MOUTHPIECE FOR AN AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM

[0001]The invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system, a cartridge comprising the mouthpiece, and an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece. In particular, the invention relates to a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0002]Aerosol-generating systems for delivering nicotine to a user that comprise an atomiser configured to generate an inhalable aerosol from a liquid aerosol-generating substrate are known. Some known aerosol-generating systems comprise a thermal atomiser that is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. Other known aerosol-generating systems comprise a non-thermal atomiser that is configured to generate an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-generating substrate using, for example, impinging jet, ultrasonic or vibrating mesh technologies.

[0003]Handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating systems comprising a cartridge comprising a storage compartment containing a supply of liquid aerosol-generating substrate and an electrically operated heater configured to heat the liquid nicotine formulation to generate an aerosol, and a device portion comprising control electronics and a power source for supplying power to the electrically operated heater, are known.

[0004]The heater typically comprises a coil of electrically conductive wire that is wound around an elongate wick, which transports liquid aerosol-generating substrate from the storage compartment of the cartridge to the coil of wire. In use, an electric current may be passed through the coil of wire to heat the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0005]However, in other known handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating systems the heater comprises a fluid permeable heating element comprising an electrically conductive mesh that is in contact with a transport material, which conveys liquid aerosol-generating substrate to the electrically conductive mesh. In use, an electric current may be passed through the electrically conductive mesh to heat the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0006]A cartridge comprising a supply of liquid aerosol-generating substrate and an atomiser configured to generate an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-generating substrate is sometimes referred to as a “cartomiser”. The storage compartment of the cartridge may comprise a retention material for holding the liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The cartridge typically also comprises a mouthpiece that a user draws on, in use, in order to inhale the generated aerosol.

[0007]Bacteria and viruses may be transferred to the mouthpiece from a user's hands during handling of the handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating system. Bacteria and viruses may also be transferred to the mouthpiece through contact with other surfaces during transport and storage of the handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating system. Bacterial and viral contamination of the mouthpiece may disadvantageously result in bacteria and viruses being transferred to the mouth of a user when the contaminated mouthpiece is placed in the mouth of a user during use of the handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating system.

[0008]It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system that prevents or reduces potential oral transmission of bacteria to a user during use of the aerosol-generating system.

[0009]It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system that prevents or reduces potential oral transmission of viruses to a user during use of the aerosol-generating system.

[0010]It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system that prevents or reduces potential oral transmission of bacteria and viruses to a user during use of the aerosol-generating system.

[0011]The invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system. The mouthpiece may comprise an antimicrobial polymeric material. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a silver antimicrobial. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial.

[0012]The invention also relates to a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system. The cartridge may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise an antimicrobial polymeric material. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a silver antimicrobial. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial.

[0013]The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise an antimicrobial polymeric material. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a silver antimicrobial. The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial.

[0014]According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system, the mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial.

[0015]According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial.

[0016]According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial.

[0017]The provision of a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial may advantageously prevent or reduce bacterial contamination of the mouthpiece during handling, transport and storage of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece. This may advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral transmission of bacteria to a user during use of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0018]The provision of a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial may advantageously prevent or reduce viral contamination of the mouthpiece during handling, transport and storage of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece. This may advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral transmission of viruses to a user during use of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0019]The provision of a mouthpiece comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial may advantageously prevent or reduce bacterial and viral contamination of the mouthpiece during handling, transport and storage of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece. This may advantageously prevent or reduce the risk of potential oral transmission of bacteria and viruses to a user during use of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece.

[0020]The provision of a mouthpiece having intrinsic antimicrobial properties may advantageously enable the risk of potential oral transmission of one or both of bacteria and viruses to a user during use of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece to be reduced or prevented without the need for additional cleaning or other steps by a user.

[0021]The provision of a mouthpiece having intrinsic antimicrobial properties may advantageously enable the risk of potential oral transmission of one or both of bacteria and viruses to a user during use of an aerosol-generating system comprising the mouthpiece to be reduced or prevented without the need for incorporation of additional parts by a user.

[0022]Incorporation of an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial may advantageously be easily implemented in a process for manufacturing the mouthpiece.

[0023]As used herein, the term “antimicrobial agent” is used to describe an agent having antimicrobial activity.

[0024]As used herein, the term “antimicrobial activity” is used to describe the ability of an agent to kill or inhibit growth of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

[0025]As used herein, the term “zinc antimicrobial” is used to describe a zinc compound having antimicrobial activity.

[0026]As used herein, the term “silver antimicrobial” is used to describe a silver compound having antimicrobial activity.

[0027]As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapours of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0028]As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” is used to describe a substrate comprising aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol.

[0029]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise any suitable thermoplastic polymer.

[0030]Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is food grade.

[0031]Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is bisphenol A (BPA) free.

[0032]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a single thermoplastic polymer.

[0033]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a plurality of thermoplastic polymers.

[0034]Preferably, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from: polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polycarbonate (PC); poly cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified; (PCTG); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0035]More preferably, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises poly cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PCTG).

[0036]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise any suitable amount of thermoplastic polymer.

[0037]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 88 percent by weight, at least 90 percent by weight, at least 92 percent by weight, at least 94 percent by weight, or at least 96 percent by weight.

[0038]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99.9 percent by weight, less than or equal to 99 percent by weight, less than or equal to 99 percent by weight, less than or equal to 98.5 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 98 percent by weight.

[0039]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of between 88 percent by weight and 99.9 percent by weight, between 88 percent by weight and 99.5 percent by weight, between 88 percent by weight and 99 percent by weight, between 88 percent by weight and 98.5 percent by weight, or between 88 percent by weight and 98 percent by weight.

[0040]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of between 90 percent by weight and 99.9 percent by weight, between 90 percent by weight and 99.5 percent by weight, between 90 percent by weight and 99 percent by weight, between 90 percent by weight and 98.5 percent by weight, or between 90 percent by weight and 98 percent by weight.

[0041]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of between 92 percent by weight and 99.9 percent by weight, between 92 percent by weight and 99.5 percent by weight, between 92 percent by weight and 99 percent by weight, between 92 percent by weight and 98.5 percent by weight, or between 92 percent by weight and 98 percent by weight.

[0042]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of between 94 percent by weight and 99.9 percent by weight, between 94 percent by weight and 99.5 percent by weight, between 94 percent by weight and 99 percent by weight, between 94 percent by weight and 98.5 percent by weight, or between 94 percent by weight and 98 percent by weight.

[0043]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of between 96 percent by weight and 99.9 percent by weight, between 96 percent by weight and 99.5 percent by weight, between 96 percent by weight and 99 percent by weight, between 96 percent by weight and 98.5 percent by weight, or between 96 percent by weight and 98 percent by weight.

[0044]For example, the antimicrobial polymeric material may have a thermoplastic polymer content of 97 percent by weight.

[0045]The antimicrobial agent may be a microbiostatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a microbicidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a microbiostatic and microbicidal agent

[0046]The antimicrobial agent may be an antibacterial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bacteriostatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bactericidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a bacteriostatic and bactericidal agent

[0047]The antimicrobial agent may be an antiviral agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a virostatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a virucidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a virostatic agent and virucidal agent.

[0048]The antimicrobial agent may be an antifungal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a fungistatic agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a fungicidal agent. The antimicrobial agent may be a fungistatic and fungicidal agent Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial or antiviral agent.

[0049]More preferably, the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial and antiviral agent.

[0050]Most preferably, the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent.

[0051]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent kills or inhibits growth of at least 50 percent of cells of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

[0052]The antimicrobial agent may kill or inhibit growth of at least 60 percent of cells, at least 70 percent of cells, at least 90 percent of cells, or 100 percent cells of at least one species selected from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

[0053]Antibacterial activity of mouthpieces according to the invention may be measured in accordance with ISO 22196:2011.

[0054]Antiviral activity of mouthpieces according to the invention may be measured in accordance with ISO 21702:2019.

[0055]The antimicrobial agent is dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0056]Advantageously, the antimicrobial agent is substantially homogeneously dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0057]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial.

[0058]The antimicrobial agent may comprise any suitable zinc antimicrobial.

[0059]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a single zinc antimicrobial.

[0060]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a plurality of zinc antimicrobials.

[0061]Suitable zinc antimicrobials may include one or more of covalent zinc compounds, zinc complexes, and zinc salts.

[0062]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0063]More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0064]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0065]More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0066]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc carboxylates selected from zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate.

[0067]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0068]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0069]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0070]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0071]Suitable zinc antimicrobials for inclusion in the antimicrobial polymeric material are commercially available. Examples of suitable commercially available zinc antimicrobials include, but are not limited to, Saniconcentrate™ available from Parx Materials N.V and Microban® ZPTech® antimicrobial zinc technologies available from Microban International, Ltd.

[0072]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise any suitable amount of zinc antimicrobial.

[0073]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.02 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 0.025 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 0.03 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 0.04 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to 0.05 percent by weight.

[0074]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 1 percent by weight, less than or equal to 0.75 percent by weight, less than or equal to 0.5 percent by weight, less than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 0.09 percent by weight.

[0075]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of between 0.02 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0076]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of between 0.025 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0077]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of between 0.03 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0078]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of between 0.04 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0079]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of between 0.05 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0080]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a silver antimicrobial.

[0081]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise any suitable silver antimicrobial.

[0082]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a single silver antimicrobial.

[0083]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise a plurality of silver antimicrobials.

[0084]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or more silver glasses.

[0085]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0086]Suitable silver antimicrobials for inclusion in the antimicrobial polymeric material are commercially available. Example of suitable commercially available silver antimicrobials include, but are not limited to, Microban® SilverShield® silver-based antibacterial technologies available from Microban International, Ltd.

[0087]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise any suitable amount of silver antimicrobial.

[0088]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.02 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 0.025 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 0.03 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 0.04 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to 0.05 percent by weight.

[0089]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 1 percent by weight, less than or equal to 0.75 percent by weight, less than or equal to 0.5 percent by weight, less than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 0.09 percent by weight.

[0090]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of between 0.02 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.02 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0091]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of between 0.025 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.025 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0092]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of between 0.03 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.03 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0093]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a zinc antimicrobial content of between 0.04 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.04 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0094]The antimicrobial polymeric material may have a silver antimicrobial content of between 0.05 percent by weight and 1 percent by weight, between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.75 percent by weight, between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.5 percent by weight, between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.1 percent by weight, or between 0.05 percent by weight and 0.09 percent by weight.

[0095]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial.

[0096]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a single zinc antimicrobial and a single silver antimicrobial.

[0097]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a plurality of zinc antimicrobials and a single silver antimicrobial.

[0098]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a single zinc antimicrobial and a plurality of silver antimicrobials.

[0099]The antimicrobial agent may comprise a plurality of zinc antimicrobials and a plurality of silver antimicrobials.

[0100]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver glasses.

[0101]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0102]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver glasses.

[0103]More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0104]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0105]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0106]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0107]More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0108]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0109]The antimicrobial agent may comprise one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0110]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver glasses.

[0111]More preferably, the antimicrobial agent comprises one or both of: one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate; and one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0112]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more metals.

[0113]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more transition metals.

[0114]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more metals selected from cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium, and silver.

[0115]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise greater than or equal to 0.05 percent by weight of silver.

[0116]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise less than or equal to 10 percent by weight of silver.

[0117]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise between 0.05 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight of silver.

[0118]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more additional components.

[0119]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more colourants.

[0120]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more fillers. For example, the antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise calcium carbonate.

[0121]The antimicrobial polymeric material may comprise one or more stabilisers.

[0122]Preferably, the mouthpiece is manufactured by extrusion or injection moulding.

[0123]The antimicrobial agent may be added to the thermoplastic polymer prior to extrusion or injection moulding. The antimicrobial agent may be added to a monomer that is polymerized to form the thermoplastic polymer prior to extrusion or injection moulding. Mouthpieces according to the invention comprising antimicrobial polymeric material may thereby advantageously be formed with minimal modification to existing manufacturing process.

[0124]Preferably, the antimicrobial agent and the thermoplastic polymer or monomer that is polymerized to form the thermoplastic polymer are mixed prior to extrusion or injection moulding.

[0125]This may advantageously ensure that the antimicrobial agent is substantially homogeneously dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0126]The antimicrobial agent may be included in an additive masterbatch that is added to the thermoplastic polymer prior to extrusion or injection moulding. The antimicrobial agent may be included in an additive masterbatch that is added to a monomer that is polymerized to form the thermoplastic polymer prior to extrusion or injection moulding.

[0127]The additive masterbatch may be a solid additive masterbatch. For example, the additive masterbatch may be in the form of a powder or pellets.

[0128]The additive masterbatch may be a liquid additive masterbatch. For example, the additive masterbatch may be in the form of an aqueous solution or a non-aqueous solution.

[0129]The additive masterbatch may comprise one or more additional components. For example, the additive masterbatch may comprise one or more colourants, one or more fillers, or one or more stabilisers.

[0130]Preferably, the additive masterbatch and the thermoplastic polymer or monomer that is polymerized to form the thermoplastic polymer are mixed prior to extrusion or injection moulding.

[0131]This may advantageously ensure that the antimicrobial agent is substantially homogeneously dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0132]Advantageously, the antimicrobial agent is substantially evenly distributed throughout a body of the mouthpiece.

[0133]Advantageously, the antimicrobial agent is substantially evenly distributed throughout the mouthpiece.

[0134]According to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0135]Preferably, the cartridge comprises a storage compartment containing the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0136]The storage compartment and the mouthpiece may be detachable from each other. For example, the storage compartment and the mouthpiece may be moulded as separate pieces and then attached to each other in order to assemble the cartridge.

[0137]The storage compartment and the mouthpiece may not be detachable from each other.

[0138]For example, the storage compartment and the mouthpiece may be moulded in one piece.

[0139]The cartridge may be reusable. The storage compartment may be refillable once the storage compartment is empty or the amount of aerosol-generating substrate in the storage compartment is below a minimum threshold.

[0140]The cartridge may be disposable once the storage compartment is empty or the amount of aerosol-generating substrate contained in the storage compartment is below a minimum threshold.

[0141]Preferably, the cartridge comprises an atomiser in communication with the storage compartment, wherein the atomiser is configured to vaporise the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0142]Preferably, the atomiser comprises a fluid permeable aerosol-generating element.

[0143]The atomiser may be a thermal atomiser.

[0144]As used herein, the term “thermal atomiser” describes an atomiser that is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0145]Cartridges according to the second aspect of the invention may comprise any suitable type of thermal atomiser.

[0146]The thermal atomiser may comprise a heater. The thermal atomiser may comprise an electric heater. For example, the thermal atomiser may comprise an electric heater comprising a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element.

[0147]The heater may comprise a heater coil.

[0148]Preferably, the heater comprises a fluid permeable heating element.

[0149]More preferably, the heater comprises a fluid permeable heating element comprising an electrically conductive mesh.

[0150]As used herein, the term “electrically conductive mesh” refers to an electrically conductive solid material having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. For example, the electrically conductive mesh may comprise a network of woven or non-woven electrically conductive filaments or wires or a perforated electrically conductive sheet.

[0151]The plurality of apertures advantageously allow fluid to permeate through the electrically conductive mesh.

[0152]The plurality of apertures may each have a dimension of between 50 microns and 150 microns, between 50 microns and 100 microns, or between 50 microns and 80 microns.

[0153]The plurality of apertures may each have a dimension of between 60 microns and 150 microns, between 60 microns and 100 microns, or between 60 microns and 80 microns.

[0154]As used herein, the “dimension” of an aperture describes a distance measured between two opposing surfaces of an aperture. Thus, where, for example, an aperture is bounded by filaments or wires, the dimension of the aperture does not include a thickness of the wires.

[0155]The electrically conductive mesh may be substantially flat.

[0156]As used herein, the term “substantially flat” is used to refer to a substantially two dimensional topological manifold.

[0157]The substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be substantially planar.

[0158]The substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be curved along one or more dimensions. For example, the substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be curved to form an arch shape or a dome shape.

[0159]The electrically conductive mesh may be heated by any suitable method.

[0160]For example, the electrically conductive mesh may be resistively heated or inductively heated.

[0161]The electrically conductive mesh may comprise a metal. For example, the electrically conductive mesh may comprise a steel such as stainless steel.

[0162]The electrically conductive mesh may comprise a susceptor material.

[0163]The area of the electrically conductive mesh may be less than 50 square millimetres, less than 40 square millimetres, or less than 30 square millimetres.

[0164]The thermal atomiser may comprise a heater and a transport element configured to transport aerosol-generating substrate to the heater.

[0165]The transport element may comprise a capillary wick.

[0166]The atomiser may be a non-thermal atomiser.

[0167]As used herein, the term “non-thermal atomiser” describes an atomiser that is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate by means other than heating.

[0168]Cartridges according to the second aspect of the invention may comprise any suitable type of non-thermal atomiser.

[0169]For example, the non-thermal atomiser may be an impinging jet atomiser, an ultrasonic atomiser or a vibrating mesh atomiser.

[0170]According to the third aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0171]Preferably, the aerosol-generating system comprises a storage compartment containing the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0172]Preferably, the aerosol-generating system comprises an atomiser in communication with the storage compartment, wherein the atomiser is configured to vaporise the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0173]Preferably, the atomiser comprises a fluid permeable aerosol-generating element.

[0174]The atomiser may be a thermal atomiser.

[0175]As used herein, the term “thermal atomiser” describes an atomiser that is configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0176]Aerosol-generating systems according to the third aspect of the invention may comprise any suitable type of thermal atomiser.

[0177]The thermal atomiser may comprise a heater. The thermal atomiser may comprise an electric heater. For example, the thermal atomiser may comprise an electric heater comprising a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element.

[0178]The heater may comprise a heater coil.

[0179]Preferably, the heater comprises a fluid permeable heating element.

[0180]More preferably, the heater comprises a fluid permeable heating element comprising an electrically conductive mesh.

[0181]The plurality of apertures advantageously allow fluid to permeate through the electrically conductive mesh.

[0182]The plurality of apertures may each have a dimension of between 50 microns and 150 microns, between 50 microns and 100 microns, or between 50 microns and 80 microns.

[0183]The plurality of apertures may each have a dimension of between 60 microns and 150 microns, between 60 microns and 100 microns, or between 60 microns and 80 microns.

[0184]The electrically conductive mesh may be substantially flat.

[0185]The substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be substantially planar.

[0186]The substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be curved along one or more dimensions. For example, the substantially flat electrically conductive mesh may be curved to form an arch shape or a dome shape.

[0187]The electrically conductive mesh may be heated by any suitable method.

[0188]For example, the electrically conductive mesh may be resistively heated or inductively heated.

[0189]The electrically conductive mesh may comprise a metal. For example, the electrically conductive mesh may comprise a steel such as stainless steel.

[0190]The electrically conductive mesh may comprise a susceptor material.

[0191]The area of the electrically conductive mesh may be less than 50 square millimetres, less than 40 square millimetres, or less than 30 square millimetres.

[0192]The thermal atomiser may comprise a heater and a transport element configured to transport aerosol-generating substrate to the heater.

[0193]The transport element may comprise a capillary wick.

[0194]The atomiser may be a non-thermal atomiser.

[0195]Aerosol-generating systems according to the third aspect of the invention may comprise any suitable type of non-thermal atomiser.

[0196]For example, the non-thermal atomiser may be an impinging jet atomiser, an ultrasonic atomiser or a vibrating mesh atomiser.

[0197]Preferably, the aerosol-generating system comprises a device portion comprising a power supply and control electronics.

[0198]More preferably, the aerosol-generating system comprises a device portion comprising a battery and control electronics.

[0199]The device portion may be reusable.

[0200]The device portion may be disposable.

[0201]The power supply may be configured to supply power to the atomiser. For example, the power supply may be configured to resistively heat the atomiser.

[0202]The aerosol-generating system may comprise an inductor. For example, aerosol-generating system may comprise an induction coil.

[0203]Aerosol-generating systems according to the third aspect of the invention may comprise: a cartridge according the second aspect of the invention; and a device portion.

[0204]Preferably, aerosol-generating systems according to the third aspect of the invention comprise: a cartridge according the second aspect of the invention comprising: a storage compartment containing an aerosol-generating substrate; an atomiser in communication with the storage compartment, wherein the atomiser is configured to vaporise the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the invention; and a device portion comprising a power supply and control electronics.

[0205]The cartridge and the device portion may be detachable from each other. The device portion may be removably coupled to the cartridge.

[0206]The cartridge and the device portion may not be detachable from each other.

[0207]The cartridge and the device portion may both be reusable. The storage compartment of the cartridge may be refillable once the storage compartment of the cartridge is empty or the amount of aerosol-generating substrate in the storage compartment is below a minimum threshold.

[0208]The cartridge may be disposable and the device portion may be reusable. For example, the cartridge may be detachable from the device portion and the cartridge may be disposable once the storage compartment of the cartridge is empty or the amount of aerosol-generating substrate contained in the storage compartment of the cartridge is below a minimum threshold.

[0209]The cartridge and the device portion may both be disposable. For example, the cartridge and the device portion may not be detachable from each other and the cartridge and the device portion may both be disposable once the storage compartment of the cartridge is empty or the amount of aerosol-generating substrate contained in the storage compartment of the cartridge is below a minimum threshold.

[0210]The aerosol-generating system may be a one-part aerosol-generating system.

[0211]For example, the aerosol-generating system may be a one-part aerosol-generating system in which the cartridge and device portion are not detachable from each other and the storage compartment and the mouthpiece of the cartridge are not detachable from each other.

[0212]The aerosol-generating system may be a two-part aerosol-generating system. For example, the aerosol-generating system may be a two-part aerosol-generating system in which the cartridge and device portion are not detachable from each other but the storage compartment and the mouthpiece of the cartridge are detachable from each other. For example, the aerosol-generating system may be a two-part aerosol-generating system in which the cartridge and device portion are detachable from each other but the storage compartment and the mouthpiece of the cartridge are not detachable from each other.

[0213]The aerosol-generating system may be a three-part aerosol-generating system. For example, the aerosol-generating system may be a three-part aerosol-generating system in which the cartridge and device portion are detachable from each other and the storage compartment and the mouthpiece of the cartridge are detachable from each other.

[0214]Preferably, the aerosol-generating system is a handheld aerosol-generating system.

[0215]More preferably, the aerosol-generating system is a handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating system.

[0216]The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0217]The aerosol-generating substrate may be a gel aerosol-generating substrate.

[0218]As used herein, the term “gel” is used to describe a substantially dilute cross-linked material, which exhibits no flow in the steady state.

[0219]The aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0220]Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a gel aerosol-generating substrate or a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0221]More preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0222]Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

[0223]More preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a gel nicotine formulation or a liquid nicotine formulation.

[0224]As used herein, the term “gel nicotine formulation” describes a gel formulation comprising nicotine.

[0225]As used herein, the term “liquid nicotine formulation” describes a liquid formulation comprising nicotine.

[0226]Most preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid nicotine formulation.

[0227]Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol former.

[0228]The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol former may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically reached during use of the aerosol-generating system.

[0229]Examples of suitable aerosol formers include: polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as, for example, glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as, for example, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0230]The aerosol former may comprise one or more of glycerine and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerine. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol.

[0231]The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0232]The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0233]Example Ex1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; and an antimicrobial agent.

[0234]Example Ex2. A mouthpiece according to example Ex1 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a zinc antimicrobial.

[0235]Example Ex3. A mouthpiece according to example Ex1 or example Ex2 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a silver antimicrobial.

[0236]Example Ex4. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex3 wherein the thermoplastic polymer is food grade.

[0237]Example Ex5. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex4 wherein the thermoplastic polymer is bisphenol A (BPA) free.

[0238]Example Ex6. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex5 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises a single thermoplastic polymer.

[0239]Example Ex7. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex6 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises a plurality of thermoplastic polymers.

[0240]Example Ex8. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex7 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from: polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polycarbonate (PC); poly cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified; (PCTG); polyethylene (PE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polypropylene (PP); and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0241]Example Ex9. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex8 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises poly cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PCTG).

[0242]Example Ex10. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex9 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 88 percent by weight.

[0243]Example Ex11. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex10 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 90 percent by weight.

[0244]Example Ex12. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex11 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 92 percent by weight.

[0245]Example Ex13. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex12 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 94 percent by weight.

[0246]Example Ex14. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex13 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of at least 96 percent by weight.

[0247]Example Ex15. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex14 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99.9 percent by weight.

[0248]Example Ex16. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex15 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99.5 percent by weight.

[0249]Example Ex17. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex16 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 99 percent by weight.

[0250]Example Ex18. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex17 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 98.5 percent by weight.

[0251]Example Ex19. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex18 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a thermoplastic polymer content of less than or equal to 98 percent by weight.

[0252]Example Ex20. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex19 wherein the antimicrobial agent is an microbiostatic agent.

[0253]Example Ex21. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex20 the antimicrobial agent is a microbiocidal agent.

[0254]Example Ex22. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex21 wherein the antimicrobial agent is an antibacterial agent.

[0255]Example Ex23. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex22 wherein the antimicrobial agent is a bacteriostatic agent.

[0256]Example Ex24. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex23 wherein the antimicrobial agent is a bactericidal agent.

[0257]Example Ex25. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex24 wherein the antimicrobial agent is an antiviral agent.

[0258]Example Ex26. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex25 wherein the antimicrobial agent is a virostatic agent.

[0259]Example Ex27. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex26 wherein the antimicrobial agent is a virucidal agent.

[0260]Example Ex28. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex27 wherein the antimicrobial agent is an antifungal agent.

[0261]Example Ex29. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex28 wherein the antimicrobial agent is a fungistatic agent.

[0262]Example Ex30. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex29 wherein the antimicrobial agent is a fungicidal agent.

[0263]Example Ex31. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex30 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a single zinc antimicrobial.

[0264]Example Ex32. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex30 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a plurality of zinc antimicrobials.

[0265]Example Ex33. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex32 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0266]Example Ex34. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex33 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, and zinc salts.

[0267]Example Ex35. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex34 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0268]Example Ex36. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex35 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc salts selected from zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0269]Example Ex37. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex36 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc carboxylates selected from zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate.

[0270]Example Ex38. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex32 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0271]Example Ex39. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex32 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc carboxylates, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0272]Example Ex40. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex32 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc dichloride, zinc nitrate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0273]Example Ex41. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex32 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more zinc antimicrobials selected from zinc acetylacetonate, zinc hydroxide, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, zinc carbonate basic, zinc acetate, zinc acrylate, zinc aspartate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc methacrylate, zinc neodecanoate, zinc oxalate, zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), zinc picolinate, zinc propionate, zinc salicylate, zinc stearate, and zinc undecylenate, zinc phosphate, and zinc sulfate.

[0274]Example Ex42. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex41 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.02 percent by weight.

[0275]Example Ex43. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex42 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.025 percent by weight.

[0276]Example Ex44. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex43 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.03 percent by weight.

[0277]Example Ex45. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex44 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.04 percent by weight.

[0278]Example Ex46. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex45 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.05 percent by weight.

[0279]Example Ex47. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex4046 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 1 percent by weight.

[0280]Example Ex48. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex4147 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.75 percent by weight.

[0281]Example Ex49. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex4248 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.5 percent by weight.

[0282]Example Ex50. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex4349 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight.

[0283]Example Ex51. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex4450 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a zinc antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.09 percent by weight.

[0284]Example Ex52. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex51 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a single silver antimicrobial.

[0285]Example Ex53. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex51 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a plurality of silver antimicrobials.

[0286]Example Ex54. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex53 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more silver glasses.

[0287]Example Ex55. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex54 wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises one or more silver phosphate glasses.

[0288]Example Ex56. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex55 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.02 percent by weight.

[0289]Example Ex57. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex56 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.025 percent by weight.

[0290]Example Ex58. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex57 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.03 percent by weight.

[0291]Example Ex5359. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex58 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.04 percent by weight.

[0292]Example Ex60. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex59 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of greater than or equal to 0.05 percent by weight.

[0293]Example Ex61. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex60 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 1 percent by weight.

[0294]Example Ex62. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex61 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.75 percent by weight.

[0295]Example Ex63. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex62 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.5 percent by weight.

[0296]Example Ex64. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex63 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.1 percent by weight.

[0297]Example Ex65. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex64 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material has a silver antimicrobial content of less than or equal to 0.09 percent by weight.

[0298]Example Ex66. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex65 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more metals.

[0299]Example Ex67. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex66 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more transition metals.

[0300]Example Ex68. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex67 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more metals selected from cobalt, copper, nickel, platinum, rhodium, and ruthenium, and silver.

[0301]Example Ex69. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex68 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises greater than or equal to 0.05 percent by weight of silver.

[0302]Example Ex70. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex69 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises less than or equal to 10 percent by weight of silver.

[0303]Example Ex71. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex70 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more stabilisers.

[0304]Example Ex72. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex71 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more colourants.

[0305]Example Ex73. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex72 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises one or more one or more fillers.

[0306]Example Ex74. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex73 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material comprises calcium carbonate.

[0307]Example Ex75. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex74 wherein the mouthpiece is manufactured by extrusion or injection moulding.

[0308]Example Ex76. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex75 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material is substantially homogeneously dispersed within the antimicrobial polymeric material.

[0309]Example Ex77. A mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex76 wherein the antimicrobial polymeric material is substantially evenly distributed throughout a body of the mouthpiece.

[0310]Example Ex78. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a mouthpiece according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex77.

[0311]Example Ex79. A cartridge according to example Ex78 comprising a storage compartment containing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0312]Example Ex80. A cartridge according to example Ex78 or Ex79 wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a gel aerosol-generating substrate.

[0313]Example Ex81. A cartridge according to example Ex80 wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a gel nicotine formulation.

[0314]Example Ex82. A cartridge according to example Ex78 or Ex79 wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0315]Example Ex83. A cartridge according to example Ex82 wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a liquid nicotine formulation.

[0316]Example Ex84. A cartridge according to any one of examples Ex78 to Ex83 wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol former.

[0317]Example Ex85. A cartridge according to any one of examples Ex78 to Ex84 comprising an atomiser configured to vaporise the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0318]Example Ex86. A cartridge according to example Ex85 wherein the atomiser is a non-thermal atomiser.

[0319]Example Ex87. A cartridge according to example Ex85 wherein the atomiser is a thermal atomiser.

[0320]Example Ex88. A cartridge according to any one of examples Ex85 to Ex87 wherein the atomiser is a fluid permeable aerosol-generating element.

[0321]Example Ex89. An aerosol-generating system comprising: a cartridge according to any one of examples Ex78 to Ex88; and a device portion comprising a power supply and control electronics.

[0322]Example Ex90. An aerosol-generating system according to example Ex89 wherein the aerosol-generating system is a handheld aerosol-generating system.

[0323]Example Ex91. An aerosol-generating system according to example Ex89 wherein the aerosol-generating system is a handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating system.

[0324]FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-section of an aerosol-generating system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0325]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0326]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the aerosol-generating system of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0327]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device portion of the aerosol-generating system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0328]FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-section of an aerosol-generating system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating system 10 shown in FIG. 1. The aerosol-generating system 10 is a handheld aerosol-generating system, sized to fit comfortably in a user's hand.

[0329]The aerosol-generating system 10 comprises a cartridge 20 and a device portion 40 that are coupled together. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge separated from the device portion. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device portion separated from the cartridge.

[0330]As described further below, the cartridge 20 comprises a liquid aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating element and a mouthpiece. The device portion 40 comprises a power supply and control electronics. In use, the device portion 40 functions to supply electrical power to the aerosol-generating element in the cartridge in order to vaporise the liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The vapourised aerosol-generating substrate is entrained in an airflow through the aerosol-generating system 10 resulting from a user puffing on the mouthpiece of the cartridge 20. The vaporised aerosol-generating substrate cools in the airflow to form an aerosol before being drawn into a user's mouth.

[0331]The cartridge 20 has a mouth end remote from the device portion 40 and a device end proximate to the device portion 40. The mouthpiece 23 is located at the mouth end of the cartridge 20. The mouthpiece 23 is formed from the composition shown in Table 1.

[0332]An additive masterbatch comprising the components labelled B in Table 1 is added to the PCTG (labelled A in Table 1) and the mixture then injection moulded to form the mouthpiece 23.

[0333]The cartridge 20 comprises a housing 22. Within the housing there is a storage compartment 24 containing the liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26. The cartridge housing 22 and storage compartment 24 are moulded in one piece. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26 comprises 39% by weight glycerine, 39% by weight propylene glycol, 20% by weight water and flavourings, and 2% by weight nicotine. It will be appreciated that other liquid aerosol-generating substrates may be used. It will also be appreciated that the aerosol-generating substrate need not be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate and may be a gel aerosol-generating substrate or a solid aerosol-generating substrate instead.

[0334]The storage compartment 24 is open at the device end of the cartridge 20. A cap 30 is fitted onto the open end of the storage compartment 24. The cap 30 is formed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). An aerosol-generating assembly 28 comprising a fluid permeable aerosol-generating element is held on the cap 30. The cap 30 has an opening formed in a front face and aerosol-generating assembly 28 extends across the opening. The aerosol-generating assembly 28 comprises a pair of electrical contact pads fixed to the cap 30 and the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element. The fluid permeable aerosol-generating element is a flat fluid permeable mesh heating element and comprises a mesh of electrically conductive heater filaments spanning the opening and fixed to the electrical contact pads on opposite sides of the opening. An aerosol-generating assembly of this type is described in WO 2015/117702 A1. The fluid permeable aerosol-generating element is formed from stainless steel and the electrical contact pads are formed from tin.

[0335]A liquid retention material 32 is positioned within the cap 30. The liquid retention material 32 is formed from a polypropylene PET copolymer. A capillary material 31 is positioned between the aerosol-generating assembly 28 and the liquid retention material 32. The capillary material 31 is formed from glass fibre. A protective cover 33 is fitted to the housing 22. The protective cover 33 is formed from liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The protective cover 33 retains the aerosol-generating assembly 28 and the cap 30 over the open end of the storage compartment 24. The protective cover 33 also covers the flat mesh heating element and protects it from damage.

[0336]The protective cover 33 has a front wall that covers the aerosol-generating assembly 28. As shown in FIG. 3, contact openings 39 are formed in the front wall and positioned to receive spring loaded electrical contact elements 45 of the device portion 40 shown in FIG. 4. Air inlet holes 37 are also formed in the front wall. Dilution air inlets (not shown) are formed in a side wall of the protective cover 33 to provide additional air to mix with vapour from the aerosol-generating assembly 28. The protective cover 33 also comprises arms 35 that extend around the storage compartment 24 within the cartridge 20. A portion of the airflow path within the cartridge 20 is defined between the arms 35 and a wall of the storage compartment 24.

[0337]The protective cover 33 is held in position by a snap fitting engagement with the cartridge housing 22. A rib 34 extends around the protective cover 33 and engages a corresponding recess in the housing 22 of the cartridge 20. In this position protective cover 33 also presses against a portion of the aerosol-generating assembly 28 to retain the aerosol-generating assembly 28 and cap 30 over the open end of the storage compartment.

[0338]To assemble the cartridge 20 the storage compartment 24 is filled with the liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26. The liquid retention material 32 is then placed into the open end of the storage compartment 24 and the capillary material 31 placed on the liquid retention material 32. The cap 30, to which the aerosol-generating assembly 28 is already fixed, is then placed in the open end of the storage compartment 24. The storage compartment 24 and cap 30 may comprise keying features to ensure the cap 30 is placed in the correct orientation on the storage compartment 24. The protective cover 33 is then fitted to the housing 22 to retain all of the components of the cartridge 20 in position.

[0339]The device portion 40 comprises a housing 46. Within the housing 46 is a power supply 42 and control electronics 44. The power supply 42 is a lithium ion battery. As shown in FIG. 4, the device portion 40 also comprises spring loaded electrical contact elements 45 configured to contact electrical contact pads on the aerosol-generating assembly 28 in the cartridge 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a button 41 is provided on the device portion 40 that actuates a switch in the control electronics to activate the device portion 40. When the device portion 40 is activated, the control electronics supply power from the power supply 42 to the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element in the cartridge 20. The control electronics may be configured to control the supply of power to the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element after activation in many different ways, as is known in the art. For example, the control electronics may be configured to control the power supplied to the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element based on one or more of: a temperature of the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element, a detected airflow through the aerosol-generating system 10, a time following activation, a determined or estimated amount of liquid aerosol-generating substrate 26 in the cartridge 20, an identity of the cartridge 20, and ambient conditions.

[0340]The cartridge 20 is coupled to the device portion 40 by a push fitting. The housing 22 of the cartridge 20 is shaped to allow it to couple to the device portion 40 in only two orientations. This ensures that the spring loaded electrical contact elements 45 are received in the contact openings 39 formed in the front wall of the protective cover and contact the electrical contact pads of the aerosol-generating assembly 28. A rib 48 extends around the device portion 40 and engages a corresponding recess 25 in the housing 22 of the cartridge 20 to retain the cartridge 20 and device portion 40 together.

[0341]In operation, after the cartridge 20 and the device portion 40 have been coupled together, the user presses the button 41 to activate the device portion 40. The user then puffs on the mouthpiece 23 at the mouth end of the cartridge 20 to draw air through the aerosol-generating system 10. The control electronics may supply power to the aerosol-generating assembly 28 based on detected user puffs or may supply power continuously after activation of the device portion 40 by the user. The fluid permeable aerosol-generating element is heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporise liquid aerosol-generating substrate in the vicinity of the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element. The vaporised aerosol-generating substrate passes through the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element and into the airflow passing through the aerosol-generating system.

EXAMPLES

[0342]Mouthpieces according to the invention comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material, the antimicrobial polymeric material comprising: poly cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PCTG); and an antimicrobial agent comprising one or both of a zinc antimicrobial and a silver antimicrobial are manufactured by the methods set out in Examples A to G below:

Example A

Example B

Example C

Example D

Example E

Example F

Example G

[0387]While poly cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PCTG) is used in Examples A to G above, it will be appreciated that mouthpieces according to the invention comprising an antimicrobial polymeric material comprising other thermoplastic polymers may be also be formed.

[0388]It will also be appreciated that additional components, such as colourants, fillers, and stabilisers, may be added to the antimicrobial polymeric material during manufacture of the mouthpieces.

[0389]For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ±10 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.