U.S. patent application number 13/299621 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for smokeless tobacco product comprising pectin component.
This patent application is currently assigned to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Gong Chen, Margarette Elisa Lovette. Invention is credited to Gong Chen, Margarette Elisa Lovette.
Application Number | 20130125904 13/299621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47279091 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130125904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Gong ; et al. |
May 23, 2013 |
SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT COMPRISING PECTIN COMPONENT
Abstract
A smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into
the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco composition
includes a tobacco material and pectin as a binder component. A
process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition configured
for insertion into the mouth of a user is also provided. The method
involves extracting pectin from a first tobacco material and
incorporating it into a formulation comprising a second tobacco
material to form a smokeless tobacco product comprising
tobacco-derived pectin.
Inventors: |
Chen; Gong; (Clemmons,
NC) ; Lovette; Margarette Elisa; (Winston-Salem,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chen; Gong
Lovette; Margarette Elisa |
Clemmons
Winston-Salem |
NC
NC |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco
Company
|
Family ID: |
47279091 |
Appl. No.: |
13/299621 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/275 ;
131/353; 131/355; 131/370 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24B 15/24 20130101;
A24B 15/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/275 ;
131/353; 131/355; 131/370 |
International
Class: |
A24B 15/12 20060101
A24B015/12; A24B 15/14 20060101 A24B015/14; A24B 3/14 20060101
A24B003/14; A24B 15/32 20060101 A24B015/32 |
Claims
1. A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the
mouth of a user, the smokeless tobacco product comprising a tobacco
material and a binder component, the binder component comprising a
tobacco-derived pectin material in an amount of at least about 2%
by weight, based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco
product.
2. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, wherein the
tobacco-derived pectin material is the only binder component
therein.
3. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, wherein the smokeless
tobacco product is extruded.
4. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, wherein the smokeless
tobacco product is in the form of a pill, pellet, tablet, coin,
bead, ovoid, obloid, cube, film, flake, stick, foam, or gel.
5. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, wherein the smokeless
tobacco product is dissolvable.
6. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, wherein the smokeless
tobacco product comprises greater than about 3% by weight of the
tobacco-derived pectin material.
7. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 7, wherein the smokeless
tobacco product comprises greater than about 4% by weight of
tobacco-derived pectin material.
8. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, further comprising one
or more components selected from the group consisting of
flavorants, sweeteners, salts, fillers, fats, emulsifiers, gelling
agents, disintegration aids, compressability aids, colorants,
humectants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, oral care additives,
preservatives, syrups, and mixtures thereof.
9. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, wherein the tobacco
material is in particulate form with an average particle size of
less than about 50 microns.
10. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 1, comprising: a tobacco
material in an amount of about 20 to about 50 dry weight percent; a
tobacco-derived pectin material in an amount of about 2 to about 10
dry weight percent; one or more fillers in an amount of about 10 to
about 40 dry weight percent; one or more sweeteners in any amount
of about 5 to about 15 dry weight percent; and at least one
flavorant in an amount up to about 5 dry weight percent.
11. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the tobacco
material is a milled tobacco material or an aqueous tobacco
extract.
12. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the one or
more fillers comprise at least one rice-derived filler
material.
13. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 10, wherein the one or
more sweeteners comprises at least one sugar alcohol.
14. The smokeless tobacco product of claim 10, further comprising a
binder in the form of a natural gum.
15. A method of preparing a smokeless tobacco product, comprising:
extracting pectin from a tobacco material to form a tobacco-derived
pectin material; and combining the tobacco-derived pectin material
with a second tobacco material to form a smokeless tobacco
composition; and incorporating the resulting composition into a
smokeless tobacco product, wherein the tobacco-derived pectin
material is present in an amount of at least about 2% by dry weight
of the smokeless tobacco product.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pectin material is present
in an amount of at least about 3% by dry weight of the smokeless
tobacco product.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the pectin material is present
in an amount of at least about 4% by dry weight of the smokeless
tobacco product.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to products made or derived
from tobacco, or that otherwise incorporate tobacco, and are
intended for human consumption. In particular, the disclosure
relates to compositions or formulations incorporating tobacco, and
that are intended to be employed in a smokeless form.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are popular smoking articles
that employ tobacco in various forms. Such smoking articles are
employed by heating or burning tobacco to generate aerosol (e.g.,
smoke) that may be inhaled by the smoker. Tobacco may also be
enjoyed in a so-called "smokeless" form. Particularly popular
smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of
processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth
of the user. See for example, the types of smokeless tobacco
formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth
in U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,917 to
Levi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,756 to Pittman et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,269 to
Story et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,599 to Tibbetts; U.S. Pat. No.
4,987,907 to Townsend; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
6,668,839 to Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,953,040 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,601 to
Atchley et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,686 to Atchley et al.; US
Pat. Pub. Nos. 2004/0020503 to Williams; 2005/0115580 to Quinter et
al.; 2005/0244521 to Strickland et al.; 2006/0191548 to Strickland
et al.; 2007/0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2007/0186941 to Holton,
Jr. et al.; 2007/0186942 to Strickland et al.; 2008/0029110 to Dube
et al.; 2008/0029116 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0029117 to Mua et
al.; 2008/0173317 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0196730 to Engstrom et
al.; 2008/0209586 to Neilsen et al.; 2008/0305216 to Crawford et
al.; 2009/0065013 to Essen et al.; 2009/0293889 to Kumar et al.;
2010/0291245 to Gao et al.; and 2011/0139164 to Mua et al.; PCT WO
2004/095959 to Arnarp et al.; and WO 2010/132444 A2 to Atchley;
each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary
smokeless tobacco products that have been marketed include those
referred to as CAMEL Snus, CAMEL Orbs, CAMEL Strips and CAMEL
Sticks by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; GRIZZLY moist tobacco,
KODIAK moist tobacco, LEVI GARRETT loose tobacco and TAYLOR'S PRIDE
loose tobacco by American Snuff Company, LLC; KAYAK moist snuff and
CHATTANOOGA CHEW chewing tobacco by Swisher International, Inc.;
REDMAN chewing tobacco by Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP; COPENHAGEN
moist tobacco, COPENHAGEN Pouches, SKOAL Bandits, SKOAL Pouches,
RED SEAL long cut and REVEL Mint Tobacco Packs by U.S. Smokeless
Tobacco Company; and MARLBORO Snus and Taboka by Philip Morris
USA.
[0003] It would be desirable to provide an enjoyable form of a
tobacco product, such as a smokeless tobacco product.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The present disclosure relates to a smokeless tobacco
product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user and
processes for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition suitable
for use in a smokeless tobacco product. The smokeless tobacco
composition incorporates a pectin component derived from tobacco or
a tobacco material. Various properties can be imparted to the
tobacco product by the tobacco-derived pectin material and such
properties can be impacted, for example, by selection of the pectin
source (e.g., which part or parts of the tobacco material is used),
the techniques used to extract and isolate the pectin, and by any
intentional or unintentional modification of the pectin
structure.
[0005] The tobacco-derived pectin can provide various attributes to
the smokeless tobacco product. For example, the pectin may provide
some degree of integrity to the smokeless tobacco product. In use,
the smokeless tobacco product may, in certain embodiments, be held
together in whole or in part by the pectin component. Further,
incorporation of tobacco-derived pectin within a smokeless tobacco
product can give a product having a higher content of
tobacco-derived components.
[0006] In one aspect of the invention is provided a smokeless
tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user,
the smokeless tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and a
binder component, the binder component comprising a tobacco-derived
pectin material in an amount of at least about 2% by weight, based
on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product. In
certain embodiments, the tobacco-derived pectin material is the
only binder component therein.
[0007] In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product can be
extruded. The smokeless tobacco product can be, for example, in the
form of a pill, pellet, tablet, coin, bead, ovoid, obloid, cube,
film, flake, stick, foam, or gel. In some embodiments, the
smokeless tobacco product is dissolvable.
[0008] The amount of tobacco-derived pectin can vary. For example,
in certain embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product comprises
greater than about 3% by weight of the tobacco-derived pectin
material or greater than about 4% by weight of tobacco-derived
pectin material. Various other components can be incorporated
within the smokeless tobacco products of the present invention. For
example, in some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product further
comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting
of flavorants, sweeteners, salts, fillers, fats, emulsifiers,
gelling agents, disintegration aids, compressability aids,
colorants, humectants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, oral care
additives, preservatives, syrups, and mixtures thereof. In certain
embodiments, the tobacco material is in particulate form with an
average particle size of less than about 50 microns.
[0009] In on embodiment, the invention provides a smokeless tobacco
product comprising a tobacco material (e.g., a milled tobacco
material or an aqueous tobacco extract) in an amount of about 20 to
about 50 dry weight percent; a tobacco-derived pectin material in
an amount of about 2 to about 10 dry weight percent; one or more
fillers (e.g., at least one rice-derived filler material) in an
amount of about 10 to about 40 dry weight percent; one or more
sweeteners (e.g., at least one sugar alcohol) in any amount of
about 5 to about 15 dry weight percent; and at least one flavorant
in an amount up to about 5 dry weight percent. The product may
further include an additional binder component, such as a natural
gum.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention is provided a method of
preparing a smokeless tobacco product, comprising: extracting
pectin from a tobacco material to form a tobacco-derived pectin
material; combining the tobacco-derived pectin material with a
second tobacco material to form a smokeless tobacco composition;
and incorporating the resulting composition into a smokeless
tobacco product (e.g., by forming the composition into a desired
product shape such as by extrusion), wherein the tobacco-derived
pectin material is present in an amount of at least about 2% by dry
weight of the smokeless tobacco product. In some embodiments, the
tobacco-derived pectin material is present in an amount of at least
about 3% by dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product or at least
about 4% by dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product.
[0011] In some embodiments, the extracting step comprises mixing a
cured tobacco material with an aqueous solution of oxalic acid
and/or ammonium oxalate and collecting an aqueous extract. In
certain embodiments, the extracting step further comprises adding a
second solvent to the aqueous extract to effect precipitation of a
pectin material and collecting the precipitated pectin
material.
[0012] In a further aspect of the invention is provided a method
for extracting pectin. In some embodiments, the method comprises
mixing a cured tobacco material with an aqueous solution of oxalic
acid and/or ammonium oxalate and collecting an aqueous extract. In
certain embodiments, the method further comprises combining the
extracted pectin with a second tobacco material to produce a
smokeless tobacco product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present disclosure now will be described more fully
hereinafter. The disclosure may be embodied in many different forms
and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth
herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure
will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this
specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0014] In various embodiments, the present invention can provide
smokeless tobacco compositions suitable for oral use. The smokeless
tobacco compositions generally include a tobacco material, one or
more pectin components, and optionally one or more additional
components as described herein. In certain embodiments, at least
one pectin component is derived from tobacco.
[0015] The products of the disclosure incorporate some form of a
plant of the Nicotiana species, and most preferably, those
compositions or products incorporate some form of tobacco. The
selection of the Nicotiana species can vary; and in particular, the
selection of the types of tobacco or tobaccos may vary. Tobaccos
that can be employed include flue-cured or Virginia (e.g., K326),
burley, sun-cured (e.g., Indian Kurnool and Oriental tobaccos,
including Katerini, Prelip, Komotini, Xanthi and Yambol tobaccos),
Maryland, dark, dark-fired, dark air cured (e.g., Passanda, Cubano,
Jatin and Bezuki tobaccos), light air cured (e.g., North Wisconsin
and Galpao tobaccos), Indian air cured, Red Russian and Rustica
tobaccos, as well as various other rare or specialty tobaccos.
Descriptions of various types of tobaccos, growing practices and
harvesting practices are set forth in Tobacco Production, Chemistry
and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999), which is incorporated
herein by reference. Various representative other types of plants
from the Nicotiana species are set forth in Goodspeed, The Genus
Nicotiana, (Chonica Botanica) (1954); U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,577 to
Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al. and
U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,066 to Lawson et al.; US Patent Appl. Pub. Nos.
2006/0037623 to Lawrence, Jr. and 2008/0245377 to Marshall et al.;
each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary
Nicotiana species include N. tabacum, N. rustica, N. alata, N.
arentsii, N. excelsior, N. forgetiana, N. glauca, N. glutinosa, N.
gossei, N. kawakamii, N. knightiana, N. langsdorffi, N. otophora,
N. setchelli, N. sylvestris, N. tomentosa, N. tomentosiformis, N.
undulata, N. x sanderae, N. africana, N. amplexicaulis, N.
benavidesii, N. bonariensis, N. debneyi, N. longiflora, N.
maritina, N. megalosiphon, N. occidentalis, N. paniculata, N.
plumbaginifolia, N raimondii, N. rosulata, N. simulans, N.
stocktonii, N. suaveolens, N. umbratica, N. velutina, N.
wigandioides, N. acaulis, N. acuminata, N. attenuata, N.
benthamiana, N. cavicola, N. clevelandii, N. cordifolia, N.
corymbosa, N. fragrans, N. goodspeedii, N. linearis, N. miersii, N.
nudicaulis, N. obtusifolia, N. occidentalis subsp. Hersperis, N.
pauciflora, N. petunioides, N. quadrivalvis, N. repanda, N.
rotundifolia, N. solanifolia, and N. spegazzinii.
[0016] Nicotiana species can be derived using genetic-modification
or crossbreeding techniques (e.g., tobacco plants can be
genetically engineered or crossbred to increase or decrease
production of components, characteristics or attributes). See, for
example, the types of genetic modifications of plants set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,093 to Fitzmaurice et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
5,668,295 to Wahab et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,624 to Fitzmaurice
et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,119 to Weigl; U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,832
to Dominguez et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,170 to Liu et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 7,208,659 to Colliver et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,160
to Benning et al.; US Patent Appl. Pub. No. 2006/0236434 to
Conkling et al.; and PCT WO 2008/103935 to Nielsen et al.
[0017] For the preparation of smokeless and smokable tobacco
products, it is typical for a harvested plant of the Nicotiana
species to be subjected to a curing process. Descriptions of
various types of curing processes for various types of tobaccos are
set forth in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et
al. (Eds.) (1999). Exemplary techniques and conditions for curing
flue-cured tobacco are set forth in Nestor et al., Beitrage
Tabakforsch. Int., 20, 467-475 (2003) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,974
to Peele, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Representative techniques and conditions for air curing tobacco are
set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,650,892 to Groves et al.; Roton et
al., Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 21, 305-320 (2005) and Staaf et
al., Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 21, 321-330 (2005), which are
incorporated herein by reference. Certain types of tobaccos can be
subjected to alternative types of curing processes, such as fire
curing or sun curing. Preferably, harvested tobaccos that are cured
are then aged. As such, tobaccos used for the preparation of
tobacco compositions or products most preferably incorporate
components of tobaccos that have been cured and aged. Tobacco
materials used in the present invention can be subjected to
additional processing prior to use, such as fermentation,
bleaching, and the like.
[0018] At least a portion of the plant of the Nicotiana species
(e.g., at least a portion of the tobacco portion) can be employed
in an immature form. That is, the plant, or at least one portion of
that plant, can be harvested before reaching a stage normally
regarded as ripe or mature. As such, for example, tobacco can be
harvested when the tobacco plant is at the point of a sprout, is
commencing leaf formation, is commencing flowering, or the
like.
[0019] At least a portion of the plant of the Nicotiana species
(e.g., at least a portion of the tobacco portion) can be employed
in a mature form. That is, the plant, or at least one portion of
that plant, can be harvested when that plant (or plant portion)
reaches a point that is traditionally viewed as being ripe,
over-ripe or mature. As such, for example, through the use of
tobacco harvesting techniques conventionally employed by farmers,
Oriental tobacco plants can be harvested, burley tobacco plants can
be harvested, or Virginia tobacco leaves can be harvested or primed
by stalk position.
[0020] After harvest, the plant of the Nicotiana species, or
portion thereof, can be used in a green form (e.g., tobacco can be
used without being subjected to any curing process). For example,
tobacco in green form can be frozen, subjected to irradiation,
yellowed, dried, cooked (e.g., roasted, fried or boiled), or
otherwise subjected to storage or treatment for later use. Such
tobacco also can be subjected to aging conditions. However, as
noted above, it is preferred according to the present invention for
the tobacco to be cured and aged.
[0021] The tobacco material may be cased and dried, and then ground
to the desired form. For example, in some instances, the tobacco
material formulation may be cased with an aqueous casing containing
components such as sugars (e.g., fructose, glucose, and sucrose),
humectants (e.g., glycerin and propylene glycol), flavoring
ingredients (e.g., cocoa and licorice), and the like. Non-aqueous
casing components may be applied to the tobacco in amounts of about
1 percent to about 15 percent, based on the dry weight of the
tobacco.
[0022] The tobacco material is typically used in a form that can be
described as particulate (i.e., shredded, ground, granulated, or
powder form). The manner by which the tobacco material is provided
in a finely divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably,
plant parts or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a
particulate form using equipment and techniques for grinding,
milling, or the like. Most preferably, the plant material is
relatively dry in form during grinding or milling, using equipment
such as hammer mills, cutter heads, air control mills, or the like.
For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when
the moisture content thereof is less than about 15 weight percent
or less than about 5 weight percent. Most preferably, the tobacco
material is employed in the form of parts or pieces that have an
average particle size less than about 50 microns. In one
embodiment, the average particle size of the tobacco particles may
be less than or equal to about 25 microns. In some instances, the
tobacco particles may be sized to pass through a screen mesh. If
desired, air classification equipment may be used to ensure that
small sized tobacco particles of the desired sizes, or range of
sizes, may be collected. If desired, differently sized pieces of
granulated tobacco may be mixed together.
[0023] At least a portion of the tobacco material employed in the
tobacco composition or product (e.g., the tobacco component) can
have the form of an extract. Tobacco extracts can be obtained by
extracting tobacco using a solvent having an aqueous character such
as distilled water or tap water. As such, aqueous tobacco extracts
can be provided by extracting tobacco with water, such that water
insoluble pulp material is separated from the aqueous solvent and
the water soluble and dispersible tobacco components dissolved and
dispersed therein. The tobacco extract can be employed in a variety
of forms. For example, the aqueous tobacco extract can be isolated
in an essentially solvent free form, such as can be obtained as a
result of the use of a spray drying or freeze drying process, or
other similar types of processing steps. Alternatively, the aqueous
tobacco extract can be employed in a liquid form, and as such, the
content of tobacco solubles within the liquid solvent can be
controlled by selection of the amount of solvent employed for
extraction, concentration of the liquid tobacco extract by removal
of solvent, addition of solvent to dilute the liquid tobacco
extract, or the like. Exemplary techniques for extracting
components of tobacco are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,895 to
Fiore; U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,677 to Osborne, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,267,847 to Reid; U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,147 to Wildman et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,346 to Brummer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,059
to Brummer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,682 to Muller; U.S. Pat. No.
4,589,428 to Keritsis; U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,016 to Soga et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,716,911 to Poulose et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,889 to
Niven, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,618 to Bernasek et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,941,484 to Clapp et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,771 to Fagg
et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,286 to Roberts et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
5,005,593 to Fagg et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,540 to Grubbs et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,669 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,775 to
Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,319 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
5,099,862 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,757 to White et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,414 to Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,415 to Munoz
et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,819 to Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,494 to
Kramer; U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,354 to Smith et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
5,234,008 to Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,999 to Smith; U.S. Pat. No.
5,301,694 to Raymond et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,050 to
Gonzalez-Parra et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,879 to Teague; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,360,022 to Newton; U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,325 to Clapp et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,169 to Brinkley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,584
to Lauterbach; U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,875 to Turpen et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 6,298,859 to Kierulff et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,767 to Mua et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,970 to Berit et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
6,906,172 to Bratcher et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,128 to Turpen et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,211 to Bratcher et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.
7,337,782 to Thompson, all of which are incorporated by reference
herein.
[0024] The relative amount of tobacco material within the smokeless
tobacco composition may vary. Preferably, the amount of tobacco
material within the smokeless tobacco composition is at least about
10 percent or at least about 20 percent, on a dry weight basis of
the composition, and including all sources of tobacco including
tobacco components and any tobacco-derived components such as
binders. In certain instances, the amounts of other components
within the smokeless tobacco composition may exceed about 40
percent, on a dry weight basis. A typical range of tobacco material
within the smokeless tobacco composition is about 20 to about 50
dry weight percent. The tobacco material may, in certain
embodiments, be subjected to thermal or convection heating to
control the moisture content thereof prior to incorporating it
within a smokeless tobacco product according to the present
invention. As a specific example, the tobacco material formulation
may be oven-dried, in warmed air at temperatures of about
40.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C. for a length of time
appropriate to attain the desired moisture content. For example,
the tobacco material formulation may be dried for about 12 hours to
about 24 hours at about 54.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C.
[0025] In some instances, prior to preparation of the tobacco
material formulation, the tobacco parts or pieces may be
irradiated, or those parts and pieces may be pasteurized, or
otherwise subjected to controlled heat treatment. Additionally, if
desired, after preparation of all or a portion of the tobacco
material formulation, the component materials may be irradiated, or
those component materials may be pasteurized, or otherwise
subjected to controlled heat treatment. For example, a tobacco
material formulation may be prepared, followed by irradiation or
pasteurization, and then flavoring ingredient(s) may be applied to
the formulation. Representative processes are set forth in US Pat.
Pub. Nos. 2009/0025738 to Mua et al; 2009/0025739 to Brinkley et
al.; and 2011/0247640 to Beeson et al., which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0026] In addition to the aforementioned tobacco component, the
smokeless tobacco products of the present invention comprise a
binder component that includes pectin. Generally, the term "pectin"
refers to a complex group of polysaccharides principally comprising
1,4-linked .alpha.-D-galactosyluronic acid residues. Typically,
pectin comprises at least about 65% such subunits. The acid groups
present on these residues can be free acids, combined as a methyl
ester, or in salt form (e.g., as sodium, potassium, calcium, or
ammonium salts). The molecular weight of pectin can vary; for
example, the number average molecular weight can be from about 60
Da to about 13,0000 Da, and can vary based on origin and extraction
conditions.
[0027] Certain pectic polysaccharides include polygalacturonan
(comprising linear galacturonic acid subunits), rhamnogalacturonan
I (RG1, comprising alternating rhamnose and galacturonic acid
subunits), and rhamnogalacturonan II (RG2, a complex, highly
branched polysaccharide). Pectin is often characterized in terms of
its "hairy" and "smooth" regions. Hairy regions of pectin are
portions of the molecule that are very flexible and which may
comprise many neutral sugar molecules, such as rhamnose, galactose,
arabinose, and/or other sugars, in a highly branched structure.
Smooth regions of pectin are portions of the molecule that comprise
primarily homogalacturonic acid.
[0028] Pectin is found in most plants, for example, in the cell
walls (where the pectin acts as a binder to hold the cell walls
together). The amount and characteristics of pectin in different
plants can vary significantly. Further, even within the same plant,
pectin from different tissues of the plant and pectin present in
the plant at different stages of development can exhibit different
characteristics. For example, the arrangement and amounts of
various monosaccharide derivative units, the degree of
esterification, and the polymer lengths of the
heteropolysaccharides can vary significantly.
[0029] The structure and characteristics of pectin within a given
pectin sample can depend on the extraction method. For example,
commercial extraction of pectin often causes extensive degradation
of the neutral sugar-containing sidechains of the polysaccharide.
In other words, most extraction methods result in the destruction
of many of the hairy regions of the pectin, leaving mainly smooth
galacturonic acid regions, with only a few neutral sugar units
attached to and/or in the main linear chain. These neutral sugar
units remaining can vary in nature and location on the pectin chain
and can influence the properties of pectin.
[0030] A given sample of pectin can comprise some degree of pectin
derivatives. Such pectin derivatives can be naturally occurring in
the pectin sample or the sample can be treated in some way to
promote formation of one or more pectin derivatives. Pectin
derivatives include, but are not limited to, protopectin, pectinic
acid, esterified pectin, wherein one or more carboxylic acid groups
are methylated, pectin salts, and/or pectic acid. Esterification is
common, and the degree of esterification typically determines the
degree of reactivity of the pectin or derivative thereof with
calcium and other cations. Pectin as extracted generally has
greater than about 50% of its acidic functionalities esterified,
and is thus sometimes classified as "high methyl ester (HM)
pectin." Modification of the extraction process (e.g., extended
hydrolysis) or continued acid treatment will typically give a "low
methyl ester (LM) pectin," with less than about 50% methyl ester
groups. Pectin can be treated, in some embodiments, during and/or
following extraction and isolation of the pectin to alter the
degree of esterification. For example, in certain embodiments,
controlled removal of methoxy groups (i.e., de-esterification) is
done to convert HM pectin to LM pectin. This conversion can be
accomplished, for example, with pectin methylesterases and/or via
extended hydrolysis. Some pectins are treated during manufacture
with ammonia to produce amidated pectins. Some pectins are
partially or completely converted to salts (e.g., by modifying the
carboxyl groups of the D-galactopyranosyluronic acid residues).
[0031] According to the present invention, smokeless tobacco
products can advantageously comprise pectin derived from tobacco.
As used herein, the term "tobacco-derived pectin," refers to a
pectin material extracted or isolated from a tobacco plant or
portion thereof, and such material is understood to have a variable
level of purity with respect to pectin and, accordingly, can
include other components extracted or isolated from tobacco in
addition to pectin. The method by which pectin is derived from a
tobacco material can vary. The pectin can be derived from any part
of a tobacco plant or portion thereof (e.g., leaves, seeds,
flowers, stalks, roots, and/or stems). Although the tobacco
material can vary, in certain embodiments, the pectin is derived
from tobacco lamina and/or stem. Pectin from various locations of
the tobacco plant can be kept separate, or pectin from various
locations within the tobacco plant can be combined and processed
and/or used in combination according to the present invention. In
some embodiments, the tobacco material is cured prior to the
process of isolating the pectin therefrom.
[0032] Advantageously, tobacco is treated so as to provide the
pectin contained therein in a more usable (e.g., more concentrated)
form. The pectin can be isolated from tobacco or tobacco materials
using any suitable method. Typically, one or more extraction
processes are used to first isolate the pectin into an extraction
solvent. For example, in some embodiments, tobacco or a tobacco
material is first extracted (e.g., with water or an aqueous
solution of one or more reagents). The temperature of the water and
the time for which the tobacco or tobacco material remains in
contact with the water can vary. In some embodiments, the mixture
is heated. For example, it may be heated to about 50.degree. C.,
about 75.degree. C., or about 100.degree. C. In some embodiments,
the mixture is agitated. The pH of the solution can vary, but in
certain embodiments, the extraction solvent is acidic.
[0033] Various reagents can be added to the extraction solvent. In
some embodiments, a processing aid is added to facilitate the
extraction. A processing aid is any agent that facilitates the
extraction of the pectin into the extraction solvent. For example,
suitable processing aids include, but are not limited to, mineral
acids and enzymes. The processing aid selected can affect the
structure of the pectin; for example, use of enzymes typically
results in shorter, branched segments. Various other additives can
be used in the extraction process, including, but not limited to,
surfactants and co-solvents. In certain embodiments, oxalic acid
and/or ammonium oxalate (i.e., oxalic acid or a salt thereof) are
added to the mixture. As noted above, the extraction conditions and
the amount of time for which the tobacco remains in contact with
the extraction solvent can impact the properties of the pectin
(e.g., the degree of esterification).
[0034] After the extraction process, the remaining solids are
typically separated and the resulting solution is clarified. The
separation of solids from solution and clarification can be
accomplished via various methods as described herein (e.g.,
filtration, including ultrafiltration, centrifugation, and/or
distillation) to give an extract. In certain embodiments, multiple
clarification steps are conducted. In some embodiments, the
extracted mixture is concentrated. Concentration can occur before
and/or after the separation of solids, but is commonly done after
the separation of solids.
[0035] The extract is typically further processed to further
isolate the pectin from other compounds present in the extract. In
some embodiments, the pectin can be precipitated from the clarified
solution. For example, one means by which the pectin can be
precipitated is to mix the concentrated solution with a reagent to
precipitate the pectin, including, but not limited to, alcohol
(e.g., ethanol and/or isopropanol), protein-containing solution,
and/or detergent-containing solution. Where the pectin sample is
converted in whole or in part to one or more pectin derivatives,
the derivatives may precipitate readily from the clarified solution
without the addition of any reagent, or may require the addition of
one or more reagent to ensure the precipitation of pectin and
various pectin derivatives that may be present in a given sample.
The precipitation may be conducted at reduced temperatures. For
example, the mixture may be cooled to around 0.degree. C. (e.g.,
around 5.degree. C.) to promote precipitation of the pectin. The
resulting solid precipitate is then separated from the solution
(e.g., by filtration or centrifugation). The precipitate is then
commonly washed and dried.
[0036] The purity of the tobacco-derived pectin can vary, although
it is preferably relatively high. Purity as intended herein refers
to the content of both pectin and pectin derivatives as described
above. For example, the tobacco-derived pectin sample is typically
at least about 50% pure, at least about 60% pure, at least about
70% pure, at least about 80% pure, at least about 85% pure, at
least about 90% pure, at least about 95% pure, at least about 98%
pure, or at least about 99% pure. In certain embodiments, the
pectin comprises less than about 20% non-tobacco-derived material,
less than about 15% non-tobacco-derived material, less than about
10% non-tobacco-derived material, less than about 5%
non-tobacco-derived material, less than about 2% non-tobacco
derived material, less than about 1% non-tobacco-derived material,
or less than about 0.5% non-tobacco derived material.
[0037] In certain embodiments, various agents can be added at
certain stages in the extraction and/or isolation processes to
modify the pectin. As noted above, the present invention is
intended to cover not only the isolation and use of pure pectin
derived from tobacco, but also pectin derivatives produced
therefrom, either naturally or synthetically. For example, the
pectin-containing precipitate described above can be washed with a
salt-containing or alkali-containing solvent to convert pectin in
part or in whole to salt form. In some embodiments, the precipitate
is treated with ammonia to produce some degree of amidated
pectin.
[0038] Other methods for the extraction of pectin from tobacco or
tobacco materials can be utilized according to the invention. For
example, Zhao et al. have reported on methods for extraction of
pectin from tobacco stem, in Modern Agric. Sci. Tech., 2010-01,
which is incorporated herein by reference. Rao et al. have
highlighted other extraction methods in Guangzhou Chem.; 2009-01,
which is also incorporated herein by reference. Other methods for
extraction of pectin can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,353,541 and 3,420,241 to Hind and Seligman; U.S. Pat. No.
3,760,815 to Deszyck, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,519 to Keritsis et
al., and US Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2011/0061666 to Dube, which are
all incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments,
pectin is extracted as taught by U.S. patent aplpication Ser. No.
13/072,019 to Morton et al., filed Mar. 25, 2011, which is
incorporated herein by reference, wherein pectin is extracted by
means of a pectin extraction apparatus in which a dried plant pulp
component is contacted with an extraction buffer (e.g., a solution
of about 10% acetic acid and about 10 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid (EDTA)), and the separated extract is precipitated by the
addition of ethanol. In some embodiments, fine tobacco powder is
cooked in an alkaline pH adjusted solution at elevated temperatures
relative to ambient to release pectin, which can subsequently be
separated and/or used according to the invention. Such treatment
also can provide desirable sensory attributes to the tobacco
material. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,099,864 to Young et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,838 to Young et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.
5,501,237 to Young et al., which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0039] In some embodiments, tobacco or a tobacco material (e.g.,
tobacco shreds, scraps, dust, or fines) is treated prior to
extraction to effectuate the release of pectins. As taught by U.S.
Pat. No. 3,746,012 to Desczyk, which is incorporated herein by
reference, pectins in tobacco often comprise protopectins,
comprising calcium and magnesium salts of partially esterified and
acetylated polymers of galacturonic acid. Accordingly, it may be
desirable to treat such materials with a reagent such as an alkali
metal carbonate, with a chelating agent (e.g., EDTA), or with an
acid (e.g., HCl, phosphoric acid) to break the protopectin
crosslinks and release the tobacco pectins. Other pectin releasing
agents are also intended to be encompassed within the methods of
the invention. For example, diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) has
been noted to be effective in small amounts, and generally does not
affect the pectin in any noticeable way.
[0040] The form of the pectin derived from the tobacco or tobacco
material and used in smokeless tobacco products can vary. In some
embodiments, the tobacco-derived pectin is used in dried solid form
directly as produced by the extraction process. In other
embodiments, the dried solid is ground into a powder or granules of
varying particle size. The pectin component, when provided in a
powder or granulated form, is typically employed in the form of
parts or pieces that have an average particle size less than about
50 microns. According to some aspects, the average particle size of
the pectin component may be about 25 microns or less. In some
embodiments, the pectin is used in solution. In certain
embodiments, the pectin component is admixed with one or more other
components of the smokeless tobacco product before being combined
with the remaining ingredients to make up the smokeless tobacco
products of the invention.
[0041] The tobacco-derived pectin can provide various functions
within the smokeless tobacco products of the present invention.
Pectin is commonly used as a gelling agent and thus can perform
thickening, binding, and/or stabilizing functions within the
smokeless tobacco products. For example, the tobacco-derived pectin
can act as a binder. A binder generally acts to help maintain the
form and/or structure of a material. In some embodiments, a binder
may help to facilitate the formation of a tobacco-containing
product into the desired form. In some embodiments, it may provide
a level of structural integrity to the formed product. The
tobacco-derived pectin may be added in addition to one or more
other binders, or may be used as the sole binder. In some
embodiments, it may be useful as a binder for certain reconstituted
tobacco compositions.
[0042] It is noted herein that various tobacco compositions have
incorporated pectin (including tobacco-derived pectin). For
example, pectin has been incorporated as a binder within an
insulating material for a fuel element of a smoking article with
conductive aerosol chamber, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,831
to Banerjee et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
Various pectin-containing reconstituted tobacco materials have been
developed, and are described for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
3,386,449 to Hind; U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,241 to Hind et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,529,602 to Hind et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,353,541 to Hind
et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,815 to Deszyck; U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,519
to Keritsis; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,099,864; 5,339,838; and 5,501,237
to Young et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. Pectin
can also be used as a source of dietary fiber.
[0043] In certain embodiments, the tobacco-derived pectin provided
herein is sufficient to fulfill the intended function of a binder
in smokeless tobacco products. For example, the tobacco-derived
pectin may be, and is preferably sufficient to provide a cohesive
tobacco composition. For example, the tobacco-derived pectin may
function to hold the smokeless tobacco product together in use. In
certain embodiments, the tobacco-derived pectin provides a degree
of structural integrity in a solid tobacco composition. In a
film-based smokeless tobacco composition, the tobacco-derived
pectin may provide some level of film-forming capability or
control. However, in certain embodiments, one or more additional
binders (e.g., povidone, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and other
modified cellulosic types of binders, sodium alginate, xanthan gum,
starch-based binders, gum arabic, gellan gum, lecithin, and the
like), can be added according to the invention to afford the
desired product characteristics. The use of natural tobacco pectin
can act to reduce the amount of additional gums/hydrocolloids,
cellulose-derived, or starch-based binders needed to aid in desired
sheet or film tensile strength qualities.
[0044] The tobacco-derived pectin binder (or combination of
binders) may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the
desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the smokeless
tobacco composition. For example, the smokeless tobacco composition
can comprise greater than about 1%, greater than about 2%, greater
than about 3%, greater than about 4%, greater than about 5%,
greater than about 6%, greater than about 7%, greater than about
8%, greater than about 9%, or greater than about 10% of
tobacco-derived pectin, based on the total dry weight of the
smokeless tobacco composition or product. A representative amount
of binder may be between about 1% and about 25% tobacco-derived
pectin by total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product or
between about 2% and about 20% tobacco-derived pectin by total dry
weight of the smokeless tobacco product, or between about between
about 3% and about 10% tobacco-derived pectin by total dry weight
of the smokeless tobacco product. Preferably, the total amount of
binder within the composition will not exceed about 45% of the
total dry weight of the composition. Often, the amount of binder
within a desirable composition will not exceed about 40%, and
frequently will not exceed about 35 percent, about 25%, about 15%,
or about 10% of the total dry weight of the composition. The
smokeless tobacco product can comprise, for example, about 1% by
weight, about 2% by weight, about 3% by weight, about 4% by weight,
about 5% by weight, about 6% by weight, about 7% by weight, about
8% by weight, about 9% by weight, or about 10% by weight of
tobacco-derived pectin.
[0045] In certain embodiments, the one or more additional binders,
where employed in the smokeless tobacco products of the invention,
include a natural gum. As used herein, a natural gum refers to
polysaccharide materials of natural origin that are useful as
thickening or gelling agents. Representative natural gums derived
from plants, which are typically water soluble to some degree,
include xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, ghatti gum, gum
tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and
combinations thereof.
[0046] The use of tobacco-derived pectin can afford a smokeless
tobacco product having a higher degree of tobacco-derived
components. Replacing and/or supplementing traditional binders with
tobacco-derived pectin in smokeless tobacco products can, in some
embodiments, provide the smokeless tobacco product with various
characteristics, some of which are improved over those of smokeless
tobacco products employing traditional binders. For example, in
some embodiments, smokeless tobacco products employing
tobacco-derived pectin exhibit increased rigidity over smokeless
tobacco products employing traditional binders. Increased rigidity
can, in some embodiments, be quantified. However, in some
embodiments, the increased rigidity is simply evaluated by feel of
the product (e.g., by trying to bend/flex the product). In some
embodiments, smokeless tobacco products employing tobacco-derived
pectin exhibit reduced tackiness as compared to smokeless tobacco
products employing traditional binders. The reduction in tackiness
can, in some embodiments, be quantified. In some embodiments, the
reduction in tackiness is simply evaluated by feel of the product.
In certain specific embodiments, smokeless tobacco products
comprising tobacco-derived pectin as a binder rather than
commercially available pullulan binder exhibit increased rigidity
and/or reduced tackiness. Pullulan and smokable products
incorporating pullulan are discussed in more detail for example, in
US Pat. Pub. No. 2007/0137668 to Borschke et al., which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0047] The tobacco material and tobacco-derived pectin binder can
be combined in any manner known in the art, such as by simply
mixing the two components together using conventional mixing
apparatuses. The tobacco material and tobacco-derived pectin
ingredients can also be processed, blended, formulated, combined
and mixed with other materials or ingredients. See, for example,
those representative components, combination of components,
relative amounts of those components and ingredients relative to
tobacco, and manners and methods for employing those components,
set forth in US Pat. Pub. Nos. 2007/0062549 and 2007/0186941 to
Holton, et al., each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0048] The additional ingredients can be artificial, or can be
obtained or derived from herbal or biological sources. Exemplary
types of ingredients include salts (e.g., sodium chloride,
potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium
acetate, potassium acetate, and the like), natural sweeteners
(e.g., fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, vanillin, ethylvanillin
glucoside, mannose, galactose, lactose, and the like), artificial
sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K,
neotame and the like), organic and inorganic fillers (e.g., grains,
processed grains, puffed grains, maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium
carbonate, calcium phosphate, corn starch, lactose, sugar alcohols
such as isomalt, mannitol, xylitol, or sorbitol, finely divided
cellulose, vegetable protein, and the like), gelling agents (e.g.,
fish gelatin), pH adjusters or buffering agents (e.g., metal
hydroxides, preferably alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium
hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and other alkali metal buffers
such as metal carbonates, preferably potassium carbonate or sodium
carbonate, or metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate, and
the like), emulsifiers, colorants (e.g., dyes and pigments,
including caramel coloring, titanium dioxide, and the like),
humectants (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like), oral
care additives (e.g., thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, and zinc),
preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate and the like), syrups (e.g.,
honey, high fructose corn syrup, and the like), disintegration or
compressibility aids (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose,
croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate,
pregelatinized corn starch, and the like), flavorant and flavoring
mixtures, antioxidants, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary types of
additives may include those described in, for example, U.S. Pat.
Pub. No. 2010/0291245 to Gao et al., previously incorporated by
reference herein.
[0049] The sweetener component of the smokeless tobacco products of
the present invention can be any sweetener, in natural or
artificial form or as a combination of artificial and natural
sweeteners. In one embodiment, sugar (i.e., sucrose) is the primary
sweetener ingredient. In other embodiments, sucralose,
maltodextrin, or corn syrup is the primary sweetener ingredient. In
certain embodiments, both sucrose and corn syrup are used in the
smokeless tobacco products. Other exemplary sweeteners are sugar
alcohols. Sugar alcohols are polyols derived from monosaccharides
or disaccharides that have a partially or fully hydrogenated form.
Exemplary sugar alcohols have between about 4 and about 20 carbon
atoms and include erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol,
dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and
combinations thereof (e.g., hydrogenated starch hydrolysates). When
present, a representative amount of sweetener, whether an
artificial sweetener and/or natural sugar or sugar alcohol, may
make up at least about 5 percent, often at least about 10% and
frequently at least about 15% of the total dry weight of the
composition. Preferably, the amount of sweetener within the
composition will not exceed about 40 percent, often will not exceed
about 35 percent, and frequently will not exceed about 30 percent,
of the total dry weight of the composition.
[0050] In certain embodiments, a syrup is employed in amounts
sufficient to provide chewiness and retard solubilization, or
otherwise provide desired flavor attributes to the smokeless
tobacco composition. When present, a representative amount of syrup
(e.g., corn syrup) may make up at least about 5%, often at least
about 10%, and frequently at least about 20% of the total dry
weight of the composition.
[0051] In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco compositions of
the disclosure also include at least one filler ingredient. In some
embodiments, sugar alcohols are particularly advantageous as filler
components in certain products of the disclosure because such
materials contribute some sweetness and do not disrupt the chewable
characteristics which may be desired in the final product. In some
embodiments, a fondant filler is used. Fondant fillers typically
comprise sugar, corn syrup, and water. One exemplary fondant filler
composition consists of sugar, corn syrup, water, albumen, algin,
citric acid, vanillin, sodium propionate, and potassium
sorbate.
[0052] A filler component often fulfills multiple functions, such
as enhancing certain organoleptic properties such as texture and
mouthfeel, enhancing cohesiveness or compressibility of the
product, and the like. When present, a representative amount of
filler, whether an organic and/or inorganic filler, may make up at
least about 1 percent, at least about 2 percent, or at least about
5 percent, based on the total dry weight of the composition.
Preferably, the amount of filler within the composition will not
exceed about 50 percent, often will not exceed about 40%, and
frequently will not exceed about 30 percent of the total dry weight
of the composition. In certain embodiments, the filler component
includes one or more rice-derived fillers, such as rice starch or
rice flour or combinations thereof.
[0053] In some embodiments, one or more fats are added. The fat may
function, for example, as a processing aid and/or to optimize the
appearance of the smokeless tobacco product. For example,
pre-melted fat such as partially hydrogenated soybean oil can be
included in the composition.
[0054] As used herein, a "flavorant" or "flavoring agent" is any
flavorful or aromatic substance capable of altering the sensory
characteristics associated with the smokeless tobacco composition.
Exemplary sensory characteristics that can be modified by the
flavorant include, taste, mouthfeel, moistness, coolness/heat,
and/or fragrance/aroma. The flavorants can be natural or synthetic,
and the character of these flavors can be described as, without
limitation, fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionary, floral, fruity or
spice. Specific types of flavors include, but are not limited to,
vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cream, mint (e.g., mint oil),
spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, lavender, cardamon,
nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine,
ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime,
cherry, and strawberry. Flavorants utilized in the disclosure also
can include components that are considered moistening, cooling or
smoothening agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavors may be
provided neat (i.e., alone) or in a composite (e.g., spearmint and
menthol or orange and cinnamon). In some instances, the flavorant
may be provided in a spray-dried form or a liquid form. Flavorants
are typically present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 10 dry
weight percent, often about 1 to about 6 dry weight percent, and
most often about 2 to about 5 dry weight percent.
[0055] A salt (e.g., sodium chloride, flour salt) may be employed
in amounts sufficient to provide desired sensory attributes to the
smokeless tobacco composition. When present, a representative
amount of salt is at least about 0.5 dry weight percent or at least
about 1.0 dry weight percent or at least about 1.5 dry weight
percent, but will typically may make up less than about 5 percent
of the total dry weight of the composition (e.g., about 0.5 to
about 4 dry weight percent).
[0056] A humectant (e.g., glycerin) may be employed in amounts
sufficient to provide desired moisture attributes to the smokeless
tobacco composition. Further, in some instances, the humectant may
impart desirable flow characteristics to the smokeless tobacco
composition for depositing in a starch mould. When present, a
representative amount of humectant is at least about 0.5 dry weight
percent or at least about 1.0 dry weight percent or at least about
1.5 dry weight percent, but will typically make up less than about
5 percent of the total dry weight of the composition (e.g., about
0.5 to about 4 dry weight percent).
[0057] Preferred buffering agents buffer within a pH range of about
6 to about 10, and exemplary buffering agents include metal
hydroxides, metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, or mixtures
thereof. The buffering agent is typically present in an amount less
than about 1 percent based on the dry weight of the
formulation.
[0058] Such additional ingredients may be provided in a powder or
granulated form for mixing with the tobacco material formulation,
or otherwise may be provided in liquid form. Most preferably, the
ingredients when provided in a powder or granulated form is
employed in the form of parts or pieces that have an average
particle size less than about 50 microns. According to some
aspects, the average particle size of the additive may be about 25
microns or less. The moisture content of the additives provided in
a powder or granulated form may vary. Most preferably, the moisture
content of the additive provided in a powder or granulated form is
less than about 10 weight percent, and may be less than about 5
percent, and is often less than about 2.5 weight percent. The
additive may be admixed with any component or with the tobacco
material in, for example, a Hobart mixer with a paddle prior to
adding any liquid additives. In the event liquid additives are
provided, the resultant mixture may still have a relatively low
moisture content of less than about 10 weight percent, and may be
less than about 5 percent, and is often less than about 2.5 weight
percent. The relative amounts of the various additive components
within the smokeless tobacco product may vary.
[0059] The aforementioned types of ingredients can be employed
together (e.g., as ingredient formulations) or separately (e.g.,
individual additive components can be added at different stages
involved in the preparation of the final tobacco product). The
relative amounts of the various components within the smokeless
tobacco formulation may vary, and typically are selected so as to
provide the desired sensory and performance characteristics to the
tobacco product. Furthermore, the aforementioned types of additives
may be encapsulated as provided in the final product or
composition. Exemplary encapsulated additives are described, for
example, in WO 2010/132444 A2 to Atchley, which has been previously
incorporated by reference herein.
[0060] Any of the above-noted classes of ingredients for the
smokeless tobacco composition of the disclosure can be derived from
tobacco material by subjecting at least a portion of a tobacco
plant (e.g., leaves, seeds, flowers, stalks, roots, or stems) to a
separation process, which typically can include multiple sequential
extraction steps, in order to isolate desired components of the
tobacco material. Exemplary separation processes include
chromatography, distillation, filtration, recrystallization,
solvent-solvent partitioning, cold pressing, solvent extraction
(e.g., using solvents such as water, alcohols or hydrocarbons such
as heptane or hexane), or a combination thereof. The resulting
isolated tobacco component can be chemically transformed prior to
use in the compositions of the disclosure. Exemplary chemical
transformations include hydrogenation, esterification,
transesterification, isomeric conversion, acetal formation, acetal
decomposition, acid/base reaction, hydrolysis, thermal treatment,
enzymatic treatment, and combinations of such steps. Techniques for
preparing tobacco isolates for use in the compositions of the
disclosure are set forth, for example, in U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos.
2011/0174323 to Coleman, III et al., and U.S. application Ser. No.
12/764,613 to Coleman, III et al., filed Apr. 21, 2010, which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Examples of the
types of compounds that may be present in the tobacco isolate
include hydrocarbons, cellulose, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones,
carboxylic acids, amino acids, esters, lactones, anhydrides,
carbohydrates (e.g., reducing sugars), phenols, quinones, ethers,
nitriles, amines, amides, imides, plastid pigments, proteins,
coenzyme-Q, pectin, starch, lignin, and lipids. Additional examples
are described as natural tar diluents in PCT WO 2007/012980 to
Lipowicz, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. The type or function of a smokeless tobacco ingredient
prepared from a tobacco isolate will vary depending on the
composition of the isolate, which can vary in part based on the
extraction process employed, the portion of the tobacco plant
involved, the type of chemical transformation utilized, and the
like. Certain tobacco isolates can provide sugars, fillers,
binders, disintegration or compressibility aids, or flavorants for
the smokeless tobacco composition of the disclosure.
[0061] Representative smokeless tobacco compositions may
incorporate tobacco in an amount of about 30-40 weight percent and
tobacco-derived pectin as described herein in an amount of about 4
weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the smokeless
tobacco composition. For example, in one embodiment, the smokeless
tobacco composition comprises about 36 weight percent milled
tobacco, about 4 weight percent tobacco-derived pectin, about 14
weight percent rice starch, about 6 weight percent rice flour,
about 7 weight percent maltitol powder, and about 3 weight percent
flavoring compounds, based on the total dry weight of the smokeless
tobacco composition, wherein the remainder comprises one or more
colorants, sweeteners, fillers, binders, pH adjusters, and salts.
For example, the remainder can, in one embodiment, comprise
titanium dioxide, xylitol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate,
maltodextrin, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, and sodium chloride.
The particular percentages and choice of ingredients will vary
depending upon the desired flavor, texture, and other
characteristics.
[0062] The manner by which the various components of the smokeless
tobacco composition are combined may vary. The various components
of the smokeless tobacco composition may be contacted, combined, or
mixed together in conical-type blenders, mixing drums, ribbon
blenders, or the like, such as a Hobart mixer. As such, the overall
mixture of various components with the powdered tobacco components
may be relatively uniform in nature. See also, for example, the
types of methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,325 to
Solomon et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,855 to Korte et al.; and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams, each of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0063] The smokeless tobacco product can be provided in any
suitable predetermined shape or form. For example, in some
embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is provided in the form
having a general shape of a pill, pellet, tablet, coin, bead,
ovoid, obloid, cube, film, flake, stick, foam, gel, or the like. In
some embodiments, the shape is determined by the shape of the mold
in which the product is formed. Individual compositions can be
sized such that they fit entirely in the user's mouth, or such that
they fit only partially in the mouth. Thus, the preferred
dimensions can vary.
[0064] Shapes such as, for example, rods and cubes can be formed by
first extruding the material through a die having the desired
cross-section (e.g., round or square) and then optionally cutting
the extruded material into desired lengths. Techniques and
equipment for extruding tobacco materials are set forth in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,098,492 to Wursburg; U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,000 to Tamol et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,018 to Graves et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
4,989,620 to Keritsis et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,744 to Luke et
al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,453 to White et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.
6,182,670 to White et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by
reference. Exemplary extrusion equipment suitable for use include
food or gum extruders, or industrial pasta extruders such as Model
TP 200/300 available from Emiliomiti, LLC of Italy. In some
instances, a single machine may be capable of achieving multiple
steps of the processes described herein, such as, for example,
kneader systems available from Buss AG.
[0065] The smokeless tobacco product can be dried or moistened to
reach the final desired moisture level. The moisture content of the
smokeless tobacco product prior to use by a consumer can vary.
Typically, the moisture content of the smokeless tobacco product,
as present within a single unit of product prior to insertion into
the mouth of the user, is within the range of about 5 to about 20
weight percent, often about 8 to about 15 weight percent, more
often about 10 to about 13 weight percent, based on the total
weight of the product unit, but may vary depending upon the
specific form of the smokeless tobacco product.
[0066] The acidity or alkalinity of the smokeless tobacco product,
which is often characterized in terms of pH, can vary. Typically,
the pH of that formulation is at least about 6.5, and preferably at
least about 7.5. Typically, the pH of that formulation will not
exceed about 9.5, and often will not exceed about 9.0. A
representative tobacco formulation exhibits a pH of about 6.8 to
about 8.8 (e.g., about 7.4 to about 8.2). A representative
technique for determining the pH of a smokeless tobacco formulation
involves dispersing 5 g of that formulation in 100 ml of high
performance liquid chromatography water, and measuring the pH of
the resulting suspension/solution (e.g., with a pH meter).
[0067] The compositions of the present invention may be
dissolvable. As used herein, the terms "dissolve," "dissolving,"
and "dissolvable" refer to compositions having aqueous-soluble
components that interact with moisture in the oral cavity and enter
into solution, thereby causing gradual consumption of the product.
According to one aspect, the dissolvable smokeless tobacco product
is capable of lasting in the user's mouth for a given period of
time until it completely dissolves. Dissolution rates of the
present smokeless tobacco products can vary over a wide range, from
less than about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. For example, fast
release compositions typically dissolve and/or release the active
component in less than about 2 minutes, often less than about 1
minute (e.g., less than about 50 seconds, less than about 40
seconds, less than about 30 seconds, or less than about 20
seconds). Dissolution can occur by any means, such as melting,
mechanical disruption (e.g., chewing), enzymatic or other chemical
degradation, or by disruption of the interaction between the
components of the product. In some embodiments, the products can be
meltable as discussed, for example, in U.S. application Ser. No.
12/854,342 to Cantrell et al., filed Aug. 11, 2010. In other
embodiments, the compositions do not dissolve during the smokeless
tobacco product's residence in the user's mouth.
[0068] According to some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco
composition may be coated with a coating substance. For example, a
glazing or anti-sticking coating substance, such as, for example,
CAPOL 410 (available from Centerchem, Inc.), may be applied to the
smokeless tobacco composition to provide free-flowing properties.
Outer coatings can also help to improve storage stability of the
smokeless tobacco products of the present disclosure as well as
improve the packaging process by reducing friability and dusting.
Devices for providing outer coating layers to the products of the
present disclosure include pan coaters and spray coaters, and
particularly include the coating devices available as CompuLab 24,
CompuLab 36, Accela-Cota 48 and Accela-Cota 60 from Thomas
Engineering.
[0069] An exemplary outer coating comprises a film-forming polymer,
such as a cellulosic polymer, an optional plasticizer, and optional
flavorants, colorants, salts, sweeteners or other additives of the
types set forth herein. The coating compositions are usually
aqueous in nature and can be applied using any pellet or tablet
coating technique known in the art, such as pan coating. Exemplary
film-forming polymers include cellulosic polymers such as
methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxy
methylcellulose. Exemplary plasticizers include aqueous solutions
or emulsions of glyceryl monostearate and triethyl citrate.
Exemplary coating compositions and methods of application are
described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/876,785 to Hunt et al.;
filed Sep. 7, 2010, and which is incorporated by reference
herein.
[0070] Although the foregoing description focuses on compositions
that are uniform throughout each product unit, products can also be
formed with multiple different formulations having different
properties in the same product unit. For example, two different
compositions could be co-extruded to form a product with different
characteristics across its cross-section. Such a process could be
used to provide a product with two different compositions featuring
different dissolution rates such that a first portion of the
product dissolves at a first rate (e.g., a faster rate) and a
second portion dissolves at a second, slower rate.
[0071] According to some aspects, the tobacco component of the
smokeless tobacco composition can be replaced or supplemented with
other suitable botanical components such as, for example, tea
particulates, coffee particulates, herbal particulates, spice
particulates and/or combinations thereof. The particulates may be
typically provided in a powder form, which may be extracted from an
appropriate botanical source.
[0072] Products of the present disclosure can be packaged and
stored in any suitable packaging. See, for example, the various
types of containers for smokeless types of products that are set
forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,039 to Henson et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
7,537,110 to Kutsch et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,843 to Kutsch et
al.; D592,956 to Thiellier and D594,154 to Patel et al.; US Pat.
Pub. Nos. 2008/0173317 to Robinson et al.; 2009/0014343 to Clark et
al.; 2009/0014450 to Bjorkholm; 2009/0250360 to Bellamah et al.;
2009/0266837 to Gelardi et al.; 2009/0223989 to Gelardi;
2009/0230003 to Thiellier; 2010/0084424 to Gelardi; and
2010/0133140 to Bailey et al; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/342,212, filed Aug. 20, 2009, to Bailey et al.; Ser. No.
12/425,180, filed Apr. 16, 2009, to Bailey et al.; Ser. No.
12/685,819, filed Jan. 12, 2010, to Bailey et al.; and Ser. No.
12/814,015, filed Jun. 11, 2010, to Gelardi et al., which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Experimental
[0073] The following example is provided to illustrate further
aspects associated with the present disclosure, but should not be
construed as limiting the scope thereof. Unless otherwise noted,
all parts and percentages are by dry weight.
[0074] Approximately 800 pounds of air-cured burley tobacco (lamina
and stem) are processed to extract and dry the pectin component as
follows. To about 14,400 pounds of well water is added about 80
pounds of oxalic acid and about 80 pounds of ammonium oxalate. The
resulting mixture is agitated until the oxalic acid and ammonium
oxalate are dissolved to form a solution. The tobacco is added to
the solution and the resulting mixture is heated at about
95-98.degree. C. for about 90 minutes. The tobacco is removed from
the mixture by filtration (additionally or alternatively,
centrifugation can be used). The resulting liquid is collected once
it has reached a desired level of clarity. It may be necessary to
repeat the filtration/centrifugation steps two or more times to
achieve the desired level of clarity. The liquid is then
concentrated under vacuum until the product comprises approximately
9-11% solids.
[0075] Ethanol is added to the concentrated material in an amount
of 1.2 times the amount of the concentrate by weight to give a
dilute concentrate. The dilute concentrate is cooled to between
about 5 and 7.degree. C. The dilute concentrate is centrifuged to
isolate the solid material that has formed. The solid material is
rinsed in 50% ethanol in water (v/v) and then in 100% ethanol and
the rinsed solid is isolated by centrifugation. The combined solid
material is dried in a tray dryer under full vacuum, with hot water
circulation at 55.degree. C. in a jacket of the dryer. After a
minimum of 6 hours, the sample is removed and tested to ensure that
it comprises less than 5% moisture by weight. If the sample does
not meet this requirement, it is further dried to give the isolated
pectin product. Based on the original 800 g of tobacco material, 30
g of pectin product was isolated, in the form of a dark brown
powder.
[0076] The dark brown powder is used in a dissolvable smokeless
tobacco formulation typically comprising a tobacco blend and
pullulan binder. Instead of the pullulan binder, the dark brown
powder isolated as described above is used. The smokeless tobacco
formulation comprises about 36 weight percent milled tobacco, about
4 weight percent of the dark brown powder (pectin component), about
14 weight percent rice starch, about 6 weight percent rice flour,
about 7 weight percent maltitol powder, and about 3 weight percent
flavoring compounds, based on the total dry weight of the smokeless
tobacco composition. The formulation also includes minor amounts of
titanium dioxide, xylitol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate,
maltodextrin, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, and sodium
chloride.
[0077] The resulting smokeless tobacco product was evaluated by
informal sensory evaluations. The evaluations noted no discernable
differences related to mouth-feel, color, or other visual
attributes for the experimental finished product as opposed to the
control product. The trial product containing tobacco-derived
pectin exhibits reduced stick tackiness and increased rigidity as
compared to the control material during processing. Both of these
characteristics are considered positive attributes for this type of
formulation.
[0078] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing description. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended
to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *