Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Directed Research Project
First Advisor
Michelle Peace
Second Advisor
Amanda Woods
Third Advisor
Alaina Holt
Fourth Advisor
Ashley Harris
Abstract
Electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) are typically formulated as a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorants, and pharmacologically active compounds such as nicotine. Advancements have enabled e-cigs to be co-opted for use with drugs other than nicotine. The interaction between substances can form a eutectic mixture promoting aerosolization. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if varying concentrations of ethanol impacted aerosolization efficiency and recovery of nicotine. E-liquids were made using five different PG:VG ratios, 12 mg/mL nicotine, and seven different ethanol concentrations in each matrix. Aerosol capture was performed on the 35 eliquids using an aerosol trapping system. Each trial (n=5) consisted of 10, four second puffs. The device tank was weighed before and after each aerosolization session. Samples were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry. The average aerosolized nicotine dose per puff [percent coefficient of variation] was determined to be 0.56 ± 0.06 mg [10%] to 0.66 ± 0.05 mg [8%] in 100% propylene glycol and 0.42 ± 0.06 mg [13%] to 0.48 ± 0.03 mg [5%] in 100% vegetable glycerin from 0% to 25% ethanol in an e-liquid. Increasing the concentration of ethanol in e-liquids decreased the liquid’s viscosity, promoting aerosolization and increasing the nicotine dose delivered. Matrix effects were also noted. Similar results could be expected if nicotine was replaced with a different solvent. Increased drug availability from less viscous e-liquid formulations can lead to untoward effects. While experienced consumers self-titrate the amount of drug consumed to manage effects, the increased dose delivered can facilitate substance addiction.
Rights
© The Author(s)
Is Part Of
VCU Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Date of Submission
12-5-2025