KR20230140461A - Aerosol-generating materials and their uses - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to tobacco granules comprising tobacco material and an aerosol-generating material comprising an expanding agent, which expands upon contact with moisture, causing movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-generating material and forming additional tobacco material. exposes. The invention also relates to tobacco granules comprising tobacco material and bulking agent. These aerosol generating materials and tobacco granules can be used in non-flammable aerosol delivery systems.

Description

Aerosol-generating materials and their uses

The present invention relates to aerosol-generating materials comprising tobacco materials and bulking agents. The invention also relates to tobacco granules comprising tobacco material and bulking agent. These aerosol generating materials and tobacco granules can be used in non-flammable aerosol delivery systems.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these items by creating products that release the compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating but not burning smokable material.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco granules comprising tobacco material, and an expanding agent, wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture, thereby promoting movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-generating material. causes and exposes additional tobacco materials.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes from about 5% to about 50% by weight of expansion agent based on the weight of the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the swelling agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and croscarmellose sodium (CCS).

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the bulking agent is included within the tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, the bulking agent is distributed throughout the tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the expanding agent is on the surface of the tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, tobacco granules include a core of bulking agent surrounded by tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the tobacco granules are formed by extrusion.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes discrete particles of bulking agent positioned between tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, the tobacco material has a pH of at least about 7. In some embodiments, the tobacco has a pH of about 8 to about 9.5, or about 8.5 to about 9.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided tobacco granules comprising tobacco material and an expanding agent, wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture, rupturing and/or breaking open the tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, the tobacco granules include from about 5% to about 50% by weight of bulking agent based on the weight of the tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, tobacco granules are formed by co-extrusion of tobacco material and bulking agent.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a consumable comprising the aerosol-generating material according to the first aspect, or comprising one or more tobacco granules according to the second aspect.

In some embodiments, the consumable includes a first chamber containing aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco granules, and a second chamber containing aerosolizable material.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generating material according to the first aspect, or comprising one or more tobacco granules according to the second aspect.

In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system further comprises an aerosolizable material, wherein the system is configured to heat the aerosolizable material to form a vapor and/or aerosol, wherein the vapor/aerosol comprises the aerosol-generating material or one or more Contact with the tobacco granules entrains one or more of its components, thereby forming an inhalable medium.

In some embodiments, the vapor/aerosol contains moisture that causes the expansion agent to expand.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the use of a bulking agent in an aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco granules for causing movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-generating material and exposing additional tobacco material upon exposure to moisture. provided.

In some embodiments, a swelling agent is included in the at least one tobacco granule, wherein the swelling agent expands upon contact with moisture to rupture and/or break open the tobacco granule.

In some embodiments, the expanding agent is exposed to moisture as a result of exposure of the aerosol-generating material to moisture-containing vapors.

In some embodiments, the vapor is produced by a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only.
1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hybrid system for heating an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material.
Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge that can be used to hold aerosol-generating material and/or tobacco granules according to embodiments of the invention.

The present invention relates to aerosol-generating materials comprising tobacco materials and bulking agents. The bulking agent expands upon contact with moisture and destroys the aerosol-generating material, exposing more tobacco material and allowing the release of more tobacco components upon heating. Inflating agents also reduce wetting of the tobacco material by trapping moisture as it expands.

The invention also relates to tobacco granules comprising tobacco material and bulking agent. The bulking agent expands upon contact with moisture, rupturing and/or breaking open the tobacco granules, exposing more tobacco material and allowing the release of more tobacco components upon heating. Bulking agents also trap moisture, reducing wetting of the tobacco granules.

These aerosol-generating materials and tobacco granules can be used in non-flammable aerosol delivery systems, such as hybrid devices, in which aerosolizable material, such as e-liquid, is heated to form ingredients including nicotine and (tobacco-derived) flavors and aromas. generating a vapor and/or aerosol that passes through or over the tobacco-containing aerosol generating material or granules to pick them up.

It is known in the art that hybrid devices can contain tobacco used to provide the user with an aerosol that has the taste and texture of authentic tobacco. One problem encountered with these devices is that nicotine delivery decreases as the aerosol-generating material is used, especially as the material ages. This is because more volatile components, including nicotine and numerous flavors and aromas, are easily released from the surface of the tobacco material. A further problem is that the vapors or aerosols that pass over or through the tobacco material carry moisture with them. As the tobacco becomes increasingly moist with its moisture, the release of nicotine is adversely affected.

leavening agent

The present invention seeks to solve these problems by including a bulking agent. An expanding agent is a material that expands in volume when it comes into contact with water, moisture or humidity. In some embodiments, the swelling agent is one of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), croscarmellose sodium (CCS), and other materials known in the art that expand upon contact with water. That's it.

Inflating agents may be located anywhere within the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the bulking agent is dispersed within the tobacco material of the aerosol generating material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes tobacco granules. In some embodiments, the bulking agent is located within the tobacco granules. For example, tobacco granules may contain a core of bulking agent. Alternatively, the bulking agent may be uniformly distributed within the tobacco granules, such as within the tobacco granule. In other embodiments, the bulking agent is distributed on the exterior of the tobacco granules, such as as a complete or incomplete coating, or distributed uniformly or non-uniformly.

In embodiments where the bulking agent is located inside the tobacco granules, the bulking agent expands upon contact with moisture, rupturing or breaking open the granules, exposing new surface area of the tobacco granules and releasing additional nicotine and other tobacco. Enables ingredient release. This has the advantage of increased consistency of nicotine delivery over the period of use of the granules.

In other embodiments where the bulking agent is included with the tobacco material, and separately from the tobacco material, the tobacco material is optionally in the form of tobacco granules. A mixture of tobacco material and bulking agent constitutes the aerosol-generating material. The expanding agent causes the aerosol-generating material to expand as it is exposed to moisture. This expansion causes movements within the aerosol-generating material, exposing new surface area of the tobacco material. Without wishing to be bound by theory, expansion of the bulking agent upon contact with moisture causes migration of the tobacco material in the aerosol-generating material, thereby exposing new surface area of the tobacco material, which in turn results in increased nicotine release. This also has the advantage of improving the consistency of nicotine release. An additional advantage is the increased release of other flavoring agents that may be included in the aerosol-generating material.

The aerosol generating material will include sufficient expansion agent to provide sufficient expansion to expose more surface area of the tobacco material during use in the aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is included in the aerosol-generating material in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight based on the weight of the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is included in an amount of at least about 5%, 10%, 2%, 30%, or at least about 40% by weight of the aerosol generating material.

At least some of the suitable bulking agents used herein are known to be useful as binders and may be included in aerosol-generating materials due to their binding properties. However, these agents have not previously been included in aerosol-generating materials in an amount or manner that would allow the aerosol-generating materials to expand sufficiently to collapse the aerosol-generating materials. Agents have also not previously been included in sufficient amounts or in a manner that would allow them to absorb sufficient moisture to improve the release properties of the aerosol-generating material. The manner in which the bulking agent is incorporated into the aerosol-generating material also affects its effectiveness.

tobacco ingredients

In some embodiments, the tobacco may be formed of agglomerated structures, such as granules or a single monolithic component, or may be in the form of free-flowing particles.

Agglomerated structures have the advantage of being convenient and effective for the inclusion of bulking agents and the release of nicotine. Additionally, aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco in the form of granules can easily be incorporated into an aerosol delivery system and/or consumable, such as a hybrid device.

Tobacco particles of the desired size can be formed by grinding, shredding, cutting or shredding the tobacco material. Suitable machinery for producing such tobacco particles includes, for example, shredders, cutters, or mills, such as hammer mills, roller mills, or other types of commercially available milling machines.

The size of the tobacco particles is selected to provide particles that can be readily formed into agglomerated structures using the processes described herein and have the properties described herein, which particles can be used in a non-flammable aerosol delivery system. Provides a source of tobacco components that are easily released upon heating. In some embodiments, tobacco can be agglomerated using a suitable binder. In some embodiments, tobacco can be agglomerated using a bulking agent. Tobacco material may be pretreated or pre-processed.

In some embodiments, one or more binders are included in the agglomerated structure comprising tobacco. This can be added to the expanding agent, if present in the agglomerated structure. In some embodiments, the one or more binders are thermoreversible gelling agents, such as gelatin; starches; polysaccharides; pectins; cellulose; cellulose derivatives; and alginate. Binding additives may be selected to assist in the formation of a cohesive structure by helping the tobacco particles adhere to each other and to other components of the composition.

Formation of aggregated structures

In some implementations, agglomerated structures may be formed by the following process. Tobacco starting material, which may be pretreated or pre-processed, is ground to the desired particle size. The bulking agent is added to the tobacco particles to form the precursor material. Optional additional ingredients may be added to the precursor material. These additional ingredients may be in liquid or solid form, such as particles or powder. An agglomerated structure is then formed from the resulting precursor composition by bonding the tobacco particles and optional other ingredients to form multi-particle entities.

In some embodiments, water can be added to the precursor composition as a processing aid. For example, the presence of water can help dissolve components of the precursor composition, and/or water can assist in binding or improve cohesion.

In some embodiments, the agglomerated structure can be formed from the precursor composition by a process comprising one or more steps selected from the group consisting of granulation, extrusion, and spheronization.

Extrusion of the precursor composition involves feeding the precursor composition through an orifice to produce the extruded agglomerate. The process of applying pressure to the precursor composition along with shear forces results in agglomerated structures.

Extrusion can be performed using one of the main classes of extruders: screw, sieve and basket, roll, ram and pin barrel extruders. . Forming agglomerated structures by extrusion has the advantage that this processing combines mixing, conditioning, homogenization and molding of the precursor composition.

In some embodiments, an expanding agent is added to the precursor composition and co-extruded. This has the advantage that the expanding agent is evenly distributed throughout the formed agglomerated structures. Other materials such as bases, diluents, solid aerosol formers, solid flavor modifiers, and other additives known in the art can also be added to the extrusion process. In some embodiments, the expanding agent is added after extrusion of the tobacco material.

types of cigarettes

Tobacco material may be fermented, cured, uncured, toasted, or otherwise pretreated. Tobacco may be, for example, stem, lamina, dust, or mixtures thereof. Suitable tobacco materials include the following tobacco types: Virginia or flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, or blends of tobacco materials. Tobacco may be expanded, such as dry-ice expanded tobacco (DIET), or processed by any other means, such as extrusion.

Tobacco pH Treatment

In some embodiments, the tobacco included in the aerosol generating material is pH treated. Tobacco material may be treated with a base to enable liberation of nicotine. For example, nicotine is liberated from nicotine salts in tobacco by reaction with a base. The pH-adjusted nickel is then volatilized at lower temperatures upon use.

In some embodiments, the pH is adjusted by the addition of one or more bases or a basic buffering system. In some embodiments, the pH of the tobacco material is at least about 7.5. In some embodiments, the tobacco material has a pH of about 8 to about 9.5, or about 8.5 to about 9.

Additional Ingredients

Any additional ingredients may be added to the aerosol generating material and/or agglomerated structures. These additional ingredients may be in liquid or solid form. Additional solid components are preferably in particulate or powder form. Examples of additional ingredients include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

In some embodiments, an agglomerated structure formed from tobacco material can have increased surface area by including particles of inert filler material in the precursor composition. Suitable inert fillers may be porous or non-porous.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or agglomerated structure further comprises at least one aerosol-forming material. The aerosol former material may include one or more ingredients capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material is glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillaate, One of ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. It may include more. Combinations of aerosol formers may be used in the same or different proportions.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or agglomerated structure further comprises a preservative. Suitable preservatives will be readily known to those skilled in the art and will include, for example, those that are safe for use in products that generate inhalable aerosols. Examples of preservatives that may be used include: propylene glycol, carvacrol, thymol, L-menthol, 1,8-cineole, phenoxyethanol, phytoside, sorbic acid and its salts, sodium hydroxymethylglycol. Synate, ethylhexylglycerin, parabens, and vitamins such as vitamin E or vitamin C.

Flavors

In some embodiments, one or more flavoring agents are included in the aerosol-generating material and/or agglomerated structure. As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to the taste, aroma, or aroma desired in a product for adult consumers, when local regulations permit. ) or other somatosensorial sensations. These include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol ( eugenol), Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen. (wintergreen), cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry. , citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom. ), celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood oil, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, hookah, pine, honey essence, rose oil, Vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger. , coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnuts, hibiscus. hibiscus, bay, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, Oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, cassis, valerian. (valerian), pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi ), verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or irritants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives. It may include substances such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, herbal medicines, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. These may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

In some embodiments, the flavor includes menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavor is a sensate agent intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation that is generally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the scent or taste nerves. ), which may include agents that provide warming, cooling, tingling, and numbing effects. A suitable warming effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable temperature reducing agent may be, but is not limited to, eucolyptol or WS-3.

Expendables

A consumable is an article that includes or consists of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

delivery systems

As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to include systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, hybrid systems for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, and tobacco heating. Non-flammable aerosol delivery systems, such as products, that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol generating material that is a component of the aerosol delivery system (or a component thereof) is combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. It is not lost.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. Solid aerosol generating materials may include tobacco.

Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with non-flammable aerosol presentation devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

In some implementations, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a non-flammable aerosol delivery device thereof, can include a power source and a controller. The power source may be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the heating power source may include a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or heat transfer material proximate to the heating power source.

In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system can include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol-modifier.

In some embodiments, consumables for use with a combustible aerosol delivery device include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and /or may include an aerosol modifier.

1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system that is a hybrid system for heating aerosol generating materials and aerosolizable materials, such as liquids. The device (1) has a housing (2) containing a chamber (4) containing aerosol-generating material (3) to be heated and volatilized during use. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material includes a plurality of tobacco granules containing an expanding agent as discussed herein held in a chamber or provided in a cartridge such as that illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively or additionally, the bulking agent is in the form of discrete particles positioned between the tobacco granules. Housing 2 also includes a liquid reservoir 5 containing liquid 6 to be heated to form vapor.

The device 1 further has an electronics/power chamber 7 which may include, for example, electrical control circuitry and/or a power source (not shown). The electrical control circuit may include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, constructed and arranged to control heating of the aerosol-generating material and liquid 6 via one or more heating elements (not shown). Electrical control circuitry may enable device 21 to be puff-actuated to cause heating of the aerosol generating material “on demand.” Alternatively, the device 2 may have a manually operable switch for the user to initiate the puff.

The housing 2 also includes an inlet 8 through which air is drawn into the device. The housing 2 also includes an outlet 9 for the mouthpiece 10 of the device 1 . Air is drawn into the device (1) through the inlet (8), vapor generated by heating the liquid (6) in the liquid reservoir (5), and the active substance(s) released by the aerosol-generating material (3) and Passing through the device picking up the volatile components, the resulting aerosol generated by the device leaves the device through outlet 9 and is inhaled by the user.

The hybrid device 1 schematically shown in Figure 1 represents just one possible configuration of such a device. The relative positions of the liquid reservoir 5 and the aerosol generating material chamber 4 can be changed as can the path of air flowing through the device.

In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir is positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating material to be volatilized. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir can be positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating material to be volatilized. In another further arrangement, the two aerosol sources within the device can be arranged side by side, and so on.

In some embodiments, the vapor generated by heating the liquid in the liquid reservoir flows over or through the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the elevated temperature of the vapor causes volatile components to be released. Steam also carries moisture, which is absorbed by the expanding agent, causing the moisture to expand.

Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol-generating materials may be individually heated by heating means.

In some embodiments, a hybrid device is provided wherein the vapor generated by heating a liquid heats the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. Steam also carries moisture, which causes the bulking agent to expand. In some embodiments, the liquid is a nicotine-free liquid. In other embodiments, the liquid contains nicotine. When the aerosol-generating material is heated by steam to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, in certain embodiments, the device does not include separate means for heating the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, hybrid products described herein may contain consumables in the form of containers or cartridges containing aerosol-generating material. These containers or cartridges may be removable. They may replace both the aerosol-generating material and the chamber holding the aerosol-generating material in the device described above with reference to Figure 1 and in the alternative embodiments discussed.

2, a tobacco segment cartridge 11 is shown comprising a housing 12 defining a cavity within which one or more particles of aerosol-generating material (not shown) are retained. The housing 12 may be made of, for example, molded plastic. Ventilation holes 13 are provided in the cartridge 11 to allow air drawn through the device to pass into the cartridge 11 and through or over one or more particles of aerosol-generating material and then out of the cartridge 11. ) is provided in the housing 12. In some embodiments, the cartridge 11 may further comprise heating means heatable by suitable means for heating one or more particles of aerosol-generating material held therein.

The various implementations described herein are presented merely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These implementations are provided only as a representative sample of implementations and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. The advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein are not subject to limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on their equivalents. It should not be construed as such, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention suitably include, consist of, or appropriate combinations of other disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. , or it may consist essentially of these as essential elements. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (23)

An aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco granules comprising tobacco material, and an expanding agent, wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture, causing movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-generating material and exposing additional tobacco material. Shiki, aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material of claim 1, comprising from about 5% to about 50% by weight of expansion agent, based on the weight of the aerosol-generating material. 3. An aerosol-generating material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the swelling agent is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and croscarmellose sodium (CCS). 4. Aerosol-generating material according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the bulking agent is comprised within the tobacco granules. 5. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the expanding agent is distributed throughout the tobacco granules. 6. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a portion of the expanding agent is present on the surface of the tobacco granules. 5. An aerosol-generating material according to any preceding claim, wherein the tobacco granules comprise a core of bulking agent surrounded by tobacco material. 8. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tobacco granules are formed by extrusion. 9. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising discrete particles of bulking agent positioned between tobacco granules. 10. The aerosol-generating material of any preceding claim, wherein the tobacco material has a pH of at least about 7. 11. The aerosol-generating material of claim 10, wherein the tobacco has a pH of about 8 to about 9.5, or about 8.5 to about 9. Tobacco granules comprising tobacco material and a swelling agent, wherein the swelling agent expands upon contact with moisture to rupture and/or break open the tobacco granules. 14. Tobacco granules according to claim 13, comprising from about 5% to about 50% by weight of bulking agent based on the weight of the tobacco granules. 14. Tobacco granules according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the tobacco granules are formed by co-extrusion of tobacco material and expanding agent. A consumable product comprising an aerosol-generating material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or comprising one or more tobacco granules as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14. 16. The consumable product of claim 15, comprising a first chamber comprising aerosol-generating material or one or more tobacco granules, and a second chamber comprising aerosolizable material. A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generating material as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or one or more aerosol generating materials as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14. A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising tobacco granules. 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising an aerosolizable material, wherein the system is configured to heat the aerosolizable material to form a vapor and/or aerosol, wherein the vapor/aerosol comprises an aerosol generating material or one or more tobacco granules. An aerosol delivery system that comes into contact with and entrains one or more of its components, thereby forming an inhalable medium. 19. The aerosol delivery system of claim 18, wherein the vapor/aerosol includes moisture that causes the expansion agent to expand. Use of a bulking agent in an aerosol-generating material comprising tobacco granules to cause movement of the tobacco granules within the aerosol-generating material and expose additional tobacco material upon exposure to moisture. 21. Use according to claim 20, wherein an expanding agent is included in at least one tobacco granule, wherein the expanding agent expands upon contact with moisture, thereby bursting and/or breaking open the tobacco granule. 22. Use according to claims 20 or 21, wherein the expansion agent is exposed to moisture as a result of exposure of the aerosol-generating material to moisture-containing vapors. 23. Use according to claim 22, wherein the vapor is generated by a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.