating assembly, the cartridge comprising an aerosolizable liquid containing an acid and having a pH of 2 or more and less than 7 in a first chamber, and a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or more in a second chamber. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4 to 5 or 4.3 to 4.8. The cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the solid nicotine-containing material has a pH of 8 to 9.5 or 8.5 to 9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the acid has a vapor pressure of 0.1 Pa to 2.5 kPa at 25°C. 1. A method of producing an inhalable medium using an assembly comprising an aerosolizable liquid that contains an acid and has a pH of 2 or greater and less than 7, and a solid nicotine-containing material that has a pH of 7 or greater, comprising:
heating the aerosolizable liquid to form a vapor and/or an aerosol;
and forming an inhalable medium by contacting the aerosolizable liquid in the form of the vapor and/or aerosol with the solid nicotine-containing material to entrap one or more components thereof. The method of claim 16, wherein the pH of the aerosolizable liquid is 4-5 or 4.3-4.8. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the acid has a vapor pressure of 0.1 Pa to 2.5 kPa at 25°C. The use of an acidic vapor and/or aerosol to extract nicotine from a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH greater than 7, whereby the rate of nicotine extraction exceeds the rate of nicotine salt formation in said solid, thereby increasing the nicotine content in said vapor and/or aerosol compared to using a neutral vapor and/or aerosol. (i) a liquid pod containing an aerosolizable liquid that contains an acid and has a pH of 2 or greater and less than 7;
(ii) a nicotine-containing pod containing a solid nicotine-containing material having a pH of 7 or greater,
A kit, wherein the liquid pod and the nicotine-containing pod are configured to be used in an assembly for use in generating an inhalable medium, the assembly being configured, in use, to generate an inhalable medium by contacting the aerosolizable liquid in the form of a vapor and/or aerosol with the solid nicotine-containing material to entrap one or more components thereof.

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