Request for Proposals – Low Viscosity Solvent to Nebulise Nicotine for E-Cigarettes

Nebulizers are used to break up a liquid into small droplets that can be inhaled. Water based liquids are currently used in nebulizers because liquids with high viscosity cannot be nebulized. However, water vapours do not carry nicotine to the lung and the sensorial experience of water based nicotine solutions is not as nice as the vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol liquid used in e-cigarettes.
 
This project is to find liquids or solvents for nebulizers that combine a low viscosity, nicotine transport capabilities, and give a pleasurable taste and smell experience while inhaling aerosol from a nebulizer.
 

Our client is seeking alternative liquids/solvents for nebulizers that combine:
 
Low viscosity:

• Liquid or solvent can be nebulized

 
Nicotine transport capabilities:

• Stabilizes nicotine in liquid aerosol phase by physical/chemical interactions such as high solubility or emulsion formation
• Liquid or emulsion to provide consistent vapor (amount and composition) during usage (≥ 200 puffs), after storage (≥ 6 months)
• Provides particles which have median of size in 0.03-0.5 micron diameter – preferably no particle over 1 micron range

 
Good taste/sensorial experience.

• Liquid or solvent can transport flavors
• Taste and smell of liquid is acceptable – ideally no negative taste and smell, or at least tunable with flavoring technology.

 
Safety:

• Safe to use
• Meets food applicable grade

Anticipated Project Phases or Project Plan
Phase 1 – Shortlist solutions in Q4 2016
Phase 2 – Develop prototype within the next 6-12 months
Phase 3 –  Develop a product ready for commercialization within next 24 months
 

Our client is open to all approaches that can fully or partially meet their requirements.
 
“Systems” solutions including a device, in combination with a particular solvent are also in scope.
 

Appropriate responses will include only non-confidential information:

• A description of the liquid or solvent
• Evidence the liquid or solvent has low viscosity and can be nebulised
• Evidence the liquid or solvent could transport nicotine and flavours
• Evidence the liquid or solvent could give acceptable smell and taste
• Evidence the liquid or solvent is safe to use (e.g. non-toxic)
• An explanation of how you believe it could work in a nebuliser to deliver nicotine to the lung
• Status of technology and obstacles to be overcome (if required)
• Brief overview of the respondent(s)
• Overview of respondent(s) organization(s)
• A description of your / your organisations experience with liquid, solvents and nebulisation
• A description of your / your organisations experience with e-cigarettes (if any)
• Confirm you are open to engage in a feasibility study (when there are appropriate contracts)
• IP ownership / policy / freedom to operate