Consumable for Aerosolisable Formulation

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, in particular an aerosolisable formulation suitable for use with an electronic aerosol provision system such as an e-cigarette. The present disclosure also relates to the use of said consumable, containers comprising the formulation, and processes of generating an aerosol using the formulation.

BACKGROUND

Devices have been developed which allow a user to replicate parts of the smoking experience without having to use conventional cigarettes. In particular, devices such as e-cigarettes have been developed which allow a user to generate an artificial aerosol which can then be inhaled to replicate the smoking experience. The aerosol is typically produced by vaporising a liquid which comprises nicotine and an aerosol forming component such as glycerol. The vaporisation occurs via a heater (or other atomization means) which is powered by a power source such as a battery.

Other devices are also available which seek to replicate the smoking experience without having to use conventional cigarettes. These devices may be referred to as tobacco heating devices, since they generally have the capacity to heat tobacco but not combust it.

Collectively, e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices may be referred to as aerosol delivery devices or aerosol provision systems. However, one potential drawback with such devices or systems, in particular with e-cigarettes, is that they may fail to completely replicate the sensorial experience normally associated with smoking a conventional cigarette which users of conventional cigarettes may find less desirable.

As a result, it would be desirable to provide means for improving the sensorial experience delivered by aerosol delivery devices/aerosol provision systems so that it more closely replicates the cigarette smoking sensorial experience. This may be achieved by improving one or more of the sensory properties of the aerosolisable formulation in the device so that it replicates smoking a conventional cigarette.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to combination of ingredients which can be used in an aerosolisable formulation to improve at least one sensory property thereof. In particular, the combination of one or more sensates, sweetener and an emulsifier (e.g. triacetin) provides a consumable which is able to improve at least one sensory property of an aerosolisable formulation such that the formulation more closely replicates smoking conventional cigarettes when inhaled by a user. The improvement in sensory properties may therefore be relative to the formulation without the combination of one or more sensates, sweetener and emulsifier (e.g. triacetin), where the sensory property may be selected from taste, mouthfeel, and/or in-smoking experience. In one embodiment the emulsifier as defined in Claim 1 is triacetin; the present disclosure is not, however, limited to triacetin.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, wherein the consumable comprises (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, (ii) a sweetener, and (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester. In some embodiments, the compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg; 101,325 Pa) of at least 200° C. In some embodiments, (ii) and (iii) are different.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, wherein the consumable comprises one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, a sweetener, and triacetin, optionally wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosolisable formulation for an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable as defined herein, a carrier and optionally nicotine.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system comprising the consumable as defined herein, an aerosol former material, one or more binders, and optionally a botanical material.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosolisable formulation for an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable as defined herein, wherein the formulation comprises about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of the one or more sensates, and greater than about 1 wt % to less than about 35 wt % of the emulsifier (e.g. triacetin).

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosolisable formulation for an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable as defined herein, wherein the formulation comprises about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt % of the one or more sensates, and greater than about 5 wt % to less than about 20 wt % of the emulsifier (e.g. triacetin).

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an article comprising the aerosolisable formulation as defined herein.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article as defined herein.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising providing the aerosolisable formulation as defined herein and aerosolising the formulation.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising providing the aerosol generating system or the aerosol provision system as defined herein, and aerosolising the formulation and/or consumable in the system.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a sealed container containing the article as defined herein, optionally wherein the container is hermetically sealed and is formed from a material which inhibits or prevents the passage of ultraviolet light therethrough.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and a compound which is an emulsifier, wherein the compound has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least 200° C., to modify at least one sensory property of an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and a compound which is an emulsifier, and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, to modify at least one sensory property of an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and triacetin to improve at least one sensory property of an aerosolisable formulation.

In accordance with some embodiments there is provided the use of an emulsifier to modify mouthfeel of an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system, the emulsifier having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C., wherein the mouthfeel is modified to replicate one or more sensations of smoking a combustible tobacco product, preferably a cigarette.

In accordance with some embodiments there is provided the use of an emulsifier to modify mouthfeel of an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system, the emulsifier being a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, wherein the mouthfeel is modified to replicate one or more sensations of smoking a combustible tobacco product, preferably a cigarette.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of a warming agent or a tingling agent in combination with a sweetener and a compound which is an emulsifier in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system to modify the tobacco flavour intensity of the formulation or a consumable in the system, wherein the emulsifier compound has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.05 wt % of a warming agent or a tingling agent in combination with a sweetener and triacetin in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation to modify the tobacco flavour intensity thereof.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and an emulsifier in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation to modify the tobacco flavour intensity thereof, wherein the emulsifier has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. and/or is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and triacetin in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation to modify the tobacco flavour intensity thereof.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description and drawings. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example aerosol provision system.

FIG. 2 is a plot from Experimental 3 showing the product development test results.

FIG. 3 is a plot from Experimental 3 showing the product development test results.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to “dry % by weight” or “dry weight basis” refers to weight on the basis of dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients except water or carrier). Reference to “wet weight” refers to the weight of the formulation or composition including water or carrier. Unless otherwise indicated, reference to “% by weight” (or “% by weight”) of formulation or composition reflects the total wet weight of the formulation or composition (i.e., including water/carrier).

In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” modifying the quantity of an ingredient in the formulation of the invention or employed in the methods of the invention refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the formulation, or to carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a formulation or composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”, the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

As noted in the background above, aerosol provision devices or systems typically allow a user to replicate parts of the smoking experience without having to use conventional cigarettes. Specifically, aerosol provision systems are intended to produce an artificial aerosol which can be inhaled by the user to replicate the smoking experience. The aerosol produced by such systems does not, however, completely replicate the sensorial experience typically associated with smoking a conventional cigarette.

The “sensorial gap” between use of current aerosolisable formulations and smoking a conventional cigarette includes one or more of taste, mouthfeel, and in-smoking experience. It has been surprisingly found that the combination of compounds in the present claims—namely one or more sensates wherein at least one is a warming agent/tingling agent, an emulsifier as defined in Claim 1 (e.g. triacetin) and a sweetener—is able to modify, e.g. improve, at least one of these cigarette smoking sensations and thereby reduce this “sensorial gap”.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, an “aerosolisable formulation” is a formulation that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. An “aerosolisable formulation”, namely an aerosol-generating formulation, may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourant(s). In preferred embodiments, the aerosolisable formulation is in the form of a liquid or gel.

A cigarette is used herein as an example combustible tobacco product; the skilled person will appreciate that the present disclosure is not limited to replicating one or more cigarette smoking sensation(s) and may equally apply to replicating one or more sensation(s) of smoking other combustible tobacco products such as cigars and the like. The sensations may include taste, mouthfeel, in-smoking experience, or a combination thereof.

Taste is the sensation and/or perception of flavours and in vaping, flavour is delivered primarily via aroma. When a user is inhaling aerosol from a tobacco-flavoured formulation (e.g. a tobacco flavoured e-liquid or gel), it is desirable for the aroma to be tobacco-like and for the aroma to deliver a richness and complexity comparable to smoking a cigarette.

Body of aerosol and mouthfeel are physical sensations experienced in the oral cavity by the user during and after smoking of a cigarette. Cigarette smoke is typically associated with “fullness” in the mouth and leaves a perceived mouth coating after use. The aftertaste of smoking a cigarette may be described as lingering or indulgent. In the present disclosure the aerosolisable formulation and aerosol generating system as defined herein provides a body of aerosol and mouthfeel which is comparable to smoking a conventional cigarette. Mouthfeel can also include irritation and/or throat hit as well as mouth drying and mouthful of vapour.

In-smoking experience includes the desired nicotine sensorials of smoke and the building sensorial sensation puff-by-puff to a level of perceived saturation. Nicotine sensation includes nicotine “hit” (i.e. the physiological response, sometimes referred to as the “buzz”) and impact (i.e. where the user experiences irritation and taste) and is an integral part of the cigarette smoking experience. Sweetener has been shown in the present disclosure to reduce/soften nicotine sensation, whereas a warming agent or tingling agent such as Symheat provides a building irritation but this is raw and harsh. In contrast, the aerosolisable formulation of the present disclosure provides an in-smoking experience which replicates that of cigarette smoke. In-smoking experience may also include first puff satisfaction and visible vapour.

Surprisingly the consumable of the present disclosure improved the sensorial experience of an aerosolisable formulation when used in an aerosol provision device. Furthermore, the levels of the compounds in the consumable can be adjusted in order to tailor the flavour intensity to consumer preference. This is beneficial because it maximises the switching and appeal of an aerosol provision system as an alternative to cigarettes or other combustible tobacco products. Along with this range of cigarette smoking sensation, the consumable can be combined with a range of flavours and substrates (e.g. e-liquids). The consumable can, for example, be used with a tobacco flavoured e-liquid or equally with a mint/menthol flavoured e-liquid, or any botanical material, e.g. in the form of a gel.

For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the present invention are now discussed under appropriate section headings. However, the teachings under each section are not necessarily limited to each particular section. In other words, particular sections of the description are not to be read in isolation from other sections.

The ranges provided herein relate to preferred amounts of each of the components. Each of these ranges may be taken alone or combined with one or more other component range(s) to provide a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Consumable for an Aerosolisable Formulation

There is provided herein a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, i.e. a consumable suitable for use in an aerosolisable formulation. The consumable may be defined as in Claim 1; the consumable comprises (i) one or more sensates, wherein the at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent; (ii) a sweetener; and (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester. The compound (iii) may have a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. The present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the emulsifying properties of the compound (iii) are important for providing the replication of one or more smoking sensation(s). The term “emulsifier” would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art. It refers to a compound that stabilises an emulsion, i.e. a compound that encourages the suspension of one liquid in other. Emulsifiers are used in many consumer products, including foods, cosmetics and medicines.

The basic structure of an emulsifier or emulsifying agent includes a hydrophobic portion, usually a long-chain fatty acid, and a hydrophilic portion that may be either charged or uncharged. The hydrophobic portion of the emulsifier dissolves in the oil phase, and the hydrophilic portion dissolves in the aqueous phase, forming a dispersion of small oil droplets. In the context of the present disclosure, the emulsifier may be a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester. The emulsifying properties of these compounds may be beneficial in contributing to the observed modification in mouthfeel so as to replicate one or more sensations experienced when smoking a combustible tobacco product (e.g. cigarette). The emulsifier compound (iii) may, for example, be a contributing factor to the perceived mouth coating after use and/or “fullness” in the mouth (i.e. aerosol body), each being modified so as to replicate that of smoking e.g. a conventional cigarette. The emulsifier compound (iii) may also be a contributing factor to the impact or throat hit of the product.

As described herein, there is also provided a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, wherein the consumable comprises: one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent; a sweetener; and triacetin, optionally wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1. In some embodiments there is provided a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, wherein the consumable comprises: one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent; a sweetener; and triacetin, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1. The aerosolisable formulation is configured for use in an aerosol provision system. Such systems are discussed further below.

Sensates

The consumable of the present disclosure comprises one or more sensates. At least one of the sensates is a warming agent or a tingling agent. By the term “sensate” or “sensate compound”—used interchangeably herein—is meant a compound that triggers a sensation mediated by the trigeminal nerve of a user.

The use of sensate compounds is well-documented in food and pharmaceutical industries, and the triggered sensations include cooling, warming, and tingling sensations. When used in an aerosolisable formulation, such sensations should be experienced in the oral cavity, the nasal cavity and/or the skin of the user. The present disclosure is not limited in this respect although preference is given for sensations experienced in the oral and/or nasal cavities. The terms “cooling”, “warming” and “tingling” are well-understood in the art.

Cooling agents, warming agents and tingling agents are each typically small organic molecules which deliver a cooling, warming or tingling sensation to a user upon contact with the oral cavity, nasal cavity and/or skin. This sensation falls under the category of chemesthetic sensations and arises because the small organic molecule activates certain receptors in the skin and/or mucous membranes. The experience of a cooling, warming and/or tingling sensation thus relies on chemesthesis of the user. Chemesthesis is also referred to in the art as the “common chemical sense” or trigeminal chemosensation because it typically refers to sensations that are mediated by the trigeminal nerve and which are elements of the somatosensory system, distinguishing them from olfaction (sense of smell) and taste.

At least one sensate in the consumable of the invention is a warming agent or a tingling agent. The warming agent or tingling agent may be selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamyl phenyl propyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, Uzazi or mustard oil.

Vanilloids are compounds which possess a vanillyl group, and a number of vanilloids bind to the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 or TRPV1 receptor, an ion channel which naturally responds to stimuli. TRPV1 is therefore an element of the mammalian somatosensory system. Vanilloids include capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) and nonivamide as well as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate, the major component of SymHeat PV used in the Examples herein. Other vanilloids include gingerols, zingerone, and shogaols as well as vanillyl ethyl ether, vanillyl propyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether and vanillyl butyl ether acetate. The chemical structures of capsaicin, 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate, gingerol, [6]-shogaol, and zingerone are shown in Annex 1 along with vanillyl butyl ether.

Sanshools are exemplified by hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, a compound responsible forthe numbing and tingling sensation caused by eating food cooked with Szechuan peppercorns and Uzazi. The term “sanshool” is derived from the Japanese term for the Japanese pepper and the suffix “ol” meaning “alcohol”. It is an agonist of TRPV1 and TRPA1 (an ion channel best known as a sensor for pain, cold, and itch in humans and other mammals) and its chemical structure is shown in Annex 1.

Cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds have a common structural characteristic of an aryl substituted primary alcohol/aldehyde/ester. They include 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate and 3-phenyl-1-propanol, which each have a spicy taste and balsamic odour, as well as 3-phenylpropyl isobutyrate which has a fruity taste and odour. In some embodiments, the cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds are selected from 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate, 3-phenyl-1-propanol and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, mustard oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi.

In some embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, or cayenne pepper.

In some embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid, for example the warming agent or tingling agent may comprise a combination of a vanilloid and a cinnamyl phenylpropyl compound. In some embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent is a vanilloid, preferably 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate.

In some embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanillyl ethyl ether, vanillyl propyl ether, 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate, capsaicinoids, gingerols (e.g. [6], [8], [10] and/or [12]-gingerol), vanillyl butyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether acetate, sanshools, piperine, zingerone, shogaols (e.g. (6)-shogaol), allyl isothiocyanate, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, Uzazi or mustard oil.

In some embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanillyl ethyl ether, vanillyl propyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether acetate, 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, gingerols (e.g. [6], [8], [10] and/or [12]-gingerol), zingerone, shogaols (e.g. (6)-shogaol), and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from ginger oil.

All embodiments include, where appropriate, all enantiomers and tautomers of the compounds. The person skilled in the art will recognise compounds that possess optical properties (one or more chiral carbon atoms) or tautomeric characteristics. The corresponding enantiomers and/or tautomers may be isolated/prepared by methods known in the art.

Some of the compounds may also exist as stereoisomers and/or geometric isomers—e.g. they may possess one or more asymmetric and/or geometric centres and so may exist in two or more stereoisomeric and/or geometric forms. All embodiments include, where appropriate, the use of all the individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds, and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims encompass these forms. Piperine has, for example, four geometric isomers including chavicine, isochavicine and isopiperine. The term “piperine” is used herein to refer to all the individual geometric isomers, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments the one or more sensates consist of warming agents and tingling agents.

In some embodiments the one or more sensates consist of warming agents.

In some embodiments the one or more sensates consist of tingling agents.

The one or more sensates as defined may be present in the consumable in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable. As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, this concentration range applies to the total amount of sensates, e.g. warming agent or tingling agent and optionally cooling agent. The inclusion of a cooling agent is discussed further below.

The concentration range of about 0.001 wt % to about 10 wt % also applies to the above definition of the one or more sensates. For example, the consumable may comprise about 0.001 wt % to about 10 wt % of one or more sensates wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi. Preferably wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid, such as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate.

In some embodiments the one or more sensate as defined herein is present in the consumable in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable, such as about 0.001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, preferably about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt %, more preferably about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt %. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the one or more sensate as defined herein is present in the consumable in an amount of from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.25 wt %.

In some embodiments the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable, such as about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable.

In some embodiments the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, such as about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, more preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation. In some embodiments the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.05 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation. These concentration ranges may be combined with any of the above concentrations for the total amount of sensate.

Preferably the warming agent or tingling agent may be present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.025 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation. More preferably the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.025 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, and is selected from vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi, e.g. vanilloids.

An alternative preferred embodiment is where the warming agent or tinging agent may be present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, and is selected from vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi, e.g. vanilloids.

In some embodiments the one or more sensate consists of a warming agent or a tingling agent such that the “total” concentration of the one or more sensate is about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable, such as about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, more preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable.

In some embodiments the one or more sensate consists of a warming agent or a tingling agent such that the “total” concentration of the one or more sensate is about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, preferably 0.0001 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, more preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.25 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensates further comprise a cooling agent. The term “cooling agent” is defined above. It may be menthol or a cooling agent which is a compound of formula (I) or a salt and/or solvate thereof.

• • wherein X is hydrogen or OR′, wherein R′ is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group which may be taken together with R₁ to form a three to five-membered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, alkyl-OH, alkyl-O-alkyl, NH₂, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)₂, NO₂ and CN; and wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently selected from hydrogen, OH, OR_a, C(O)NR_bR_c and C(O)OR_bR_c; and when the double bond is present, R₂ is absent;
  • wherein R_a is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a C(O)R_f group, or a C(O)-alkyl-C(O)R_fgroup wherein the alkyl groups and alkenyl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, NH₂, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)₂, NO₂ and CN; and wherein R_fis an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, OH, O-alkyl, NH₂, NH-alkyl or N-(alkyl)₂, wherein the alkyl groups and alkenyl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, NH₂, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)₂, NO₂ and CN;
  • wherein R_b and R_c are each independently hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a heteroaryl group, or a heteroaralkyl group, wherein the alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, NH₂, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)₂, NO₂, CN and C(O)R_f.

In some embodiments X is hydrogen.

In some embodiments X is OR′, wherein R′ is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group which is taken together with R₁ to form a three to five-membered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by OH, O-alkyl or alkyl-OH. In some embodiments X is OR′, wherein R′ is an alkyl group which is taken together with R₁ to form a four or five-membered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by alkyl-OH. In some embodiments X is OR′, wherein R′ is an alkyl group which is taken together with R₁ to form a four or five-membered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by alkyl-OH, and wherein R₁ is OR_a wherein R_a is an alkyl group and wherein R₂ is absent or hydrogen.

In some embodiments R₁ is selected from OH, OR_a and C(O)NR_bR_c and R₂ is either absent or selected from OH and OR_a. In some embodiments R₁ is OH. In some embodiments R₁ is OH and R₂ is selected from OH and OR_a.

In some embodiments X is hydrogen and R₁ is selected from OH, OR_a and C(O)NR_bR_c. R₂ is either absent or selected from OH and OR_a. In some embodiments X is hydrogen, R₁ is selected from OR_a and C(O)NR_bR_c and R₂ is either absent or selected from OH and OR_a.

In some embodiments R₁ is OR, and R_a is an alkyl group substituted by one or more OH substituents. R₂ may be hydrogen.

In some embodiments R₁ is OR, and R_a is a C(O)R_f group, or a C(O)-alkyl-C(O)R_fgroup, wherein R_f is an alkyl group optionally substituted by one or more OH substituents or R_fis OH. R₂ may be hydrogen.

In some embodiments R₁ is C(O)NR_bR_c, wherein R_b and R_c are each independently hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a heteroaryl group, or a heteroaralkyl group. In some embodiments R₁ is C(O)NR_bR_c and at least one of R_b and R_c is hydrogen. R₂ may be hydrogen.

In some embodiments R₁ is C(O)NR_bR_c, wherein R_b is hydrogen and R_c is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group and a heteroaralkyl group. R₂ may be hydrogen.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” includes both saturated straight chain and branched alkyl groups which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_1-10alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_1-3 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_1-6 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_1-3alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl groups include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and hexyl. In some embodiments the alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” includes both unsaturated straight chain and branched alkenyl groups which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_2-10 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_2-8 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_2-6 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_2-3 alkenyl group.

As used herein, the term “aryl” refers to a C_6-12 aromatic group which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. Typical examples include phenyl and naphthyl etc. In some embodiments the aryl group is phenyl.

The term “aralkyl” is used as a conjunction of the terms alkyl and aryl as given above. For example, an aryl group may be bonded to the compound of formula (I) through a diradical alkylene bridge, (—CH₂—)_n, where n is 1-10 and where “aryl” is as defined above. Alternatively, an alkyl group may be bonded to the compound of formula (I) through a diradical aryl bridge, e.g. phenyl, where “alkyl is as defined above. In some embodiments the term “aralkyl” refers to a phenyl-alkyl group where the phenyl is bonded to the compound of formula (I).

As used herein the term “heteroaryl” refers to a monovalent aromatic group of from 1 to 12 carbon atoms having one or more oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur heteroatoms within the ring. In some embodiments there are 1 to 4 oxygen, nitrogen and/or sulfur heteroatoms within the ring. In some embodiments there are 1 to 3 oxygen, nitrogen and/or sulfur heteroatoms within the ring. In some embodiments there are 2 oxygen and/or nitrogen heteroatoms within the ring. In some embodiments there is 1 oxygen or nitrogen heteroatom within the ring. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized. Such heteroaryl groups can have a single ring (e.g., pyridyl or furyl) or multiple condensed rings provided that the point of attachment is through a heteroaryl ring atom.

In some embodiments the heteroaryl is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinnyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl benzofuranyl, and benzothiophenyl. Heteroaryl rings may be unsubstituted or substituted. In some embodiments the heteroaryl is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl and pyrrolyl. In some embodiments the heteroaryl is pyridyl.

As used herein the term “heterocyclyl” refers to fully saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic groups, which have one or more oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen heteroatoms in the ring. In some embodiments the heterocyclyl has 1 to 3 heteroatoms in the ring. In some embodiments the heterocyclyl has 1 to 3 oxygen and/or nitrogen heteroatoms in the ring. In some embodiments the heterocyclyl has 1 to 3 oxygen heteroatoms in the ring. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized. The heterocyclic group may be unsubstituted or substituted.

Exemplary monocyclic heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, oxiranyl, oxetanyl, pyrazolinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, isothiazolidinyl, furyl, tetrahydrofuryl, thienyl, oxadiazolyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, morpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide, thiamorpholinyl sulfone, 1,3-dioxolane and tetrahydro-1,1-dioxothienyl, triazolyl, and triazinyl.

In some embodiments the heterocycyl is selected from the group consisting of oxiranyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, and 1,3-dioxolane. In some embodiments the heterocycyl is 1,3-dioxolane.

All embodiments include, where appropriate, all enantiomers, tautomers and geometric isomers of the compounds of formula (I). The person skilled in the art will recognise compounds that possess optical properties (one or more chiral carbon atoms) or tautomeric characteristics. The corresponding enantiomers and/or tautomers may be isolated/prepared by methods known in the art. Some of the compounds of formula (I) may also exist as stereoisomers and/or geometric isomers—e.g. they may possess one or more asymmetric and/or geometric centers and so may exist in two or more stereoisomeric and/or geometric forms. All embodiments include, where appropriate, the use of all the individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds, and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims encompass these forms.

Suitable salts of the compounds of formula (I) include suitable acid addition or base salts thereof. Such salts and solvates thereof will be known in the art. Suitable acid addition salts include carboxylate salts (e.g. formate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, propionate, isobutyrate, heptanoate, decanoate, caprate, caprylate, stearate, acrylate, caproate, propiolate, ascorbate, citrate, glucuronate, glutamate, glycolate, α-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, tartrate, phenylacetate, mandelate, phenylpropionate, phenylbutyrate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, methylbenzoate, hydroxybenzoate, methoxybenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, o-acetoxybenzoate, salicylate, nicotinate, isonicotinate, cinnamate, oxalate, malonate, succinate, suberate, sebacate, fumarate, malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate, hippurate, phthalate or terephthalate salts), halide salts (e.g. chloride, bromide or iodide salts), sulfonate salts (e.g. benzenesulfonate, methyl-, bromo- or chloro-benzenesulfonate, xylenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, propanesulfonate, hydroxyethanesulfonate, 1- or 2-naphthalene-sulfonate or 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate salts) or sulfate, pyrosulfate, bisulfate, sulfite, bisulfite, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate or nitrate salts.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensates further comprise a cooling agent which is selected from the group consisting of: menthol, N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide, N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide, menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal, menthyl lactate, isopulegol, 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and menthyl succinate.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of: menthol, N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide, N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide, menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal, menthyl lactate, 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and menthyl succinate.

In some embodiments, the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of:

The above-depicted chemical formulae are also shown in Annex 1, along with the trade name and chemical name.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is WS-23, i.e. N,2-3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino]acetate, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl-p-menthanecarboxamide, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, (-)-isopulegol, 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol, and (-)-menthyl succinate. These compounds are shown in Annex 1.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino]acetate, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl-p-menthanecarboxamide, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol, and (-)-menthyl succinate.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino]acetate, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl-p-menthanecarboxamide, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, (-)-isopulegol, and 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino]acetate, ((1R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, (-)-isopulegol, and 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino]acetate, ((1R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, and 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol.

In some embodiments the cooling agent is (1R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide. In another embodiment the cooling agent is (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide.

As noted above, all embodiments include, where appropriate, all enantiomers and tautomers of the compounds. All embodiments include, where appropriate, the use of all the individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds, and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims encompass these forms.

In some embodiments the one or more sensates consist of cooling agents and warming agents. In some embodiments the one or more sensates consist of cooling agents and tingling agents. In some embodiments the one or more sensates consist of cooling agents, warming agents and tingling agents.

As noted above, the concentration range of about 0.001 to about 10 wt % relates to the total amount of sensates in the consumable, e.g. warming agent or tingling agent, and optionally cooling agent. For example, the consumable may comprise about 0.001 to about 10 wt % of one or more sensates wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi, and wherein the one or more sensates optionally further comprises a cooling agent. Preferably wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid, such as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate. Preferably wherein the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of: menthol, N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide, N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide, menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal, menthyl lactate, isopulegol, 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and menthyl succinate.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensate(s) is present in the consumable in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid, and wherein the one or more sensate optionally further comprises a cooling agent which is selected from the group consisting of menthol, N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide, N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide, menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal, menthyl lactate, isopulegol, 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and menthyl succinate.

In some embodiments the one or more sensate is present in the consumable in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid, and wherein the one or more sensate optionally further comprises a cooling agent which is selected from the group consisting of menthol, N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide, N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide, menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal, menthyl lactate, isopulegol, 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and menthyl succinate.

In some embodiments the one or more sensate is present in the consumable in an amount of from about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid, and wherein the one or more sensate optionally further comprises a cooling agent which is selected from the group consisting of menthol, N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide, N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide, N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide, menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal, menthyl lactate, isopulegol, 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and menthyl succinate.

As noted above, the warming agent or tingling agent may be present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation and this range may be combined with the above concentrations for the total amount of sensate including the presence of a cooling agent. Preferably the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, more preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensate and its concentration is selected based on its solubility in the emulsifier compound (iii). For example, the consumable may include an amount of the one or more sensates in the emulsifier compound (iii), where the compound (iii) is present at 50 wt % or more of the consumable, such as 60 wt % or more, preferably 70 wt % or more of the consumable. The compound (iii) is as defined below.

In some embodiments the emulsifier compound (iii) includes triacetin and the one or more sensate and its concentration is selected based on its solubility in the triacetin. For example, the consumable may include an amount of the one or more sensates in the triacetin, where the triacetin is present at 50 wt % or more of the consumable, such as 60 wt % or more, preferably 70 wt % or more of the consumable. As evident from the previous paragraph, however, these concentrations are not solely associated with triacetin as the compound (iii) and apply to the other emulsifiers defined in the appended claims and herein. In particularly preferred embodiments, the emulsifier compound (iii) is present at 80 wt % or more of the consumable.

The present disclosure thus provides a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, wherein the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, the at least one compound being present at 50 wt % or more of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, the at least one compound being present at 60 wt % or more of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, the at least one compound being present at 70 wt % or more of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, the at least one compound being present at 80 wt % or more of the consumable.

In each of these embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent, sweetener and/or emulsifier compound is defined as herein. For example, the at least one compound (iii) may be selected from C₄ to C₁₆ glycerides, C₄ to C₁₆ lactones, C₈ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl maleates, C₈ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl fumarates, C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyols, and polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters; the sweetener may be a compound that binds to T1R2 and/or T1R3, or is a compound selected from oxathiazinone sweeteners, aspartame sweeteners, sulfamates, calcium cyclamate, sugar alcohols, naturally occurring sweeteners, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof; and the warming agent or tingling agent may be selected from vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof.

Sweetener

The consumable of the present disclosure includes a sweetener. By the term “sweetener” is meant a substance used to make food or drink taste sweeter, used instead of sugar (sucrose), i.e. a sugar substitute. Sweeteners are easily recognised in the art and the term would be well-understood by the person skilled in the art. The sweetener may be any sweetener or combination of sweeteners, in natural or artificial form, or as a combination of natural and artificial sweeteners. Examples of natural sweeteners include fructose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevia, and the like. Examples of artificial sweeteners include sucralose, isomaltulose, maltodextrin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame and the like.

A sweetener may be defined as a compound that binds to T1R2 and/or T1R3. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the expression “binds to T1 R2 and/or T1R3” means the compound binds to the T1 R2 receptor and/or the T1R3 receptor. T1R2 is otherwise known as “Taste receptor type 1 member 2”, it is a protein in humans that is encoded by the TAS1R2 gene. Similarly, T1 R3 is otherwise known as “Taste receptor type 1 member 3”, it is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TAS1R3 gene. The sweet taste receptor in humans is predominately formed as a dimer of T1 R2 and T1 R3. Natural sweeteners are, however, understood to interact with the orthosteric binding pocket of either T1R2 or T1 R3.

Binding of sweet substances to the sweet receptors actives trimeric G protein(s) and generates second messengers in taste cells. Both cyclic AMP and calcium may act as second messengers. The sweetener and receptor(s) involves several molecular interactions (e.g., van der Waals, electrostatic, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic, and others) and physical-chemical complementarity among the receptor(s) and the sweetener. The protein structure file (receptor(s)) may be retrieved from the Protein Data Bank and has been described using x-ray diffraction. The details are as follows: T1 R2/T1R3: PDB: 5X2P, https://www.rcsb.or/structure/5X2P, DOI: 10.2210/pdb5X2P/pdb

Active site pockets of a protein molecule are the sites where the sweeteners bind to a protein. The skilled person will understand how to determine whether a compound binds to the active site pockets of T1R2 and/or T1 R3. These experiments may, for example, involve the use of a HEK-based (Human embryonic kidney 293 cells) calcium fluorescence imaging assay as described and employed in Winnig et al., BMC Structural Biology 2007, 7:66 with reference to neohesperidin dihydrochalcone.

In some embodiments, the sweetener may be selected from any suitable compounds which bind to T1R2 and/or T1 R3.

In some embodiments the sweetener is selected from oxathiazinone sweeteners, aspartame sweeteners, sulfamates, cyclamates (e.g. sodium or calcium), sugar alcohols, naturally occurring sweeteners, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The sugar alcohol may include erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, or combinations thereof. The skilled person will understand that when a sugar alcohol is included in the consumable, it may function as the sweetener or the emulsifier. In some embodiments (ii) and (iii) are different. Erythritol is, for example, a C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl polyol with a boiling point of at least 200° C. at atmospheric pressure and functions as an emulsifier. When the emulsifier is a sugar alcohol (i.e. within the scope of a C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl polyol), an additional sweetener could, in some embodiments, be added to the consumable.

In some embodiments the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, calcium cyclamate, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt, tagatose, xylose, glycyrrhizin, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments the sweetener comprises at least one selected from aspartame sweeteners, stevioside, swingle extract, glyccerhizin, perillartine, naringin dihydrochalcone, neohesperidine dihydrochalcone, mogroside V, rubusoside, rubus extract, rebaudioside A, saccharin, sucralose and sodium cyclamate. In some embodiments, the sweetener comprises at least one selected from aspartame sweeteners, stevioside, saccharin, sucralose and sodium cyclamate. Preferably the sweetener includes at least one selected from acesulfame-K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, sodium cyclamate. More preferably the sweetener is neotame or aspartame, e.g. neotame.

It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that any of the above sweeteners may be used in combination to provide the “sweetener” in the defined consumable. In this respect, the blending of sweeteners is well-known in the art. It may, for example, advantageously result in synergistic sweetness potency, improved taste profile or improved temporal profile. Aspartame is, for instance, known to be synergistic with acesulfame-K, saccharin, and cyclamate. Sucralose has moderate synergy with other nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners.

The absolute concentration of the sweetener is not critical to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, sweetener and its concentration is selected based on its solubility in the emulsifier compound (iii). In some embodiments, the emulsifier compound (iii) includes triacetin and the sweetener and its concentration is selected based on its solubility in triacetin.

In some embodiments the concentration of sweetener may be defined by the concentration of the one or more sensates, specifically a weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener. As noted above, in the one or more sensates, at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the level of sweetener can depend on the level of sensate(s) because the sweetener may balance any harshness or aftertaste contributed by the warming/tingling agent. In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, such as greater than about 1:1 to about 2:1, preferably wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is about 2:1.

In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener may be adjusted to take into account the potency of the sweetener. Sweetness potency is defined as the number of times that a sweetener is sweeter than sucrose. Sucrose may be given a value of 1 (for a 10% sucrose solution; see e.g. Godshall MA., Sugar J. 2007; 69:12-20) and sweetness potency of greater than 1 is “more potent” than sucrose, whereas sweetness potency of less than 1 is “less potent” than sucrose.

Neotame is the sweetener employed in the Examples herein. As reported in Godshall M. A., 2007, neotame is 7000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sucrose (10 wt % sucrose solution used as reference) with an average value of 8,000 times sweeter than sucrose. When the above-defined weight ratios are defined with neotame as the sweetener, they may therefore be adjusted accordingly for sweeteners of more or less potency. Sucralose is, for example, 600 times sweeter than sucrose and 13.33 times less sweet than the average value, 8,000, for neotame. Hence a weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener based on neotame of greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, becomes greater than about 1:13 to about 3:13 for sucralose. Similarly, a weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener based on neotame of greater than about 1:1 to about 2:1, becomes greater than about 1:13 to about 2:13 for sucralose.

The adjustment of the weight ratio “greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1” for sweetness potency can be represented by Expression (1) as follows:

Sensate ( s ) : Sweetener = greater ⁢ than ⁢ about ⁢ 1 : ( 8 , TagBox[",", "NumberComma", Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]] 000 / z ) ⁢ to ⁢ about ⁢ 3 : ( 8 , TagBox[",", "NumberComma", Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]] 000 / z ) ⁢ Where ⁢ z = sweetness ⁢ potency ⁢ of ⁢ the ⁢ ⁢ sweetener ⁢ relative ⁢ to ⁢ a ⁢ ⁢ 10 ⁢ wt ⁢ % ⁢ sucrose ⁢ solution Expression ⁢ ( 1 )

The adjustment of the weight ratio “greater than about 1:1 to about 2:1” on sweetness potency can be represented by Expression (2) as follows:

Sensate ( s ) : Sweetener = greater ⁢ than ⁢ about ⁢ 1 : ( 8 , TagBox[",", "NumberComma", Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]] 000 / z ) ⁢ to ⁢ about ⁢ 2 : ( 8 , TagBox[",", "NumberComma", Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]] 000 / z ) ⁢ Where ⁢ z = sweetness ⁢ potency ⁢ of ⁢ the ⁢ ⁢ sweetener ⁢ relative ⁢ to ⁢ a ⁢ ⁢ 10 ⁢ wt ⁢ % ⁢ sucrose ⁢ solution Expression ⁢ ( 2 )

The skilled person will appreciate that when the sweetener is a combination, the average potency for the combination should be calculated based on the respective amount of the sweeteners in the combination.

The sweetener is defined as set out above. Similarly the one or more sensate(s), including the warming agent or tingling agent are defined as set out above. For example, the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid and the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, calcium cyclamate, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt, tagatose, xylose, glycyrrhizin, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above.

In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than 1:1 to about 3:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi, e.g. vanilloids, and the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, calcium cyclamate, erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, isomalt, tagatose, xylose, glycyrrhizin, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above.

In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than 1:1 to about 3:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid and wherein the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above.

In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than 1:1 to about 3:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid and the sweetener is selected from aspartame, neotame, stevia, saccharin, sucralose or mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above.

In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than 1:1 to about 3:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid and the sweetener is selected from aspartame, neotame, or mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above.

In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than 1:1 to about 3:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and the sweetener is selected from aspartame, neotame, or mixtures thereof (e.g. neotame). The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above.

In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than 1:1 to about 2:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and the sweetener is selected from aspartame, neotame, or mixtures thereof (e.g. neotame). The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (2) above.

In some preferred embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is about 2:1, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and the sweetener is selected from aspartame, neotame, or mixtures thereof (e.g. neotame). The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (2) above.

As noted above, the concentration of the sweetener is not critical to the present disclosure. It is preferable to instead balance the sweetener against the sensate(s) according to the above-defined weight ratio. Nevertheless, the sweetener may be present in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, such as about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, more preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.25 wt %. In particularly preferred embodiments, the sweetener may be present in an amount of about 0.0001 to 0.1 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable.

In the aerosolisable formulation, the sweetener may be present in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, such as about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, more preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %.

In the same manner as described above for the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener, the skilled person will understand that these sweetener concentrations may be defined with respect to neotame and adjusted according to the sweetness potency of the sweetener being used in the consumable (if not neotame). As noted above, sucralose has a sweetness potency about 13.3 times less than neotame; hence a neotame concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt % would become about 0.0013 wt % to about 13.3 wt %, based on the total weight of aerosolisable formulation, for sucralose.

The following expressions may be defined:

about ⁢ x ⁢ wt ⁢ % ⁢ to ⁢ about ⁢ y ⁢ wt ⁢ % ⁢ for ⁢ neotame = about ⁢ ( 8 , TagBox[",", "NumberComma", Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]] 000 / z ) ⁢ x ⁢ wt ⁢ % ⁢ to ⁢ about ⁢ ( 8 , TagBox[",", "NumberComma", Rule[SyntaxForm, "0"]] 000 / z ) ⁢ y ⁢ wt ⁢ % ⁢ for ⁢ alternative ⁢ sweetener ⁢ Where ⁢ z = sweetness ⁢ potency ⁢ of ⁢ the ⁢ ⁢ alternative ⁢ sweetener ⁢ relative ⁢ to ⁢ a ⁢ ⁢ 10 ⁢ wt ⁢ % ⁢ sucrose ⁢ solution

Expression (3)

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 10 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 to about 5 wt %, and at least one compound (iii) (e.g. triacetin), based on the total weight of the consumable, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is optionally greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener being defined according to the embodiments above, and the emulsifier compound being defined according to the embodiments below. For example, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and wherein the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1). The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3).

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 to about 3 wt %, and at least one compound (iii), based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is optionally greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener being defined according to the embodiments above, and the emulsifier compound being defined according to the embodiments below. For example, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and wherein the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1). The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3).

In some embodiments the consumable comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, and at least one compound (iii), based on the total weight of the consumable, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is optionally greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener being defined according to the embodiments above, and the emulsifier compound being defined according to the embodiments below. For example, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and wherein the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1). The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3).

In some embodiments the consumable comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, and at least one compound (iii), based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is optionally greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener being defined according to the embodiments above, and the emulsifier compound being defined according to the embodiments below. For example, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and wherein the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1). The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3).

In some embodiments the consumable comprises one or more sensate in an amount of from about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, and at least one compound (iii), based on the total weight of the consumable, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is optionally greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener being defined according to the embodiments above, and the emulsifier compound being defined according to the embodiments below. For example, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and wherein the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1). The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3).

In some embodiments the consumable comprises one or more sensate in an amount of from about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, and at least one compound (iii), based on the total weight of the consumable, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is optionally greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener being defined according to the embodiments above, and the emulsifier compound being defined according to the embodiments below. For example, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and wherein the sweetener is selected from acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1). The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3).

Compound (iii)

The consumable includes at least one compound (iii) which is an emulsifier. This compound has surprisingly been found to modify mouthfeel of an aerosol generated from an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system, wherein the mouthfeel is modified to replicate one or more sensations of smoking a combustible tobacco product. For example, the modified sensations may be taste, mouthfeel and/or in-smoking experience as demonstrated by the Examples herein, such sensations including impact, irritation, aerosol body and/or mouth coating.

The term “emulsifier” is defined hereinabove and is according to the well-known meaning of this term. The skilled person will be readily able to identify whether or not a compound is an emulsifier because it is a well-known category of chemical compounds. Example of suitable compounds are also set out below.

In addition to being an emulsifier, the at least one compound (iii) may have a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. By the term “atmospheric pressure” is meant 101325 Pa, equivalent to 760 mmHg. Boiling is the formation of vapour as bubbles of vapour below the surface of the liquid, and occurs when the equilibrium vapour pressure of the compound is greater than or equal to the environmental pressure. The temperature at which boiling occurs is the boiling temperature or boiling point. Boiling points at atmospheric pressure are reported in the literature for individual compounds and would be readily identified by the person skilled in the art. Examples of boiling points for suitable emulsifier compounds are also set out below.

In some embodiments the boiling point of the emulsifier compound has a lower limit of about 200° C. at atmospheric pressure. This aligns with the requirement for the consumable to be suitable for use in an aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system, such as formulation for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision device. As already noted above, the emulsifier compound (iii) may be a contributing factor to the perceived mouth coating after use and/or “fullness” in the mouth (i.e. aerosol body) as well as impact of the aerosol, each being modified so as to replicate that of smoking e.g. a conventional cigarette. Hence the compound (iii) may be at least partially present in the aerosol generated from the aerosolisable formulation containing the consumable of the present disclosure. The compound may be aerosolised itself or may be carried in the aerosol by other components, e.g. the aerosol former material or carrier defined herein. The present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments the boiling point of the humectant compound is at least about 250° C. at atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments the boiling point of the humectant compound is at least about 280° C. In some embodiments the boiling point of the humectant compound is at least about 300° C.

When boiling point is defined, the upper limit for the boiling point of the at least one compound (iii) is not limited. When the boiling point range has an upper limit, this upper limit does not, however, apply to the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters. In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. to about 400° C. In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 250° C. to about 400° C. In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 280° C. to about 400° C. In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 300° C. to about 400° C.

In other embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. to about 350° C. In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. to about 325° C. In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. to about 300° C.

Some boiling points of exemplary compounds are set out in the table below; the present disclosure is not, however, limited to the listed compounds.

	Compound	Boiling Point at atmospheric pressure (° C.)

	Triacetin	258
	Diethyl maleate	226
	Delta-hexalactone	213

In some embodiments the compound (iii) is not propylene glycol or glycerol.

In some embodiments the at least one compound (iii) is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester. By the term “hydrocarbyl” is meant a univalent group formed by removing a hydrogen atom from a hydrocarbon, the hydrocarbon may be any one of an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group. The alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aryl group, or aralkyl group may be optionally substituted. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon (alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl) may be unsubstituted.

As used herein for the emulsifier, the term “alkyl” includes both saturated straight chain and branched alkyl groups which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_4-38 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_8-38 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_12-34 alkyl group.

In other embodiments the alkyl group is a C_4-18 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_4-16 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_4-12 alkyl group.

In other embodiments the alkyl group is a C_5-18 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_4-18 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_6-16 alkyl group.

As used herein for the emulsifier, the term “alkenyl” includes both unsaturated straight chain and branched alkenyl groups which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_4-38 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_8-38 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_12-34 alkenyl group.

In other embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_4-18 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_4-16 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_4-12 alkenyl group.

In other embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_5-18 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_6-18 alkenyl group. In some embodiments the alkenyl group is a C_6-16 alkenyl group.

As used herein for the emulsifier, the term “alkynyl” includes both unsaturated straight chain and branched alkenyl groups which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In some embodiments the alkyl group is a C_4-38 alkyl group. In some embodiments the alkynyl group is a C_8-38 alkynyl group. In some embodiments the alkynyl group is a C_12-34 alkynyl group.

In other embodiments the alkynyl group is a C_4-18 alkynyl group. In some embodiments the alkynyl group is a C_4-16 alkynyl group. In some embodiments the alkynyl group is a C_4-12 alkynyl group.

As used herein for the emulsifier, the term “aryl” refers to a C_6-18 aromatic group which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In some embodiments the aryl group is a C_6-12 aromatic group. Typical examples include phenyl and naphthyl etc. In some embodiments the aryl group is phenyl.

The term “aralkyl” is used as a conjunction of the terms alkyl and aryl as given above.

If the hydrocarbon is a branched structure having substituent(s) thereon, then the substitution may be on either the hydrocarbon backbone or on the branch. Alternatively, the substitution(s) may be on the hydrocarbon backbone and the branch. Examples of suitable substitutions include hydroxyl groups and alkoxy groups.

All embodiments include, where appropriate, all enantiomers, tautomers and geometric isomers of the emulsifier compound (iii). The person skilled in the art will recognise compounds that possess optical properties (one or more chiral carbon atoms) or tautomeric characteristics. The corresponding enantiomers and/or tautomers may be isolated/prepared by methods known in the art. Some of the emulsifier compounds (iii) may also exist as stereoisomers and/or geometric isomers—e.g. they may possess one or more asymmetric and/or geometric centers and so may exist in two or more stereoisomeric and/or geometric forms. All embodiments include, where appropriate, the use of all the individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds, and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims encompass these forms.

In some embodiments, the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester is a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl ester.

By the term “ester” is meant a compound derived from an acid in which the hydrogen atom of at least one acidic hydroxyl group (—OH) of that acid is replaced with an organyl group (—R). A C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester will therefore have a hydrogen of at least one acidic hydroxyl group replaced with an organyl group (—R), provided the sum of carbon atoms in the compound is 4 to 38. Suitable organyl groups are known in the art. The term “ester” thus includes partial esters, i.e. compounds which include both an —OH group(s) and a —OR group(s).

In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl mono-or di-ester. In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl mono- or di-ester is a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl mono- or di-ester, preferably a C₈ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl mono- or di-ester. Examples include mono- or di-alkyl fumarates and maleates, and the lactones defined below. In some embodiments the C₈ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl mono- or di-ester is a C₁₂ to C₃₄ alkyl or alkenyl mono- or di-ester. Examples include mono- or di-octyl, dodecyl and pentadecyl fumarates and maleates.

The term “ester” also includes glycerides, i.e. esters formed from glycerol and fatty acids. Hence in some embodiments, the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester is a glyceride. Glycerol has three hydroxyl functional groups which can be esterified with one, two, or three fatty acids to form mono-, di-, and tri-glycerides. These structures vary in their fatty acid alkyl groups as they can contain different carbon numbers, different degrees of unsaturation, and different configurations and positions of olefins. They are, however, linked with a chemical core structure, i.e. glycerol.

In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester is a mono-, di- or tri-glyceride, preferably a di- or tri-glyceride, such as a C₄ to C₁₈ di- or tri-glyceride, exemplified by diacetin or triacetin. A particularly preferred embodiment is wherein the glyceride is a tri-glyceride, such as a C₄ to C₁₆ triglyceride, exemplified by triacetin herein.

Triacetin is an organic compound with the chemical formula shown in Annex 1. It is classified as a triglyceride, i.e. a triester of glycerol, and is a common food additive, for instance as a solvent in flavourings and for its emulsifying or humectant function. It is available from various commercial sources. In some embodiments, the consumable may include an amount of the one or more sensates in the triacetin, where the triacetin is present at 50 wt % or more of the consumable, such as 60 wt % or more, preferably 70 wt % or more of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester is a lactone, i.e. a cyclic carboxylic ester containing a 1-oxacycloalkan-2-one structure (—C(═O)—O═). Lactones are known in the art as condensation products; they are formed by intramolecular esterification of the corresponding hydroxycarboxylic acids, which takes place spontaneously when the ring that is formed is five- or six-membered. In some embodiments, the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester is a C₅ to C₃₈ lactone, preferably a C₆ to C₃₈ lactone, more preferably a C₆ to C₁₈ lactone.

In some embodiments, the lactone is a compound of formula (II):

• • wherein R₁, R₂ and L are each independently an alkyl or alkenyl group, or wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently an alkyl or alkenyl group, and L is a carbon-carbon bond between R₁ and R₂, wherein the alkyl or alkenyl groups are optionally substituted by alkyl or alkenyl groups, provided that the sum of carbon atoms in the compound of formula (II) is 4 to 38, preferably 5 to 38 and more preferably 6 to 38.

In some embodiments, R₁ is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group and R₂ is an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group.

In some embodiments, R₁ is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group and R₂ is a substituted alkyl or alkenyl group.

In some embodiments, the compound of formula (I) is selected from delta-decalactone, gamma-decalactone, delta-dodecalactone, gamma-dodecalactone, gamma-heptalactone, omega-6-hexadecenlactone, delta-hexalactone, gamma-hexalactone, delta-nonalactone, gamma-nonalactone, delta-octalactone, gamma-octalactone, omega-pentadecalactone, delta-undecalactone, and gamma-undecalactone.

In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol has at least three hydroxyl groups. In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol is a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl polyol with at least three hydroxyl groups, preferably a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl polyol. In some embodiments, the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol is a C₄ to C₁₈ alkyl polyol with at least three hydroxyl groups, preferably a C₄ to C₁₆ alkyl polyol with at least three hydroxyl groups.

In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol is a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl polyol with up to six hydroxyl groups, preferably a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl polyol with up to six hydroxyl groups. In some embodiments, the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol is a C₄ to C₁₈ alkyl polyol with up to six hydroxyl groups, preferably a C₄ to C₁₆ alkyl polyol with up to six hydroxyl groups.

In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol has three to six hydroxyl groups. In some embodiments the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol is a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl polyol with three to six hydroxyl groups, preferably a C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl polyol with three to six hydroxyl groups. In some embodiments, the C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol is a C₄ to C₁₈ alkyl polyol with three to six hydroxyl groups, preferably a C₄ to C₁₆ alkyl polyol with three to six hydroxyl groups.

In some embodiments the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester is a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, a polyoxypropylene fatty acid ester, or a polyoxybutylene fatty acid ester. In some embodiments, the polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester is a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, preferably a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester. Polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are also known in the art as polysorbates.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl esters, C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl mono- or di-esters, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₈ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl di-esters, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₄ to C₃₈ lactones, C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl maleates or fumarates, preferably C₈ to C₃₈ alkyl maleates or fumarates, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₅ to C₁₈ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl maleates or fumarates, preferably C₈ to C₃₈ alkyl maleates or fumarates, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₅ to C₁₈ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₈ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl maleates or fumarates, preferably C₁₂ to C₃₄ alkyl maleates or fumarates, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₆ to C₁₆ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₅ to C₁₆ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₅ to C₁₆ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₁₂ glycerides, C₆ to C₁₆ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ alkyl polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

The present disclosure thus provides a consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, wherein the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is selected from C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl mono- or di-esters, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl or alkenyl polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, the at least one compound being present at 50 wt % or more of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is selected from C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl maleates or fumarates, preferably C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl maleates or fumarates, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₄ to C₃₈ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, the at least one compound being present at 60 wt % or more of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is selected from C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl maleates or fumarates, preferably C₈ to C₃₈ alkyl maleates or fumarates, C₄ to C₁₆ glycerides, C₅ to C₁₈ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, the at least one compound being present at 70 wt % or more of the consumable.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises:

• • (i) one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the warming agent or tingling agent being present at a concentration of at least about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the consumable;
  • (ii) a sweetener; and
  • (iii) at least one compound which is an emulsifier, and is selected from C₄ to C₁₂ glycerides, C₆ to C₁ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, the at least one compound being present at 80 wt % or more of the consumable.

Additional Constituents

In addition to the sensate, sweetener and emulsifier (e.g. triacetin) noted above, the consumable may comprise one or more further constituents. The concentration of the one or more further constituents is not limited and in some embodiments may be about 0.001 wt % to about 10 wt % of the consumable. In some embodiments the consumable further comprises one or more compounds selected from 4-propylphenol, indole, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2-furfurylthiol, sotolone, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 3-ethylphenol, furaneol, β-damascone, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, geraniol, dimethyl trisulphide, 3-methylbutanal, acetic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid, butanoic acid, β-damascenone, β-ionone, α-ionone, α-ionol, β-cyclocitral, safranal, maltol, ethyl maltol, 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, phenylacetic acid, cyclotene, ethyl cyclotene, coronol, mesifurane, maple furanone, benzaldehyde, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 3-methyl-2,4-nonandione, 5,6,7-trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one, or a combination thereof. The above-noted concentration range applies to the inclusion of one or more of these compounds.

In some embodiments the one or more compounds include at least one compound selected from 4-propylphenol, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 3-ethylphenol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, sotolone and/or 2,4-dimethylpyridine.

In some embodiments the one or more compounds are selected from 4-propylphenol, indole, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2-furfurylthiol, sotolone, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 3-ethylphenol, furaneol, β-damascone, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, geraniol, dimethyl trisulphide, 3-methylbutanal, or a combination thereof. In preferred embodiments the consumable comprises four or five compounds selected from 4-propylphenol, indole, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2-furfurylthiol, sotolone, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 3-ethylphenol, furaneol, β-damascone, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, geraniol, dimethyl trisulphide, and 3-methylbutanal.

Particularly preferred are:

• • (i) 4-propylphenol, indole, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2-furfurylthiolsotolone;
  • (ii) 4-propylphenol, indole, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, sotolone;
  • (iii) 4-propylphenol, indole, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine;
  • (iv) sotolone, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 3-ethylphenol, furaneol;
  • (v) 2-furfurylthiol, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 3-ethylphenol, β-damascone;
  • (vi) 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, geraniol, dimethyl trisulphide;
  • (vii) 2-furfurylthiol, sotolone, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 3-ethylphenol, dimethyl trisulphide; or
  • (viii) 2-furfurylthiol, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, furaneol, 3-methylbutanal.

In some embodiments the at least one compound is selected from compounds A, B, C, D, E and a combination thereof. Each of Compounds A, B, C, D and E are defined below.

Compound A

In some embodiments A is at least one compound selected from acetic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid, and butanoic acid. In some embodiments, compound A is 3-methylbutanoic acid, also known as isovaleric acid. In some embodiments, compound A is acetic acid. In some embodiments, compound A is 3-methyl pentanoic acid, also known as 3-methylvaleric acid. In some embodiments, compound A is 2-methylbutanoic acid. In some embodiments, compound A is butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid. In some embodiments, A is at least acetic acid and 2-methylbutanoic acid. Preferably A is at least one compound selected from acetic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid and 3-methylpentanoic acid.

Compound B

In some embodiments, B is at least one compound selected from β-damascone, β-damascenone β-ionone, α-ionone, α-ionol, β-cyclocitral, and safranal. In some embodiments, B is at least two compounds selected from β-damascone, β-damascenone and β-ionone, α-ionone, α-ionol, β-cyclocitral, and safranal. In some embodiments, B is at least β-damascone, β-damascenone and β-ionone. Preferably B is at least one compound selected from ρ-damascone, β-damascenone and β-ionone.

Compound C

In some embodiments, C is at least one compound selected from maltol, ethyl maltol, and sotolone. In some embodiments C is at least two compounds selected from maltol, ethyl maltol and sotolone. Preferably C is at least one compound selected from maltol and sotolone.

Compound D

In some embodiments D is at least one compound selected from 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, phenylacetic acid, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, cyclotene, ethyl cyclotene, coronol, mesifurane, maple furanone, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, benzaldehyde, and 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol. Preferably D is at least one compound selected from 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, and phenylacetic acid.

Compound E

In some embodiments, E is at least one compound selected from 3-methyl-2,4-nonandione and 5,6,7-trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one. Preferably E is 3-methyl-2,4-nonandione.

In some embodiments, the consumable comprises three or more compounds selected from compounds A, B, C, D and E, wherein each of A, B, C, D and E are as defined herein. In some embodiments, the consumable comprises four or more compounds selected from compounds A, B, C, D and E, wherein each of A, B, C, D and E are as defined herein. In some embodiments, the consumable comprises at least compounds A, B, C, and D wherein each of A, B, C, and D are as defined herein. In some embodiments, the consumable comprises a compound from each of compounds A, B, C, D and E, wherein each of A, B, C, D and E are as defined herein.

In some embodiments, where two or more different A compounds are present, they may be selected from two or more of the group consisting of acetic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methyl pentanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, and butyric acid. In some embodiments, where two or more different A compounds are present, they are at least butyric acid and 3-methylbutanoic acid.

The consumable of the present invention may also comprise, in addition to compounds A, B, C and D, one or more of the following compounds falling within component E: 3-methyl-2,4-nonandione and 5,6,7-Trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one.

When present, compounds A, C and D may be present, relative to compound B (total B components), in the following weight ratios:A:B is from 5 to 10:1; C:B is from 5 to 10:1; and D:B is from 10 to 15:1. In one embodiment, compounds A, C and D may be present, relative to compound B (total B compounds), in the following weight ratios:A:B is from 1 to 5:1; C:B is from 1 to 5:1; and D:B is from 5 to 10:1. In one embodiment, compounds A, C and D may be present, relative to compound B (total B compounds), in the following weight ratios:A:B is from 5 to 10:1; C:B is from 15 to 25:1; and D:B is from 5 to 10:1.

Aerosolisable Formulation or Aerosol Generating System

In some embodiments there is provided an aerosolisable formulation for an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable as defined herein, a carrier and optionally nicotine. In some embodiments the formulation comprises the consumable as defined herein, a carrier and nicotine. In some embodiments the formulation comprises the consumable in an amount of at least about 1% by weight, such as at least about 5 wt % by weight, preferably at least about 10 wt % by weight. The consumable may be present in the formulation in an amount of no greater than about 25% by weight, such as no greater than about 20% by weight, preferably no greater than about 15 wt % by weight.

In some embodiments the consumable may be present in the formulation in an amount of from about 1% by weight to about 25% by weight, such as from about 5 wt % by weight to about 20% by weight, preferably from about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight.

The aerosolisable formulation may take various forms including a gel, a liquid or a solid. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosolisable formulation is a liquid. In other preferred embodiments, the aerosolisable formulation is a gel. In some embodiments the consumable is in the form of a liquid or gel.

Carrier

When the aerosolisable formulation is a liquid, the carrier of the formulation may be any suitable solvent such that the formulation can be vaporised for use. In some embodiments the solvent is selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, water, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments the solvent is selected from glycerol, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments the solvent is at least glycerol. In some embodiments the solvent consists essentially of glycerol. In some embodiments the solvent consists of glycerol. In some embodiments the solvent is at least propylene glycol. In some embodiments the solvent consists essentially of propylene glycol. In some embodiments the solvent consists of propylene glycol. In some embodiments the solvent is at least a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol. In some embodiments the solvent consists essentially of a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol. In some embodiments the solvent consists of a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol.

The carrier of the formulation may be present in any suitable amount. In some embodiments the carrier is present in an amount of about 50 wt % or more, preferably about 70 wt % or more, based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments the carrier is present in an amount of about 50 to about 99 wt % based on the total weight of the formulation, such as about 60 to about 98 wt % based on the formulation, preferably about 70 to about 95 wt % based on the formulation.

In some embodiments the formulation is a liquid and comprises about 1% to about 25% by weight of the consumable, about 50 to about 99% by weight of the carrier, and optionally nicotine, such as about 5 wt % by weight to about 20% by weight of the consumable, about 60% to about 98% by weight of the carrier, and optionally nicotine, preferably about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of the consumable, about 70% to about 95% by weight of the carrier, and optionally nicotine.

Nicotine

Nicotine may be provided in any suitable amount depending on the desired dosage when the formulation is aerosolised and inhaled by the user. In some embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of no greater than about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the formulation, such as from about 0.5 to about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the formulation, preferably about 0.5 to about 5 wt % based on the total weight of the formulation.

In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation is a liquid and may comprise about 1% to about 25% by weight of the consumable, where the consumable is defined according to the embodiments above, about 50 to about 99 wt % of the carrier, and about 0.1 to about 6 wt % of nicotine.

In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation is a liquid and may comprise about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight of the consumable, where the consumable is defined according to the embodiments above, about 60 to about 98 wt % of the carrier, and about 0.5 to about 6 wt % of nicotine.

In some preferred embodiments the aerosolisable formulation is a liquid and may comprise about 10% by weight to about 15% by weight of the consumable, where the consumable is defined according to the embodiments above, about 70 to about 95 wt % of the carrier, and about 0.5 to about 5 wt % of nicotine.

In some embodiments the formulation may contain one or more acids in addition to nicotine (as the active agent). In some embodiments, the one or more acids may be one or more organic acids. In some embodiments, the one or more acids may be one or more organic acids selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. When included in the formulation in combination with nicotine, the one or more acids may provide a formulation in which the nicotine is at least partially in protonated (such as monoprotonated and/or diprotonated) form. In some preferred embodiments the one or more acids comprises benzoic acid and/or levulinic acid. In some preferred embodiments the one or more acids comprises benzoic acid.

Binder

In some embodiments there is provided an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system comprising the consumable as defined herein, an aerosol former material, one or more binders, and optionally a botanical material. In preferred embodiments, the binder consists of one or more gelling agent(s).

Suitably, the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system comprises from about 2 wt % to about 80 wt % binder(s), for example from about 5 wt %, 7 wt %, 10 wt %, 15 wt %, 17 wt %, 20 wt %, or 25 wt % to about 70 wt %, 60 wt %, 50 wt %, 45 wt %, 40 wt %, 35 wt % or 30 wt % of one or more binders (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may comprise about 5-70 wt %, 7-60 wt %, 10-50 wt %, 15-45 wt %, 17-40 wt %, 20-35 wt % or 25-30 wt % of the binder(s).

In some embodiments, the one or more binders comprises one or more gelling agent(s). In some embodiments, the one or more binders consist of one or more gelling agent(s). In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid.

In some embodiments, the one or more binders comprises (or is) one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginate, pectin, starch or a derivative thereof, cellulose or a derivative thereof, pullulan, carrageenan, agar and agarose; gelatin; gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum and acacia gum; silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate; clays, such as kaolin; and polyvinyl alcohol.

In some embodiments the one or more binders comprises (or is) one or more polysaccharide gelling agents. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate, pectin, starch or a derivative thereof, or cellulose or a derivative thereof. In some embodiments the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate and a cellulose derivative.

In some embodiments, the one or more binders is a polysaccharide gelling agent, optionally wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate and a cellulose derivative. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is alginate. In some embodiments, the alginate is sodium alginate.

In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is a cellulose derivative. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that such gelling agents do not react with calcium ions to form crosslinks. In some embodiments the binder is not crosslinked. The absence of crosslinks in the gelling agent may facilitate quicker delivery of the consumable (and any optional additional active substances and/or flavours) from the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system.

Examples of cellulosic binders (also referred to herein as cellulosic gelling agents or cellulose derivatives) include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In some embodiments the cellulose or derivative thereof is selected from hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In some embodiments, the cellulose derivative is CMC. For example, in some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more of alginate, pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin and polyvinyl alcohol.

In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, acacia gum, alginate and/or pectin.

In some cases, the binder comprises (or is) alginate and/or pectin, and may be combined with a setting agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system. In some cases, the binder may comprise a calcium-crosslinked alginate and/or a calcium-crosslinked pectin.

In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) alginate, optionally wherein the alginate is present in the aerosolisable formulation in an amount of from about 5-70 wt %, 7-60 wt %, 10-50 wt %, or 15-45 wt % of the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system (calculated on a dry weight basis).

In some embodiments, alginate is the only binder present in the aerosolisable formulation/aerosol generating system. In other embodiments, the binder comprises alginate and at least one further binder, such as pectin. In particular embodiments, the binder is carboxymethylcellulose, optionally wherein the carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is present in an amount of about 2-80 wt %, for example about 5-70 wt %, 10-60 wt %, 15-50 wt %, 17-45 wt %, 20-40 wt % or about 30 wt %. In some embodiments, CMC is the only binder present in the aerosolisable formulation/aerosol generating system.

Filler

The aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may further comprise a filler. Use of a filler may help to reduce tackiness of the aerosolisable formulation/aerosol generating system, for example if high levels of aerosol-former material are present. Suitably, the aerosolisable formulation/aerosol generating system comprises from about 2 wt % to about 60 wt % binder and any optional filler.

In some embodiments, filler is present in an amount of less than about 50 wt % of a filler, such as from about 1 wt % to 50 wt %, or 5 wt % to 40 wt %, or 5 wt % to 30 wt %, or 10 wt % to 20 wt %. In other embodiments, filler is present in an amount of less than 20 wt %, suitably less than 10 wt % or less than 5 wt %. In some cases, the aerosolisable formulation/aerosol generating system comprises less than 1 wt % of a filler, and in some cases, comprises no filler.

The filler, if present, may comprise one or more inorganic filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic sorbents, such as molecular sieves. The filler may comprise one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp; tobacco pulp; hemp fibre; starch and starch derivatives, such as maltodextrin; chitosan; and cellulose and cellulose derivatives, such as ground cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and nanocrystalline cellulose. In particular cases, the aerosolisable formulation comprises no calcium carbonate such as chalk.

In particular embodiments which include filler, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, tobacco pulp, hemp fibre, cellulose or cellulose derivatives. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic filler material may be wood pulp, hemp fibre, cellulose or cellulose derivatives. In some embodiments, the fibrous filler is wood pulp. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including fibrous filler in an aerosolisable formulation may increase the tensile strength of the material. This may be particularly advantageous in examples wherein the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system is provided as a sheet, such as when a sheet circumscribes a rod of aerosolisable or aerosol generating material.

Botanical Material

In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system includes a botanical material.

As used herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c. v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c. v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c. v. and Mentha suaveolens.

In some embodiments, the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

Aerosol-Former Material

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. Suitably, the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may comprise from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % of aerosol-former material (calculated on a dry weight basis), for example about 7 wt %, 10 wt % or 12 wt % to about 15 wt %, 17 wt %, 20 wt % or 25 wt %. In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may comprise about 5 to 25 wt % aerosol-former material. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may comprise about 5 to 20 wt %, such as about 5 to 15 wt % aerosol-former material. In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may comprise about 10 to 20 wt % aerosol-former material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of propylene glycol, or glycerol. In some cases, the aerosol-former material comprises, consists essentially of or consists of glycerol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material comprises a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol in a weight ratio of glycerol to propylene glycol of about 3:1 to 1:3, about 2:1 to 1:2, about 1.5:1 to 1:1.5, about 55:45 to 45:55, or about 45:55.

The aerosol-former material may act as a plasticiser. If the content of the plasticiser is too high, the aerosolisable formulation may absorb water resulting in a material that does not create an appropriate consumption experience in use. If the plasticiser content is too low, the aerosolisable formulation may be brittle and easily broken. The plasticiser content specified herein provides an aerosolisable formulation flexibility which allows a sheet of the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol-generating composition to be wound onto a bobbin, which is useful in manufacture of aerosol generating articles.

Further Constituents

The aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may comprise one or more further constituents. In particular, one or more further constituents may be selected from one or more active agents, and/or one or more functional constituents. In some embodiments, the active agent is a physiologically active agent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system is nicotine-free meaning that no nicotine is included in the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system.

By “active agent” it is meant an agent which has a biological effect, such as sensorial and/or physiological effect, on a subject when the aerosol is inhaled. In one aspect by “active agent” it is meant an agent which has a physiological effect on a subject when the aerosol is inhaled. In some cases, the active may be a flavour. The active agent may also be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives and sensates, where the sensate is in addition to the sensate(s) present in the consumable. In some embodiments, the active agent is selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics and psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.

The active agent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active agent may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12. The one or more active agents may be selected from nicotine, botanicals, and mixtures thereof. The one or more active agents may be of synthetic or natural origin. The active could be an extract from a botanical, such as from a plant in the tobacco family as discussed above. In one aspect the active agent is at least nicotine. In one aspect the active agent consists of nicotine and/or salts thereof as discussed above.

As noted herein, the active agent may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) in cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules exhibiting particular properties such as the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier with ease. Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring (phytocannabinoids) from plants such as cannabis, (endocannabinoids) from animals, or artificially manufactured (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, and these may be divided into subclasses, including cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinodiols, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including its isomers Δ6a,10a-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ6a,10a-THC), Δ6a(7)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ6a(7)-THC), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ10-THC), Δ9,11-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9,11-THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A).

Although the legal status of specific cannabinoids varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, certain active components, for example cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN), are being considered for use in a wide variety of applications, such as in formulations for use in aerosol delivery systems. However, the stability of cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN), has been found to vary depending on certain environmental conditions, such as exposure to air or light, or variation in temperature and pH. This may have unintended and detrimental consequences.

For example, CBD may oxidise and degrade when exposed to light and/or air to form cannabidiol hydroxyquinone (CBDHQ or HU-331) and its isomeric or functional derivatives. Furthermore, CBD may be converted to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in response to variations in temperature and/or pH. As a result, the accuracy of the specified cannabinoid content and/or concentration may vary widely in the formulations, while regulated and restricted cannabinoids may be produced unintentionally that will render the product as illicit or unlicensed in certain jurisdictions. As such, there is a desire to provide formulations comprising one or more cannabinoids that maintain a high degree of purity during manufacture and storage, and in turn prevent the loss or degradation of one or more cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabinol (CBN), in a formulation.

In one embodiment, the cannabinoid is a synthetic cannabinoid. In one embodiment, the cannabinoid is added to the material in the form of an isolate. An isolate is an extract from a plant, such as a cannabis plant. The cannabinoid(s) of interest are typically present in a high degree of purity, for example greater than 95%, greater than 96%, greater than 97%, greater than 98%, or around 99% purity. A synthetic cannabinoid is one which has been derived from a chemical synthesis as opposed to being isolated from a plant or biological source.

In one embodiment the cannabinoid(s) of interest are selected from cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including its isomers Δ6a,10a-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ6a,10a-THC), Δ6a(7)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ6a(7)-THC), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ10-THC), Δ9,11-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9,11-THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A). In one embodiment the cannabinoid(s) of interest are selected from cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabinol (CBN).

In one embodiment the cannabinoid(s) of interest are selected from cannabidiol (CBD), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). In one embodiment the cannabinoid of interest is cannabidiol (CBD). In one embodiment the cannabinoid of interest is Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC). In one embodiment the cannabinoid of interest is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). In one embodiment the cannabinoid of interest is cannabinol (CBN).

As noted herein, the active agent may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

When nicotine is present in the formulation, it may be present in protonated and/or unprotonated form. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises nicotine in unprotonated form and nicotine in monoprotonated form. It may also be that small amounts of diprotonated nicotine are present. In one aspect the formulation comprises nicotine in unprotonated form, nicotine in monoprotonated form and nicotine in diprotonated form.

As discussed herein the formulation may additionally comprise nicotine in unprotonated form and nicotine in protonated form. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the protonated form of nicotine may be prepared by reacting unprotonated nicotine with an acid. The acid(s) are one or more suitable acids, such as organic acids. In some embodiments, the acid is a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid may be any suitable carboxylic acid. In some embodiments, the acid is a mono-carboxylic acid. In some embodiments, the acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, benzoic acid, levulinic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, citric acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, oleic acid, sorbic acid, propionic acid, phenylacetic acid, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid and/or levulinic acid. In some embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid.

In alternative embodiments, the aerosolisable formulation may be free of organic or inorganic acids and their corresponding salts. For example, the aerosolisable formulation may be free of carboxylic acids and free of phosphoric acids.

Where present, the amount of organic acid present may vary. The formulation may comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of organic acid, present as one or more organic acids, based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises at least about 0.01%, at least about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or at least about 10% organic acid by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. In some preferred embodiments, the formulation comprises from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of organic acid. For example, the formulation comprises an organic acid in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight of the formulation. In the case where a salt of an organic acid is added (e.g., citric acid anhydrate), the percent by weight is calculated based on the weight of the free acid, not including any counter-ion which may be present.

In some embodiments, the further constituent is selected from a “flavour” and/or “flavourant” which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. It will be recognized by the person skilled in the art that a flavour or flavourant, in the context of the present disclosure, is not a sensate compound as defined herein. In some instances flavours or flavourants may include one or more of extracts (e.g., liquorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, 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, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, anise, coriander, coffee, and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, or botanicals. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

The flavour may be added to the aerosolisable formulation as part of a so-called “flavour block”, where one or more flavours are blended together and then added to the aerosolisable material. The “flavour block” may optionally include one or more of the sensate compounds defined herein.

Where present, a flavouring agent may be included in the formulation in an amount up to about 10% by weight, such as up to about 5% by weight, such as up to about 1% by weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, a flavouring agent is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, preferably in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight of the formulation, and more preferably in an amount of from about 0.25% to about 1% by weight of the formulation.

The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of colouring agents, preservatives, binders and/or fillers. Fillers, for example, may fulfil multiple functions, such as enhancing certain organoleptic properties such as texture and mouthfeel, enhancing cohesiveness or compressibility of the product, and the like. More details are set out above. A binder (or combination of binders) may be employed in the product in certain embodiments, in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the product. More details are set out above. A colouring agent may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes to the product.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises less than 12% w/w water. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises less than 11% w/w water. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises less than 10% w/w water. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises less than 5% w/w water. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises less than 1% w/w water. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises less than 0.5% w/w water. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises substantially no water.

Concentrations and Weight Ratios

In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation or the aerosol generating system comprises the consumable as defined herein, wherein the formulation or system comprises about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of the one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the sweetener, and greater than about 1 wt % to less than about 35 wt % of the at least one compound (iii), the wt % values being based on the total weight of the formulation or system, optionally wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above, i.e. for sweetness potency.

In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation or the aerosol generating system comprises the consumable as defined herein, wherein the formulation or system comprises about 0.0001 wt % to about 4 wt % of the one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the sweetener, and greater than about 1 wt % to less than about 30 wt % of the at least one compound (iii), the wt % values being based on the total weight of the formulation or system, optionally wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above, i.e. for sweetness potency.

In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation or the aerosol generating system comprises the consumable as defined herein, wherein the formulation or system comprises about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt % of the one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, the sweetener, and greater than about 1 wt % to less than about 20 wt % of the at least one compound (iii), the wt % values being based on the total weight of the formulation or system, optionally wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) above, i.e. for sweetness potency.

Such embodiments may also be defined with the concentration of consumable, carrier, and/or nicotine according to the embodiments above. It will be appreciated that such features are not repeated here for conciseness.

As the aerosolisable formulation and aerosol generating system embodiments include the consumable as defined herein, it will be appreciated that the components of the consumable, e.g. the sensate, including the warming agent, tingling agent and optional cooling agent, the sweetener, the at least one compound (iii), and any further constituents are as defined above. This definition is not repeated here for conciseness but is equally applicable to the description of the aerosolisable formulation and the aerosol generating system.

The one or more sensates as defined may be present in the formulation in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation. As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, this concentration range applies to the total amount of sensates, e.g. warming agent or tingling agent and optionally cooling agent. The concentration range of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % also applies to the above definition of the one or more sensates. For example, the consumable may comprise about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of one or more sensates wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi. Preferably wherein the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid, such as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate.

In some embodiments the one or more sensate as defined herein is present in the consumable in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, such as about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %

In some embodiments the one or more sensate is present in the formulation in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid. In some embodiments the one or more sensate as defined herein is present in the formulation in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid. In some embodiments the one or more sensate as defined herein is present in the formulation in an amount of from about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid. In some embodiments the one or more sensate as defined herein is present in the formulation in an amount of from about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid. In some embodiments the one or more sensate as defined herein is present in the formulation in an amount of from about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.1 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a vanilloid.

In some embodiments the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.005 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation. The concentration range of about 0.0001 wt % to about 0.005 wt % may be combined with any of the above concentrations for the total amount of sensate.

In some embodiments the one or more sensate consists of a warming agent or a tingling agent such that the “total” concentration of the one or more sensate is about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation.

For each of the concentration ranges, the warming agent or tingling agent may be defined as set out above. For example, the warming agent or tingling agent may comprise a vanilloid.

The absolute concentration of the sweetener is not critical to the present disclosure. In some embodiments the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1, such as greater than about 1:1 to about 2:1, preferably wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is about 2:1. The weight ratio may be adjusted according to Expression (1) or (2) above when the sweetener is other than neotame. Nevertheless, the sweetener may be present in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, such as about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.55 wt %, more preferably about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt %. In particularly preferred embodiments, the sweetener may be present in an amount of about 0.0001 to 0.1 wt %, based on the total weight of the formulation. The sweetener concentrations may be adjusted according to Expression (3) above when the sweetener is other than neotame. In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 to about 5 wt %, greater than about 1 wt % to less than about 35 wt % of the emulsifier compound (iii), the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent, sweetener, and emulsifier compound (iii) being defined according to the embodiments above, and the wt % values being based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation. The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3) above when the sweetener is other than neotame.

In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 3 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 to about 3 wt %, greater than about 1 wt % to less than about 30 wt % of the emulsifier compound (iii), the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent, sweetener, and emulsifier compound (iii) being defined according to the embodiments above, and the wt % values being based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation. The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3) above when the sweetener is other than neotame.

In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.0001 wt % to about 2.5 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.0001 to about 2.5 wt %, greater than about 1 wt % to less than about 20 wt % of the emulsifier compound (iii), the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent, sweetener, and emulsifier compound (iii) being defined according to the embodiments above, and the wt % values being based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation. The sweetener concentration may be adjusted according to Expression (3) above when the sweetener is other than neotame.

In any of the above embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent may comprise a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and the sweetener may be selected from compounds that bind to T1 R2 and/or T1R3, acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. In addition, the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener may be greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1 (optionally adjusted according to Expression (1) above).

In any of the above embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) may be selected from C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl maleates or fumarates, preferably C₄ to C₃₈ alkyl maleates or fumarates, C₄ to C₁₈ glycerides, C₄ to C₃₈ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₁₆ glycerides, C₅ to C₃₈ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₈ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₁₂ glycerides, C₆ to C₁₆ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₆ hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

In some embodiments, the at least one compound (iii) is selected from C₄ to C₁₂ glycerides, C₆ to C₁₆ lactones, preferably represented by a compound of formula (II), C₄ to C₁₆ alkyl polyols, the polyols optionally having at least three hydroxyl groups, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters.

The at least one compound (iii) may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to less than about 35 wt %, based on the aerosolisable formulation. In some embodiments the at least one compound (iii) may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to less than about 30 wt %, based on the aerosolisable formulation.

In some embodiments the aerosolisable formulation of the present disclosure includes greater than about 5 wt % to less than about 20 wt % of triacetin. Triacetin is an organic compound with the chemical formula shown in Annex 1. It is classified as a triglyceride, i.e. a triester of glycerol, and is a common food additive, for instance as a solvent in flavourings and for its emulsifying or humectant function. It is available from various commercial sources.

Triacetin may be present in an amount of greater than about 8 wt % to less than about 20 wt %, such as greater than about 8 wt % to less than about 18 wt %, preferably greater than about 10 wt % to less than about 18 wt %, more preferably greater than about 10 wt % to less than about 14 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolisable formulation.

In some embodiments, the formulation comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.05 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.001 to about 0.5 wt %, and greater than about 8 wt % to less than about 20 wt % of triacetin, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener defined according to the embodiments above.

In some embodiments the formulation comprises one or more sensate in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.05 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.1 wt %, and greater than about 8 wt % to less than about 18 wt % of triacetin, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener defined according to the embodiments above.

In some embodiments the formulation comprises one or more sensate in an amount of from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.25 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.05 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.05 wt %, and greater than about 10 wt % to less than about 18 wt % of triacetin, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener defined according to the embodiments above.

In some embodiments the formulation comprises one or more sensate in an amount of from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.1 wt %, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent and the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.005 wt %, a sweetener in an amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.025 wt %, and greater than about 10 wt % to less than about 14 wt % of triacetin, the sensate, warming agent/tingling agent and sweetener defined according to the embodiments above.

In any of the above embodiments, the warming agent or tingling agent may comprise a vanilloid (e.g. 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) and the sweetener may be selected from compounds that bind to T1R2 and/or T1 R3, acesulfame, acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, sodium cyclamate, stevia, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof. In addition, the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener may be greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1 (optionally adjusted according to Expression (1) above).

The amounts of the sensate(s), sweetener, and emulsifier (e.g. triacetin) as described above have been found by the inventors to provide a beneficial effect of modifying or improving at least one sensory property of an aerosolisable formulation. The sensory property may be selected from taste, mouthfeel, in-smoking experience or a combination thereof in order to replicate smoking a cigarette, while ensuring consumer safety.

Article, Aerosol Provision System and Container

In a further aspect there is provided an article comprising the aerosolisable formulation as defined herein. The article may be a container, such as a bottle, or may be a component for use with an aerosol provision device. For example, the article may comprise an area (store) for receiving the aerosolisable formulation defined herein, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating area, and optionally a mouthpiece.

In some embodiments, there is provided an article for use with an aerosol provision system, the article comprising a store comprising an aerosolisable formulation as defined herein, an aerosol generating component (such as a heater), an aerosol generating area, a transport element, and a mouthpiece.

Aerosolisable material (aerosolisable formulation) may be transferred from the store for receiving an aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component via a transport element, such as a wick, pump or the like. The skilled person is able to select suitable transport elements depending on the type of aerosolisable material that is to be transported and the rate at which it must be supplied. Particular mention may be made of transport elements, such as wicks, formed from fibrous materials, foamed materials, sintered materials, woven and nonwoven materials.

An airflow pathway typically extends through the article (optionally via the device) to an outlet. The pathway is oriented such that generated aerosol is entrained in the airflow such that it can be delivered to the outlet for inhalation by a user.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is a heater.

Typically, the area for receiving an aerosolisable material will allow for the article to be refilled with aerosolisable material as the aerosolisable material is depleted during use.

In a further aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article as defined herein. The aerosol provision system is preferably non-combustible. A non-combustible aerosol provision system is a system that releases compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. The system may heat an aerosol-generating material/system or aerosolisable formulation or consumable of the system/formulation to a temperature of at least about 200° C., preferably at least about 250° C. In some embodiments the aerosol provision system generates aerosol by heating to a temperature of about 250° C. to about 400° C.

The aerosol provision system may also be referenced herein as an aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. The consumable being as defined herein.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

FIG. 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale) of an example aerosol provision system, such as an e-cigarette 10, to which embodiments are applicable although not limited. The e-cigarette has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line (although aspects of the invention are applicable to e-cigarettes configured in other shapes and arrangements), and comprises two main components, namely an aerosol provision device 20 and an article 30.

The article 30 includes a store for aerosolisable material (source liquid) 38 containing an aerosolisable material (source liquid) from which an aerosol is to be generated. The article 30 further comprises an aerosol generating component (heating element or heater) 36 for heating aerosolisable material to generate the aerosol. A transport element or wicking element or wick 37 is provided to deliver aerosolisable material from the store 38 to the heating element 36. A part or parts of the wick 37 are in fluid communication with aerosolisable material in the store 38 and by a wicking or capillary action aerosolisable material is drawn along or through the wick 37 to a part or parts of the wick 37 which are in contact with the heater 36.

Vaporization of the aerosolisable material occurs at the interface between the wick 37 and the heater 36 by the provision of heat energy to the aerosolisable material to cause evaporation, thus generating the aerosol. The aerosolisable material, the wick 37 and the heater 36 may be collectively referred to as an aerosol or vapour source. The wick 37 and the heater 36 may be collectively referred to as a vaporizer or an atomiser 15.

Typically a single wick will be present, but it is envisaged that more than one wick could be present, for example, two, three, four or five wicks.

As described above, the wick may be formed a sintered material. The sintered material may comprise sintered ceramic, sintered metal fibers/powders, or a combination of the two. The (or at least one of/all of the) sintered wick(s) may have deposited thereon/embedded therein an electrically resistive heater. Such a heater may be formed from heat conducting alloys such as NiCr alloys. Alternatively, the sintered material may have such electrical properties such that when a current is passed there through, it is heated. Thus, the aerosol generating component and the wick may be considered to be integrated. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component and the wick are formed from the same material and form a single component.

In some embodiments, the wick is formed from a sintered metal material and is generally in the form of a planar sheet. Thus, the wick element may have a substantially thin flat shape. For example it may be considered as a sheet, layer, film, substrate or the like. By this it is meant that a thickness of the wick is less or very much less than at least one of the length and the width of the wick. Thus, the wick thickness (its smallest dimension) is less or very much less than the longest dimension.

The wick may be made of a homogenous, granular, fibrous or flocculent sintered metal(s) so as to form said capillary structure. Wick elements can be made from a conductive material which is a nonwoven sintered porous web structure comprising metal fibres, such as fibres of stainless steel. For example, the stainless steel may be AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) 316L (corresponding to European standard 1.4404). The material's weight may be in the range of 100-300 g/m².

Where the wick is generally planar, the thickness of the wick may be in the range of 75-250 μm. A typical fibre diameter may be about 12 μm, and a typical mean pore size (size of the voids between the fibres) may be about 32 μm. An example of a material of this type is Bekipor (RTM) ST porous metal fibre media manufactured by NV Bekaert SA, Belgium, being a range of porous nonwoven fibre matrix materials made by sintering stainless steel fibres.

Note also that while the material is described as planar, this refers to the relative dimensions of the sheet material and the wick (a thickness many times smaller than the length and/or width) but does not necessarily indicate flatness, in particular of the final wick made from the material. A wick may be flat but might alternatively be formed from sheet material into a non-flat shape such as curved, rippled, corrugated, ridged, formed into a tube or otherwise made concave and/or convex.

The wick element may have various properties. It is formed from a porous material to enable the required wicking or capillary effect for drawing source liquid through it from a store for aerosolisable material (where the wick meets the aerosolisable material at a store contact site) to the vaporisation interface. Porosity is typically provided by a plurality of interconnected or partially interconnected pores (holes or interstices) throughout the material, and open to the outer surface of the material. Any level of porosity may be employed depending on the material, the size of the pores and the required rate of wicking. For example a porosity of between 30% and 85% might be selected, such as between 40% and 70%, between 50% and 80%, between 35% and 75% or between 40% and 75%. This might be an average porosity value for the whole wick element, since porosity may or may not be uniform across the wick. For example, pore size at the store contact site might be different from pore size nearer to the heater.

It is useful for the wick to have sufficient rigidity to support itself in a required within the article. For example, it may be mounted at or near one or two edges and be required to maintain its position substantially without flexing, bending or sagging. As an example, porous sintered ceramic is a useful material to use as the wick element. Any ceramic with appropriate porosity may be used. If porous ceramic is chosen as the porous wick material, this is available as a powder which can be formed into a solid by sintering (heating to cause coalescence, possibly under applied pressure). Sintering then solidifies the ceramic to create the porous wick.

The article 30 further includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening through which a user may inhale the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 15. The aerosol for inhalation may be described as an aerosol stream or inhalable airstream.

The aerosol delivery device 20 includes a power source (a re-chargeable cell or battery 14, referred to herein after as a battery) to provide power for the e-cigarette 10, and a controller (printed circuit board (PCB)) 28 and/or other electronics for generally controlling the e-cigarette 10. The aerosol delivery device can therefore also be considered as a battery section, or a control unit or section.

During operation of the device, the controller will determine that a user has initiated a request for the generation of an aerosol. This could be done via a button on the device which sends a signal to the controller that the aerosol generator should be powered. Alternatively, a sensor located in or proximal to the airflow pathway could detect airflow through the airflow pathway and convey this detection to the controller. A sensor may also be present in addition to the presence of a button, as the sensor may be used to determine certain usage characteristics, such as airflow, timing of aerosol generation etc.

For example, in use, when the heater 36 receives power from the battery 14, as controlled by the circuit board 28 possibly in response to pressure changes detected by an air pressure sensor (not shown), the heater 36 vaporizes aerosolisable material delivered by the wick 37 to generate the aerosol, and this aerosol stream is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol is carried from the aerosol source to the mouthpiece 35 along an air channel (not shown in FIG. 1) that connects the aerosol source to the mouthpiece opening as a user inhales on the mouthpiece.

In this particular example, the device 20 and article 30 are detachable from one another by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as shown in FIG. 1, but are joined together when the system 10 is in use by cooperating engagement elements 21, 31 (for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting) to provide mechanical and electrical connectivity between the device 20 and the article 30, in particular connecting the heater 36 to the battery 14. The battery may be charged as is known to one skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the article comprises/forms a sealed container. For example, the sealed container may be hermetically sealed. The hermetically sealed container may comprise a blister pack with one or more hermetically sealed compartments for storage of one or more articles comprising the aerosolisable formulation described herein.

In some embodiments, the article comprises a housing within which the aerosolisable formulation is contained. The housing may be transparent such that the aerosolisable formulation can be viewed from outside of the housing. It may also be that the housing has a degree of opacity such that the passage of light through the housing is limited. This can be important so as to prevent light (such as ultra violet light) from entering the housing and compromising the stability of the aerosolisable material. In some embodiments, the housing is formed from a material which inhibits/prevents the passage of ultra violet light there through. In some embodiments, it may be that the sealed container mentioned above is formed from a material which has a degree of opacity such that the passage of light through the sealed container is limited. Further, the sealed container mentioned above may be formed from a material which inhibits/prevents the passage of ultra violet light there through. This may be in addition to said sealed container being hermetically sealed and/or comprising a blister pack with one or more hermetically sealed compartments for storage of one or more articles comprising the aerosolisable material described herein.

Process and Uses

In some embodiments described herein there is provided a process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising providing an aerosolisable formulation as defined herein and aerosolising the formulation. The process may alternatively comprise providing the aerosol generating system as defined herein or the aerosol provision system defined herein and aerosolising the formulation or consumable in the system.

According to some embodiments, there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and a compound which is a emulsifier, wherein the compound has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C., in an aerosolisable formulation to modify at least one sensory property of the formulation. The aerosolisable formulation may be characterised by any of the features defined and discussed herein. The emulsifier function and boiling point of the compound correspond to those discussed above for “Compound (iii)” of the consumable. The use is not, however, necessarily limited to the esters, polyols or fatty acid esters defined above.

According to other embodiments, there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 5 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and a compound which is an emulsifier, and is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, in an aerosolisable formulation to modify at least one sensory property of the formulation. The aerosolisable formulation may be characterised by any of the features defined and discussed herein. The emulsifier function and chemistry of the compound correspond to those discussed above for “Compound (iii)” of the consumable. The use is not, however, necessarily limited to the boiling point of at least about 200° C. defined above.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and triacetin in an aerosolisable formulation to improve at least one sensory property of the formulation. The aerosolisable formulation may be characterised by any of the features defined and discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the use comprises modifying or improving at least one sensory property selected from taste, mouthfeel, in-smoking experience, and a combination thereof. The mouthfeel and/or in-smoking experience may include saturation, aftertaste, impact and nicotine hit, to replicate smoking a cigarette. The modification or improvement may be relative to the aerosolisable formulation without the combination of one or more sensates, at least one sensate being a warming agent or tingling agent, the sweetener and the emulsifier compound (e.g. triacetin).

In some embodiments the use comprises modifying or improving taste of the formulation to replicate smoking a cigarette. In some embodiments the use comprises modifying or improving mouthfeel of the formulation to replicate smoking a cigarette. In some embodiments the use comprises modifying or improving saturation to replicate smoking a cigarette. In some embodiments the use comprises modifying or improving aftertaste to replicate smoking a cigarette. In some embodiments the use comprises modifying or improving nicotine hit to replicate smoking a cigarette. In some embodiments the use comprises modifying or improving impact to replicate smoking a cigarette. In some embodiments the use comprises modifying or improving in-smoking experience to replicate smoking a cigarette. In some embodiments the use comprises improving nicotine sensation to replicate smoking a cigarette.

According to some embodiments, there is provided the use of an emulsifier to modify mouthfeel of an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system, the emulsifier having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C., wherein the mouthfeel is modified to replicate one or more sensations of smoking a combustible tobacco product, preferably a cigarette. The aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may be characterised by any of the features defined and discussed herein. The emulsifier function and boiling point of the compound correspond to those discussed above for “Compound (iii)” of the consumable. The use is not, however, necessarily limited to the esters, polyols, or fatty acid esters defined herein.

According to some embodiments, there is provided the use of a emulsifier to modify mouthfeel of an aerosolisable formulation or an aerosol generating system, the emulsifier being a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, wherein the mouthfeel is modified to replicate one or more sensations of smoking a combustible tobacco product, preferably a cigarette. The aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may be characterised by any of the features defined and discussed herein. The emulsifier function and chemistry of the compound correspond to those discussed above for “Compound (iii)” of the consumable. The use is not, however, necessarily limited to the boiling point of at least about 200° C. defined above.

These sensory properties are defined herein and are measured by a trained sensory panel. A trained sensory panel is a team of trained assessors who define the sensory attributes (here e.g. taste, mouthfeel and/or in-smoking experience) which best describe products that are being evaluated. The trained sensory panel consists of smokers and/or dualists (i.e. users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes).

According to some embodiments there is provided the use of about 0.0001 to about 5 wt % of a warming agent or a tingling agent in combination with a sweetener and a emulsifier in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system to modify the tobacco flavour intensity of the formulation or a consumable in the system, wherein the emulsifier compound has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of at least about 200° C. and/or is a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl ester, a C₄ to C₃₈ hydrocarbyl polyol, or a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester. In each of these uses, the aerosolisable formulation or aerosol generating system may be characterized according to the features defined herein.

According to some embodiments there is provided the use of about 0.0001 to about 0.05 wt % of a warming agent or a tingling agent in combination with a sweetener and triacetin in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation to modify the tobacco flavour intensity thereof. According to some embodiments there is provided the use of about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and triacetin in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation to modify the tobacco flavour intensity thereof. In each of these uses, the aerosolisable formulation may be characterized according to the features defined herein.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

An investigation was conducted to address the sensorial gap between the use of aerosol delivery devices (i.e. vape products) and smoking conventional cigarettes. A baseline aerosolisable formulation was used for comparison and this was selected due to its popularity with smokers in the UK market.

The sensorial focus areas were: taste, body of aerosol/mouthfeel, and in-smoking experience including sensorial saturation, aftertaste and/or nicotine “hit”. These areas represent consumer-specified differences between aerosol delivery devices and conventional cigarettes.

The investigation involved the use of sweeteners, flavouring agents, cooling agents (e.g. WS-23), warming/tingling agents, natural oils, menthol, increased water content, and reduced acid content.

The materials used in the preparation of the aerosolisable formulations are given in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1
Materials used for aerosolisable formulations

		CAS (where
Compound	Supplier	available)
Triacetin	Sigma Aldrich	102-76-1
3-phenylpropyl	Symrise Asia Pacific Pte.	105025-99-8
homovanillate (Symheat PV)	Ltd.
Neotame	Sigma Aldrich	165450-17-9
Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	Nicoventures Retail (UK)
	Limited

Experimental 1

Consumables comprising compounds as described in Table 1 were prepared in ethanol. In particular, stock solutions of individual compounds were prepared in ethanol. For the final formulation, certain aliquots of each stock solution were combined and brought up to a defined volume to achieve the target concentrations. Various formulations were prepared as detailed in Table 2.

A sensory analysis was then conducted by a trained sensory panel of 10 cigarette users and/or dualists. The panel were chosen for their expertise and knowledge in both design and sensory performance of conventional cigarettes. Samples of each formulation were prepared according to the details in Table 2 and the panellists compared the sensory experience of each formulation against Tobacco Flavour e-liquid in an aerosol delivery device. The feedback from the trained sensory panel is summarised in Table 2. The wt % values are relative to the total weight of the formulation.

TABLE 2
		Qualitative Feedback vs Tobacco Flavour
Example No.	Formulation	e-liquid
Comparative	5 wt % triacetin	Softer catch, more irritation, higher impact -
Example 1a	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	deeper in the lungs than control
		Slightly stronger physiological effect
		Lingering sensation of impact and more
		prickling on tongue
		Lower mouth-coating
Comparative	10 wt % triacetin	Lower irritation
Example 1b	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	Slightly more oily mouthfeel
		Little more body
Comparative	0.05 wt % Symheat (3-	Smoother and thicker mouthfeel
Example 2a	phenylpropyl homovanillate)	Greasier mouthcoating
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	Similar irritation to control
		Slight drying effect
		Lower flavour intensity
Comparative	0.1 wt % Symheat (3-	Higher flavour intensity and mouthfeel
Example 2b	phenylpropyl homovanillate)	Higher irritation - peppery
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	Impact higher than control - more at the
		back of the mouth than in throat
Comparative	10 wt % triacetin	Increases impact & irritation (although not
Example 3	0.05 wt % Symheat	as much as Symheat alone)
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	Increases lingering
		Peppery/scratch of irritation on the tongue
		Increase in mouthcoating & mouthfeel
		Slight increase in nicotine hit
		“not quite the same as FMC1”
Comparative	0.01 wt % neotame	Reduced/softened nicotine sensation
Example 4	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	Lower impact and reduced irritation
		Sweetener provided lingering aftertaste in
		some panellists but not all
Comparative	0.01 wt % neotame	Neotame complemented SymHeat making
Example 5	0.01 wt % Symheat	irritation more palatable
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	Leaves residual taste
Comparative	10 wt % water	Lower flavour intensity and lower
Example 6	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	mouthfeel
		No significant impact
Example 7	10 wt % triacetin	More intense flavour
	0.02 wt % Symheat	Fuller, more-intense experience
	0.01 wt % neotame	Higher impact and irritation
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	“one of the best samples tried so far with this
		panel”
Example 8	10 wt % triacetin	Higher mouthfeel vs control
	0.01 wt % Symheat	More sensation in the mouth
	0.005 wt % neotame	Higher irritation with scratch in throat
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	which then lingers
		More impact
		“improvement over control in terms of more
		FMC-like”
Example 9	10 wt % triacetin	High mouthfeel, panellists compared this
	0.005 wt % Symheat	to a FMC experience
	0.0025 wt % neotame	Coating and impact of a light cigarette (5/6
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid	mg)
		Irritation scratchy which lingers
Example 10	10 wt % triacetin	Same feedback to Example 9
	0.0025 wt % Symheat	Preferred irritation level for some panellists
	0.00125 wt % neotame
	Tobacco Flavour e-liquid
1FMC = Factory Made Cigarette

It can be seen from Comparative Examples 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 4 how a single compound does not alter a single sensorial factor. Rather, a multi-factorial modification was observed when each of triacetin and Symheat were added independently to the Tobacco Flavour e-liquid. Triacetin was surprisingly found to alter mouthfeel and aerosol body, but did not achieve the desired impact or irritation. Symheat (3-phenylpropyl homovanillate) was surprisingly found to alter impact but undesirably increased the roughness and harshness of the aerosol. Symheat was also reported to change the position of impact.

The combination of Symheat and triacetin (Comparative Example 3) was advantageous in some respects since it increased mouthcoating and mouthfeel and lingering. The combination was, however, problematic for users because of the irritation and impact. The panellists reported additional irritation which was “prickly” and left an undesirable “peppery” sensation on the tongue. The combination of neotame and Symheat (Comparative Example 5) made the irritation from Symheat alone more palatable but the e-liquid left a residual taste.

Comparative Example 6 investigated the addition of water to the Tobacco Flavour e-liquid but this resulted in a lower flavour intensity and mouthfeel.

Only the triple combination of triacetin, Symheat and neotame in Examples 7, 8, 9 and 10 resulted in panellists reporting an “FMC-like” experience. The triple combination was also notable in that an increase in body, mouthfeel and mouthful was reported along with nicotine sensations which lingered to provide the desired aftertaste. Examples 7, 8, 9 and 10 also included feedback of higher impact and irritation that replicated that of smoking a cigarette.

Experimental 2

In the same manner as Experimental 1, aerosolisable formulations comprising the compounds described in Table 1 were prepared in ethanol. In particular, stock solutions of individual compounds were prepared in ethanol. For the final formulation, certain aliquots of each stock solution were combined and brought up to a defined volume to achieve the target concentrations. Various formulations were prepared as detailed in Table 3. Tobacco Flavour 1 and Tobacco Flavour 2 are e-liquids commercially available from Nicoventures Retail (UK) Limited. The wt % values are relative to the total weight of the formulation.

	TABLE 3
	Example No.	Formulation
	11	0.01 wt % Symheat
		0.005 wt % neotame
		10 wt % triacetin
		Tobacco Flavour 1
	12	0.01 wt % Symheat
		0.005 wt % neotame
		10 wt % triacetin
		Tobacco Flavour 2
	13	0.005 wt % Symheat
		0.0025 wt % neotame
		10 wt % triacetin
		Tobacco Flavour 1
	14	0.005 wt % Symheat
		0.0025 wt % neotame
		10 wt % triacetin
		Tobacco Flavour 2
	15	0.0025 wt % Symheat
		0.00125 wt % neotame
		10 wt % triacetin
		Tobacco Flavour 1
	16	0.0025 wt % Symheat
		0.00125 wt % neotame
		10 wt % triacetin
		Tobacco Flavour 2

A sensory analysis was conducted by a trained sensory panel of 10 cigarette users and/or dualists (i.e. consumers of cigarettes and aerosol delivery devices).

The panellists compared the sensory experience of each formulation in a VuseGo device available from Nicoventures Retail (UK) Limited against each of the Tobacco Flavour e-liquids alone. The e-liquids were chosen as the benchmark because of consumer preference in the UK market. Comments from the panellists are shown below in Table 4.

TABLE 4
Example	Comments
11	Similar to FMC in terms of sensation during vaping
	Impact built with each puff leading to a low head buzz
	sensation
12	Complex, aromatic, resinous like smoke
	Liquid close to a Virginia blend cigarette taste with impact
	that lingers and medium to high throat and mouth irritation
	that remains even after 2 minutes of stopping puffing
13	Sample is comparable to a cigarette of medium intensity
14	Very aromatic, spicy leaving a tingle in the throat
	Sample had notes that are reminiscent of FMC smoke
	Liquid with mild cigarette like taste
15	Caramel like with tobacco notes
	Light tobacco taste, hints of roasted and nutty flavours
16	Complex taste with a nice mix of what you would taste in a
	cigarette without the smokiness and burnt notes
	Tobacco notes linger in the aftertaste

When added to Tobacco Flavour 1, Examples 11, 13 and 15 had differing reports of tobacco flavour intensity. Example 11 was described as “Similar to FMC in terms of sensation during vaping” with increasing impact and low “head buzz” sensation, whereas Example 13 provided “medium intensity” and Example 15 had a “Light tobacco taste”. This differing intensity is advantageous because it enables the formulation to be manipulated depending on the desired level of sensation and vape product users are increasingly looking to be able to customize and control sensation.

When added to Tobacco Flavour 2, Examples 12, 14 and 16 similarly resulted in a differing tobacco flavour intensity. Example 12 was “close to Virginia blend cigarette taste”, whereas Example 14 was “very aromatic” and had “mild cigarette like taste” and Example 16 had a “complex taste” with a mix of cigarette “without the smokiness and burnt notes”. As with Tobacco Flavour 1, this is advantageous because it provides flexibility to the formulator and choice to the consumer.

Experimental 3

To investigate the application of the consumable in a gel-form aerosolisable formulation, the gels detailed in Table 5 below were prepared, shaped into rods and subjected to a product developer test (PDT) in a non-combustible aerosol provision system to evaluate them sensorially. All concentrations are wt % based on the total weight of the formulation.

To prepare the formulations, the glycerol and binder were placed into a mixer and pre-mixed, separately the fillers were combined to form a slurry. The tobacco extract and triacetin (if present) were then added slowly to the slurry followed by the pre-mix of glycerol and binder. The combined mixtures were blended and then the neotame and Symheat solutions were added to the final slurry (if present). The formulations were cast in a metal plate and dried to form a gel-like sheets.

The PDT was conducted using a sequential monadic scale (1-7) to evaluate the sensory performance of the formulations in Table 5 compared with a FMC-like experience. In doing so, 5 participants were asked to evaluate level of hot puff, immediate smoke satisfaction, level of off notes, aerosol consistency, overall taste amplitude, draw effort, aerosol body, visible aerosol, level of irritation and level of impact of the provided products. The 5 participants are regular smokers of cigarettes.

The same device was used for each formulation. This device was a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The same instructions were provided to all participants. The only difference between tests was the formulation being tested, and these differed by the inclusion of a consumable according to the present disclosure (and corresponding balance of filler) as shown by Table 5. Formulation 2 included 0.01 wt % neotame and 0.01 wt % Symheat, based on the total weight of the formulation.

	TABLE 5
	Formulation 1	Formulation 2

Filler (wood pulp)	6.00	6.00
Binder	4.00	4.00
Tobacco Extract	45.00	45.00
Aerosol Former Material	20.00	20.00
(Glycerol)
Filler (cellulose)	25.00	23.90
Triacetin	0.00	10.00
Neotame (10 wt % in	0.00	0.10
solution)
Symheat (1 wt % in solution)	0.00	1.00

The results are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2, Formulation 1 is the inner plot and Formulation 2 is the outer plot. In FIG. 3, Formulation 1 is the lower plot and Formulation 2 is the upper plot.

It can be seen from FIG. 2 how the inclusion of the consumable according to the present disclosure modified the sensorial experience of the aerosolisable formulation so that it was closer to an FMC experience. In particular, Formulation 2 had a higher rating for immediate smoke sensation, aerosol consistency, overall taste amplitude, aerosol body, visible aerosol, level of irritation and level of impact. In terms of replicating an FMC experience, the modification of irritation, impact and aerosol body is significant and highly beneficial.

FIG. 3 shows the same results as FIG. 2 but with absolute values. Again it can be seen that Formulation 2 had a higher rating for immediate smoke sensation, aerosol consistency, overall taste amplitude, aerosol body, visible aerosol, level of irritation and level of impact. Notably, the level of impact increased from 5.8 to 7, the level of irritation increased from 5.2 to 7 and the aerosol body increased from 5 to 5.8. These factors are particularly beneficial when seeking to replicate smoking a combustible tobacco product such as a cigarette.

The invention will be described in further detail in the following numbered embodiments.

• • 1. A consumable for an aerosolisable formulation, wherein the consumable comprises:
    • one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent;
    • a sweetener; and
    • triacetin, optionally wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 3:1.
  • 2. The consumable according to clause 1, wherein the sweetener is selected from oxathiazinone sweeteners, aspartame sweeteners, sulfamates, calcium cyclamate, sugar alcohols, naturally occurring sweeteners, saccharin, sucralose, gluonic acid, and mixtures thereof.
  • 3. The consumable according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the sweetener comprises at least one selected from aspartame sweeteners, stevioside, swingle extract, glyccerhizin, perillartine, naringin dihydrochalcone, neohesperidine dihydrochalcone, mogroside V, rubusoside, rubus extract, rebaudioside A, saccharin, sucralose, and sodium cyclamate, preferably wherein the sweetener includes at least one selected from acesulfame-K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, sucralose or sodium cyclamate, preferably wherein the sweetener is neotame or aspartame.
  • 4. The consumable according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the weight ratio of sensate(s) to sweetener is greater than about 1:1 to about 2:1, preferably wherein the weight ratio is about 2:1.
  • 5. The consumable according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the one or more sensates further include a cooling agent, preferably wherein the cooling agent is selected from menthol, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide, N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[(5-methyl-2-propan-2ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino]acetate, N-(4-methoxyphenyl-pmenthanecarboxamide, N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, menthyl lactate, 3-(menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol, and menthyl succinate.
  • 6. The consumable according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the warming agent or the tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters and combinations thereof.
  • 7. The consumable according to clause 6, wherein the warming agent or the tingling agent is a vanilloid, preferably 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate.
  • 8. The consumable according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the consumable further comprises one or more compounds selected from 4-propylphenol, indole, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2-furfurylthiol, sotolone, 2,4-dimethylpyridine, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 3-ethylphenol, furaneol, β-damascone, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, geraniol, dimethyl trisulphide, 3-methylbutanal, acetic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid, butanoic acid, β-damascenone, β-ionone, α-ionone, α-ionol, β-cyclocitral, safranal, maltol, ethyl maltol, 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, phenylacetic acid, cyclotene, ethyl cyclotene, coronol, mesifurane, maple furanone, benzaldehyde, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 3-methyl-2,4-nonandione, 5,6,7-trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one, or a combination thereof.
  • 9. The consumable according to clause 8, wherein the at least one compound is selected from compounds A, B, C, D, E, and a combination thereof,
  • wherein A is at least one compound selected from acetic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid, and butanoic acid, preferably A is at least one compound selected from acetic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid;
  • B is at least one compound selected from β-damascone, β-damascenone, β-ionone, α-ionone, α-ionol, β-cyclocitral, and safranal, preferably B is at least one compound selected from β-damascone, β-damascenone, and β-ionone;
  • C is at least one compound selected from maltol, ethyl maltol, and sotolone, preferably C is at least one compound selected from maltol and sotolone;
  • D is at least one compound selected from 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, phenylacetic acid, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, cyclotene, ethyl cyclotene, coronol, mesifurane, maple furanone, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, benzaldehyde, and 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol, preferably D is at least one compound selected from 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol, 4-propyl-2-methoxyphenol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, and phenylacetic acid; and
  • E is at least one compound selected from 3-methyl-2,4-nonandione and 5,6,7-trimethylocta-2,5-dien-4-one, preferably E is 3-methyl-2,4-nonandione.
  • 10. An aerosolisable formulation for an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, a carrier and optionally nicotine.
  • 11. An aerosolisable formulation for an aerosol provision system comprising the consumable according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the formulation comprises about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt % of the one or more sensates, and greater than about 5 wt % to less than about 20 wt % of triacetin.
  • 12. The aerosolisable formulation according to clause 12, wherein the formulation includes a carrier and optionally an active agent, preferably wherein the active agent is nicotine.
  • 13. The aerosolisable formulation according to any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the carrier is present at 50 wt % or more based on the total weight of the formulation, preferably wherein the carrier is present at 70 wt % or more based on the total weight of the formulation, preferably wherein the carrier comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerol.
  • 14. The aerosolisable formulation according to any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the triacetin is present at a concentration of greater than about 10 wt % to up to about 18 wt %, preferably greater than about 10 wt % to about 14 wt %.
  • 15. The aerosolisable formulation according to any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the one or more sensates are present at a concentration of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.001 wt % to about 0.1 wt % or about 0.001 wt % to about 0.05 wt %.
  • 16. The aerosolisable formulation according to clause 16, wherein the warming agent or tingling agent is present at a concentration of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.005 wt %, preferably about 0.001 wt % to about 0.0025 wt %.
  • 17. An article comprising the aerosolisable formulation of any one of clauses 11 to 16.
  • 18. The article according to clause 17, the article comprising a store for receiving the aerosolisable formulation of any one of clauses 11 to 16, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating area, a transport element, and optionally a mouthpiece, preferably wherein the aerosol generating component comprises a heater and/or wherein the transport element is a wick.
  • 19. An aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article according to clause 18.
  • 20. A process for forming an aerosol, the process comprising providing an aerosolisable formulation as defined in any one of clauses 11 to 16, and aerosolising the formulation.
  • 21. A sealed container containing the article according to clause 18, optionally wherein the container is hermetically sealed and is formed from a material which inhibits or prevents the passage of ultraviolet light therethrough.
  • 22. Use of about 0.001 wt % to about 1 wt % of one or more sensates, wherein at least one sensate is a warming agent or a tingling agent, in combination with a sweetener and triacetin to improve at least one sensory property of an aerosolisable formulation, preferably wherein the aerosolisable formulation is characterized according to the features of any one of clauses 1 to 16.
  • 23. The use according to clause 22, wherein the sensory property is selected from taste, mouthfeel, and in-smoking experience, and is improved relative to the aerosolisable formulation without the combination of one or more sensates, at least one sensate being a warming agent or tingling agent, a sweetener and triacetin, to replicate smoking a cigarette.
  • 24. Use of about 0.001 to about 0.05 wt % of a warming agent or a tingling agent in combination with a sweetener and triacetin in a tobacco-flavoured aerosolisable formulation to modify the tobacco flavour intensity thereof.
  • 25. The use according to clause 24, wherein the aerosolisable formulation is characterized according to the features of any one of clauses 1 to 16.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Annex 1

	Trade
	Name (if
Chemical Name	applicable)	Chemical Structure
(1S,2R,5S)- N-ethyl-5- methyl-2-(propan-2- yl)cyclohexane- carboxamide	WS-3
ethyl-2- [[(1R,2S,5R)-5- methyl-2-propan-2- ylcyclohexane- carbonyl]amino] acetate	WS-5
(1R,2S,5R)-N-(4- methoxyphenyl-p- menthane- carboxamide	WS-12
N,2,3-trimethyl- 2-propan-2- ylbutanamide	WS-23
(1R,2S,5R)-N- (2-(pyridin-2- yl)ethyl) menthylcarboxamide	Evercool ® 190
N-p-benzene- acetonitrile menthane- carboxamide	Evercool ® 180
(−)-menthone 1,2- glycerol ketal	Frescolat ® MGA
(−)-menthyl lactate	Frescolat ® ML
3-((−)-menthoxy) propane-1,2-diol	Coolact ® 10
(−)-menthyl succinate	Monomenthyl succinate
(−)-Isopulegol	—
Hydroxy- alpha sanshool	—
Capsaicin	—
Piperine	—
Zingerone	—
Gingerol	—
[6]-shogaol	—
Allyl isothiocyanate	—
Vanillyl butyl ether	—
3-phenylpropyl homovanillate	—
Triacetin	102-76-1