DE212019000502U1 - Composition of smokeless tobacco - Google Patents

Abstract

A smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

Description

The present invention relates to a smokeless tobacco composition and to a method for producing the smokeless tobacco composition.

background

Tobacco fermentation is generally a process that occurs spontaneously shortly after the tobacco is harvested. Since it was found early on that tobacco fermentation improves certain tobacco properties such as smell and taste, this spontaneous process is often deliberately stimulated in various industrial processes in the course of tobacco production.

However, undesirable by-products such as tobacco-specific nitrosamines, TSNA for short, also occur during tobacco fermentation - both spontaneous and industrially stimulated.

It would be desirable to be able to provide an improved smokeless tobacco composition. For example, it would be desirable to provide a smokeless tobacco composition that can be easily imparted with desirable properties associated with tobacco fermentation, such as e.g. B. improved smell and taste, while not being burdened by the undesirable side effects of tobacco fermentation. It would also be desirable to provide a smokeless tobacco composition with improved physical properties to enhance the user's experience.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

1. (a) Bereitstellen von ungebleichtem Tabakmaterial;
2. (b) Bleichen des ungebleichten Tabakmaterials zur Bildung von gebleichtem Tabakmaterial; und
3. (c) Gewinnen des gebleichten Tabakmaterials, so dass mindestens 50 Gew.-% des gebleichten Tabakmaterials eine Partikelgröße von etwa 1 mm bis etwa 50 mm aufweisen.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by the method comprising the steps of:

1. (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;
2. (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material; and
3. (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

For ease of reference, these and other aspects of the present invention will now be discussed under the appropriate section headings. However, the teachings presented in each section are not necessarily limited to that section.

Detailed description

It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein, as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It should be noted that as used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise specified, the term "approximately" in this specification that changes the amount of an ingredient in the tobacco material or compositions or methods of the invention refers to variations in numerical amount caused by, for example, typical measurement and fluid processing methods , which are used in the preparation of concentrates or ready-to-use solutions in practice, by unintentionally errors that may occur in these processes, differences in the manufacture, origin or purity of the ingredients used to manufacture the tobacco material or tobacco compositions or to carry out the processes, and the like. The term "approximately" also includes amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular starting mixture. Whether or not the term "about" is used, the claims include equivalents to the amounts.

In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "bleached" refers to an item such as a B. a tobacco material such. a tobacco raw material, the visible color of which has been reduced by any known method for this purpose, e.g. B. by washing with one or more solvents or by treatment with one or more bleaches or a combination thereof.

In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “fermentable carbohydrates” refers to carbohydrates that can be metabolized in and by the human body. The term "fermentable carbohydrate" can include, for example, starch, glucose, fructose, and sucrose.

Unless otherwise specified, the term "oral" in relation to an article in this specification refers to an article which, under normal use, is capable of being delivered anywhere in the user's oral cavity, e.g. B. under the lips to be placed, such as moist snuff products are commonly used.

The ranges given herein indicate preferred amounts of each ingredient. Any of these ranges can be used alone or in combination with one or more other component ranges to achieve a preferred aspect of the invention.

composition

As described herein, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some cases, the bleached tobacco material is a bleached tobacco raw material.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.001% to about 50% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.001% to about 40% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is included in an amount from about 0.001% to about 30% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.001% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is included in an amount from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is included in an amount from about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is included in an amount from about 1% to about 8% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is included in an amount from about 2% to about 7% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is as in WO 2015/150506 described, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material contains less than about 4%, eg less than about 2%, eg less than about 1% by weight of fermentable carbohydrates, calculated on the total dry weight of the bleached tobacco material. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material comprises starch, glucose, fructose, and sucrose in a combined total amount of less than about 4%, such as less than about 2%, such as less than about 1%, by weight of the bleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an ISO lightness level of at least about 60, e.g. B. at least about 70, e.g. B. at least about 80, measured according to ISO 2470:1999.

• weniger als etwa 7,0 mg/kg Nitrit; und/oder
• weniger als etwa 2,0 mg/kg kombinierte Menge an NNN (N-Nitrosonornicotin) und NNK ((4-Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanon); und/oder
• weniger als etwa 10,0 µg/kg NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamin); und/oder
• weniger als etwa 5,0 µg/kg B(a)P (Benzo(a)pyren); und/oder
• weniger als etwa 1,0 mg/kg Cd; und/oder
• weniger als etwa 2,0 mg/kg Pb; und/oder
• weniger als etwa 0,5 mg/kg As; und/oder
• weniger als etwa 3,0 mg/kg Ni; und/oder
• weniger als etwa 4,5 mg/kg Cr;
• bezogen auf das Gesamttrockengewicht der rauchlosen Tabakzusammensetzung.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition that comprises a bleached tobacco material (such as a bleached tobacco raw material) that is substantially free of undesirable substances, as described in WO 2015/150506 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, in some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises:

• less than about 7.0 mg/kg nitrite; and or
• less than about 2.0 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and or
• less than about 10.0 µg/kg NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine); and or
• less than about 5.0 µg/kg B(a)P (benzo(a)pyrene); and or
• less than about 1.0 mg/kg Cd; and or
• less than about 2.0 mg/kg Pb; and or
• less than about 0.5 mg/kg As; and or
• less than about 3.0 mg/kg Ni; and or
• less than about 4.5 mg/kg Cr;
• based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises
less than about 3.5 mg/kg nitrite; and or
less than about 1.0 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and or
less than about 5.0 µg/kg NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine); and or
less than about 2.5 µg/kg B(a)P (benzo(a)pyrene); and or
less than about 0.5 mg/kg Cd; and or
less than about 1.0 mg/kg Pb; and or
less than about 0.25 mg/kg As; and or
less than about 1.5 mg/kg Ni; and or
less than about 2.25 mg/kg Cr;
based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises
less than about 1.0 mg/kg nitrite; and or
less than about 0.2 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and or
less than about 0.6 µg/kg NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine); and or
less than about 0.6 µg/kg B(a)P (benzo(a)pyrene); and or
less than about 0.1 mg/kg Cd; and or
less than about 0.1 mg/kg Pb; and or
less than about 0.1 mg/kg As; and or
less than about 0.1 mg/kg Ni; and or
less than about 0.1 mg/kg Cr;
based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition contains a combined amount of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 not exceeding 0.01 mg/kg based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is particulate. As used herein, the term "particulate" means that the average length to width ratio of the particles of the material is less than 2:1, e.g. less than 1.5:1, e.g. about 1:1. In some embodiments, the particles of bleached tobacco material are substantially spherical. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is granular.

As described herein, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, particle size is measured by sieve analysis. Thus, in some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm as measured by sieve analysis.

In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1mm to about 40mm, such as from about 1mm to about 30mm, such as from about 1mm to about 20mm , such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1mm to about 50mm, such as from about 1mm to about 40mm, such as from about 1mm to about 30mm , such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5mm to about 10mm, such as about 2mm to about 5mm, such as about 2.5mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1mm to about 50mm, such as from about 1mm to about 40mm, such as from about 1mm to about 30mm , such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5mm to about 10mm, such as about 2mm to about 5mm, such as about 2.5mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1mm to about 50mm, such as from about 1mm to about 40mm, such as from about 1mm to about 30mm , such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5mm to about 10mm, such as about 2mm to about 5mm, such as about 2.5mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5mm to about 10mm, such as about 2mm to about 5mm, such as about 2.5mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1mm to about 50mm, such as from about 1mm to about 40mm, such as from about 1mm to about 30mm , such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as 1mm to about 20mm, such as about 1mm to about 10mm, such as about 1mm to about 5mm, such as about 2mm to about 4mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1. 3mm to about 10mm, such as about 1.4mm to about 10mm, such as about 1.5mm to about 10mm.

In some embodiments, about 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 30 mm , such as about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, about 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 2.5 mm up to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, about 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (eg, as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 1. 3mm to about 10mm, such as about 1.4mm to about 10mm, such as about 1.5mm to about 10mm.

In some embodiments at least 50% by weight, e.g. B. at least 60% by weight, e.g. B. at least 70% by weight, e.g. B. at least 80% by weight, e.g. B. at least 90% by weight, e.g. B. at least 95% by weight, e.g. B. at least 99% by weight, e.g. B. approximately 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, e.g. measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 9 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 8 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 7 mm, such as from about 2mm to about 6mm, such as from about 2mm to about 5mm, such as from about 2mm to about 4mm.

In some embodiments, at least 70% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

The particle size of the bleached tobacco material can be measured by sieve analysis. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, sieve analysis (also known as gradation testing) is a method of measuring the particle size distribution of a particulate material. Typically, sieve analysis uses a nested series of sieves made up of sieves, preferably in the form of wire mesh. A preweighed sample can be placed in the top or top sieve of the column that has the largest sieve openings or mesh size (ie, the largest pore diameter of the sieve). Each lower screen in the column has progressively smaller screen openings or mesh sizes than the screen above. At the bottom of the sieve column is usually a collection container that catches any particles whose particle size is smaller than the sieve opening or mesh size of the lowest sieve in the column (which has the smallest sieve opening or mesh size).

In some embodiments, the screen column can be placed on or in a mechanical agitator. The agitator vibrates each of the screens in the column. The mechanical agitator can be activated for a specific time to ensure all particles are collected in the correct sieve. In some embodiments, the sieve column is operated for a period of 0.5 minutes to 10 minutes, e.g. from 1 minute to 10 minutes, e.g. from 1 minute to 5 minutes, e.g. B. for about 3 minutes, stirred.

After the recirculation of the sieves in the column is complete, the material collected on each sieve is weighed. The weight of each sample on each sieve can then be divided by the total weight to give a percentage of the mass retained on each sieve.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sieve openings or mesh sizes for each sieve in the column used for sieve analysis can be selected based on the granularity or known maximum/minimum particle sizes of the sample to be analyzed.

In some embodiments, a sieve column can be used for the sieve analysis, the column containing 2 to 20 sieves, e.g. 5 to 15 sieves. In some embodiments, a sieve column may be used for the sieve analysis, the column comprising 10 sieves.

In some embodiments, the largest sieve opening or mesh size of the sieve(s) used for the sieve analysis may be about 50mm, e.g. B. about 40 mm, z. B. about 30 mm, z. B. about 20 mm, z. B. about 10 mm, z. B. about 9 mm, z. B. about 8 mm, z. B. about 7 mm, z. B. about 6 mm, z. B. about 5 mm, z. B. be about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the largest sieve opening or mesh size of the sieve(s) is about 10mm, such that at least about 50% by weight, e.g. B. at least about 70% by weight, e.g. B. at least 95% by weight, e.g. B. about 100% by weight of the particles have a particle size of not more than about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the smallest screen opening or mesh size of the screen(s) used is about 1 mm, e.g. B. about 2 mm. In this way, all particles that have a particle size of less than 1 mm and thus fall through this sieve can be collected and discarded. These smaller particles or “fines” can be collected and discarded (or used in other products). Thus at least about 50% by weight, e.g. B. at least about 70% by weight, e.g. B. at least 95% by weight, e.g. B. about 100% by weight of the particles have a particle size of at least about 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.5mm to about 10mm, e.g. from about 2mm to about 5mm, e.g. B. from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size (e.g., as measured by sieve analysis) from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

The inventors have surprisingly found that the addition of a bleached tobacco material having a particle size as defined herein results in a smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as chewing tobacco and does not stain the user's fingers and - in the case of oral smokeless tobacco products - the user's teeth not discolored. The composition that a containing such bleached tobacco material can be shaped by the user's teeth without degrading and/or decomposing in the user's mouth upon chewing or chewing.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition also includes an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition contains an alginate composition of the type described in US Pat WO 2010/114445 is described, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. More specifically, the oral smokeless tobacco composition according to this embodiment contains an alginate composition distributed in the product and comprising at least water, alginate and an added substance to be released from the product when the product is used, the composition containing an alginate matrix that retains at least a major portion of the added substance as long as the matrix is intact, and wherein the alginate matrix is shaped to break down and/or dissolve in the chemical and physical environment found in a user's mouth. In some embodiments, the alginate contains an alginate salt of monovalent cations. In some embodiments, the alginate is cold water soluble. The added substance can be one or more substances belonging to any of the following categories or combinations thereof: API (active pharmaceutical ingredients), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, flavorings, natural medicinal products or naturally occurring substances that have an effect can have on humans. Examples of such substances are green tea, white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperine, Q10, selenium, glutathione, lipoic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root and roseroot . In some embodiments, the added substance may include nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition includes guar gum. In such embodiments, the guar gum may be present in an amount from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is included in an amount from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is included in an amount from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is included in an amount from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is included in an amount from about 2% to about 8% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is included in an amount from about 2.5% to about 7.5% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is included in an amount from about 3% to about 7% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is included in an amount from about 4% to about 6% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

The inventors have surprisingly found that the addition of guar gum in combination with a bleached tobacco material having the particle size defined herein results in a smokeless tobacco composition that has improved moldability and thus provides an improved chewing sensory experience by the user. As used herein, the term "formable" means that the composition can be pressed and formed into various shapes with the hands or teeth of the user without the need for additional mechanical means and without cracking and/or crumbling. For example, the guar gum composition may have a softer, more dough-like texture and thus be easier and more chewable for the user. Surprisingly, it has also turned out that the addition of guar gum accelerates the release of active ingredients (e.g. nicotine and/or flavorings) from the composition due to the mechanical pressure during chewing.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may also contain guar gum or an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may also contain a combination of guar gum and an alginate composition. The amounts of either or both components can be as defined above.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may be provided in the form of a loose powder. An advantage of the smokeless tobacco composition containing the bleached tobacco material defined herein is that it provides tobacco products that do not stain the user's fingers and, in the case of oral smokeless tobacco products, do not stain the user's teeth.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is nasal snuff, ie, snuff products suitable for nasal administration. Therefore, in some embodiments, there is provided a nasal snuff comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is an oral smokeless tobacco composition (i.e., a composition suitable for insertion into the user's mouth). Therefore, in some embodiments there is provided an oral smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. The oral smokeless tobacco composition may be or include, but is not limited to, moist snuff such as snus, chewing tobacco, sucking tobacco (commonly referred to as "sucking tobacco"), oral dry snuff, or hard snuff.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition comprises snus.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is chewing tobacco.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition can be a chewing tobacco that additionally contains a chewing gum base. The chewing gum base can be selected from, but is not limited to, commercial chewing gum bases, chewing gum bases, and natural chewing gum bases.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition for oral use can be a chewing tobacco having the characteristics defined above. In some embodiments, an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition is provided that comprises bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the chewing tobacco composition may also contain guar gum and/or an alginate composition as defined above.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (e.g., a chewing tobacco for oral use) may contain salt (sodium chloride) and/or other flavoring agents.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (e.g., an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) also contains one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavoring agents, sodium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) also includes sodium chloride. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition also includes flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) also contains xylitol. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition also contains sodium bicarbonate. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) also comprises microcrystalline cellulose.

The smokeless tobacco composition for oral use (such as a smokeless chewing tobacco composition for oral use) may contain additives selected from one or more substances belonging to one of the following categories or combinations thereof: API (active pharmaceutical substances), Food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, flavorings, natural medicines or naturally occurring substances that may have an effect on humans. Examples of such substances are green tea, white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperine, Q10, selenium, glutathione, lipoic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root and roseroot .

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) contains an active ingredient, e.g. eg the composition may contain nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid or mixtures thereof.

Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e. CB1 and CB2) in cells that inhibit neurotransmitter release in the brain. Two of the most important cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids can be naturally occurring (phytocannabinoids) and derived from plants such as cannabis, but they can also be derived from animals (endocannabinoids) or man-made (synthetic cannabinoids).

Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules that exhibit special properties, such as the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, low toxicity, and few side effects.

Cannabis species have at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, divided into subclasses including cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinodiols, and other cannabinoids.

The cannabinoids contained in cannabis include: cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV). A).

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition for oral use (e.g., a smokeless chewing tobacco composition for oral use) contains nicotine in addition to the nicotine naturally present in the bleached tobacco material.

The oral smokeless tobacco composition may be provided in baked or compressed form from which portions may be punched or pressed, e.g. B. in the form of lozenges or tablets.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product for oral use can be provided to the user in a portioned format. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is surrounded by a pouch. For example, chewing tobacco can be prepared by sealing the tobacco material in a permeable pouch.

A pouch holds the tobacco material in place while allowing substances such as flavors and nicotine to diffuse through the pouch into the user's mouth and be absorbed by their mucous membranes. In some embodiments where the smokeless tobacco composition is a chewing tobacco, the flavors and/or nicotine may be released from the composition upon chewing of the product by the user.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition can be provided to the user in a non-portioned format. In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition is packaged in bulk form in a container such as a tin, pouch, or tin.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition for oral use may be provided in bulk form or in sachet form. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition for oral use is provided as a loose powder. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition for oral use is provided as a powder contained in a sachet. Therefore, in some embodiments there is provided a sachet-type smokeless tobacco composition for oral use comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition for oral use is in the form of a powder, supplied either as a loose powder or in sachets. The smokeless tobacco composition for oral use may be in particulate form (either as a loose powder or enclosed in a sachet). In some embodiments, at least 50% of the particles of the smokeless oral tobacco composition have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, e.g. from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, e.g. from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, e.g. from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, e.g. from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, e.g. from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, e.g. B. from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the particles of the smokeless oral tobacco composition have a particle size of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, e.g. B. from about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

As a further alternative, the oral smokeless tobacco composition may have a film-like form.

The smokeless tobacco composition may have a pH of about 7-12, e.g. about 8-12, e.g. B. about 8-9.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition has a water content of from about 5% to about 60%, e.g. from about 20% to about 60%, e.g. from about 40% to about 55%, e.g. from about 45% to about 55%, e.g. B. from about 45% to about 50% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition has a water content of from about 40% to about 60% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

Also described herein is a smokeless product comprising non-tobacco plant material wherein at least 50% by weight of the non-tobacco plant material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, but wherein the composition does not comprise tobacco. In other words, what is described herein is a non-tobacco smokeless product comprising non-tobacco plant material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the non-tobacco plant material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. The non-tobacco plant material may be selected from the group consisting of corn, oats, tomato, barley, rye, sugar beet, buckwheat, potato, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, apple, cocoa, bamboo, citrus fruits and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the tobacco-free plant matter is or includes cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the tobacco-free plant matter is or comprises microcrystalline cellulose. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco smokeless product contains nicotine. In some embodiments, the non-smoking smokeless product comprises guar gum. In some embodiments, the non-smoking smokeless product comprises an alginate composition. Thus, in some embodiments, the non-smoking smokeless product comprises tobacco-free plant material, guar gum, and nicotine. The smokeless, non-tobacco product can have any of the features described above, except that the product contains non-tobacco plant material as a substitute for the bleached tobacco material described herein.

process

1. (a) Bereitstellen von ungebleichtem Tabakmaterial;
2. (b) Bleichen des ungebleichten Tabakmaterials zur Bildung von gebleichtem Tabakmaterial; und
3. (c) Gewinnen des gebleichten Tabakmaterials, so dass mindestens 50 Gew.-% des gebleichten Tabakmaterials eine Partikelgröße von etwa 1 mm bis etwa 50 mm aufweisen.

Also disclosed is a method of making a smokeless tobacco composition, comprising the steps of:

1. (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;
2. (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material; and
3. (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the method is for making a smokeless tobacco composition as described above.

In some cases, the unbleached tobacco material is cut tobacco. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, e.g. from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, e.g. from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, e.g. about 2 mm up to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution as the resulting bleached tobacco material, e.g. B. measured by sieve analysis.

• (i) Behandeln von ungebleichtem Tabakmaterial bei einem sauren pH-Wert mit einer Säure; und
• (ii) Inkontaktbringen des ungebleichten Tabakmaterials mit einem Bleichmittel in einem Temperaturbereich von etwa 50°C bis etwa 95°C.

In some embodiments, step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material includes the following steps:

• (i) treating unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH with an acid; and
• (ii) contacting the unbleached tobacco material with a bleaching agent at a temperature ranging from about 50°C to about 95°C.

In some embodiments, the amount of bleaching agent used can be any suitable amount to effect bleaching of the tobacco material. In some embodiments, the amount of bleach can be between about 2% and about 15% by weight of the resulting mixture. The total amount of bleaching agent can be, for example, about 30-250 kg per tonne of tobacco material (calculated as pure bleaching agent), in particular about 50-200 kg per tonne of tobacco material. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is contacted with a bleaching agent for a period of time from about 1 hour to about 10 hours, for example from about 2 hours to about 8 hours, for example from about 4 hours to about 6 hours. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is contacted with a bleaching agent in a temperature range from about 60°C to about 90°C, for example from about 70°C to about 80°C.

The bleaching agent can be, but is not limited to, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, enzymes, oxygen, potassium peroxymonosulfate, dimethyldioxirane, peroxyacids, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bleaching agent is selected from chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, enzymes, or a combination thereof.

The bleaching agent may also be ultrasonic, or at least involve the use of ultrasonics.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of drying the bleached tobacco material. The drying step can be carried out by heating.

• (i) Behandlung von ungebleichtem Tabakmaterial bei einem sauren pH-Wert und in einem Temperaturbereich von etwa 70°C bis etwa 180°C mit einer wässrigen Lösung, die Sulfit-Ionen enthält;
• (ii) Zerfaserung des Tabakmaterials aus Schritt (ii); und
• (iii) Behandlung des zerfaserten Tabakmaterials aus Schritt (ii) mit einer wirksamen Menge eines Bleichmittels in einem Temperaturbereich von etwa 60°C bis etwa 90°C.

In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the following steps, for example:

• (i) treating unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH and in a temperature range from about 70°C to about 180°C with an aqueous solution containing sulfite ions;
• (ii) defibration of the tobacco material from step (ii); and
• (iii) treating the tobacco fiber material of step (ii) with an effective amount of a bleaching agent at a temperature range of from about 60°C to about 90°C.

In some embodiments, step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises steps as set out in US Pat WO 2015/150506 are described, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

• (i) mechanisches Zerfasern von ungekochtem Tabakmaterial zur Herstellung eines zerfaserten Tabakmaterials; und
• (ii) Behandlung des zerfaserten Tabakmaterials aus Schritt (i) mit mindestens einem Bleichmittel, um ein gebleichtes Tabakmaterial herzustellen.

In some alternative embodiments, step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the following steps:

• (i) mechanically shredding uncooked tobacco material to produce a shredded tobacco material; and
• (ii) treating the shredded tobacco material from step (i) with at least one bleaching agent to produce a bleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises steps as set out in WO 2018/083114 are described, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and an alginate composition.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material (optionally with the guar gum and/or alginate composition) with one or multiple additives selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavorings, sodium bicarbonate, API (active pharmaceutical substances), active substances (such as nicotine, cannabis, cannabinoids or mixtures thereof), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients , natural medicines or naturally occurring substances that may have an effect on humans, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material (optionally with the guar gum and/or alginate composition) with nicotine.

In embodiments in which the method comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with an alginate composition and/or guar gum, the method comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives before and/or during and/or after the contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or the alginate composition. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives prior to contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or the alginate composition. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives while contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or the alginate composition. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives after contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or the alginate composition.

In some embodiments, the method comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, microcrystalline cellulose and mixtures thereof during the step of in- contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the method includes the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, flavoring agents, nicotine, and mixtures thereof, after the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or the alginate composition.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water before and/or during and/or after the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water prior to the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water during the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water after the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum.

In some embodiments, step (c) includes screening the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

• (i) Extraktion eines Tabakmaterials mit einer wässrigen Lösung, um ein festes Tabakmaterial und einen Tabakextrakt zu erhalten;
• (ii) Behandlung des festen Tabakmaterials mit einer ätzenden Wäsche, um einen Tabakbrei zu erhalten;
• (iii) Bleichen des Tabakbreis mit einer Lösung, die eine starke Base, ein Oxidationsmittel oder eine Kombination davon enthält, um einen gebleichten Tabakbrei zu erhalten; und
• (iv) Trocknen des gebleichten Tabakbreis zur Gewinnung eines gebleichten Tabakmaterials.

In some embodiments, steps (a) and (b) of the method include the following steps:

• (i) extracting a tobacco material with an aqueous solution to obtain a tobacco solid material and a tobacco extract;
• (ii) treating the solid tobacco material with a caustic wash to obtain a tobacco pulp;
• (iii) bleaching the tobacco pulp with a solution containing a strong base, an oxidizing agent or a combination thereof to obtain a bleached tobacco pulp; and
• (iv) drying the bleached tobacco pulp to obtain a bleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises grinding the tobacco material prior to the extracting step such that at least 50% by weight of the ground tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, for example from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, for example from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, for example from about 2 mm to about 5mm. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution as the resulting bleached tobacco material, e.g. B. measured by sieve analysis.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises hydrolyzing the tobacco pulp with acid prior to step (ii). The acid can be sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the caustic comprises sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, bleaching step (iii) comprises treatment with a strong base and an oxidizing agent, wherein the molar ratio of the amount of strong base to the amount of oxidizing agent is from about 1:1 to about 1:100. In some embodiments bleaching step (iii) comprises treatment with one or more of peracetic acid, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

In some embodiments, steps (a) and (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material include steps as set out in US 16/227,742 are described, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by the disclosed method. In some embodiments, the invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by the method described above, wherein the smokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 50 mm exhibit. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco material that comprises less than about 4% by weight fermentable carbohydrates, calculated on the total dry weight of the bleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is as described in any of the embodiments described above.

The invention will now be further illustrated in the following non-limiting examples.

examples

example 1

1. 1. Ungebleichtes Tabakmaterial wurde auf eine Länge und/oder Breite von etwa 1 mm bis etwa 10 mm zugeschnitten.
2. 2. Das Tabakmaterial wurde mit einem mechanischen Defibrillator defibriert.
3. 3. Das zerfaserte Tabakmaterial wurde unter den folgenden Bedingungen einer Säurewäsche mit Schwefelsäure unterzogen:
   • Zellstoffkonzentration: 5%
   • Temperatur: 50°C
   • Dauer: 60 Minuten
   • pH-Wert 2,5
4. 4. Das Tabakmaterial wurde dann unter den folgenden Bedingungen gebleicht: Zellstoffkonzentration: 12% Temperatur: 80°C Zeit: 150 Minuten 100 kg Peroxyessigsäure/Tonne Tabakmaterial pH-Wert: 4-6
5. 5. Das Material wurde dann in einer Zentrifuge entwässert und anschließend unter folgenden Bedingungen mit EDTA chelatisiert:
   • Zellstoffkonzentration: 5%
   • Temperatur 70°C
   • Dauer: 60 Minuten
   • pH-Wert: 5,5
   • 5 kg EDTA/Tonne Tabakmaterial
6. 6. Anschließend wurde eine zweite Bleichphase unter den folgenden Bedingungen durchgeführt:
   • Zellstoffkonzentration: 12%
   • Temperatur: 90°C
   • Dauer: 240 Minuten
   • 50 kg Wasserstoffperoxid/Tonne Tabakmaterial
   • pH 10,5-11,5 - reguliert mit NaOH
   • 10 kg MgSO ₄/Tonne Tabakmaterial
7. 7. Die Zusammensetzung wurde dann in einer Zentrifuge entwässert.
8. 8. Schließlich wurde das Tabakmaterial so gesiebt, dass mindestens 50 % des gebleichten Tabakmaterials eine Partikelgröße von 2 mm bis 5 mm aufweisen.

A bleached tobacco material was produced by the following method:

1. 1. Unbleached tobacco material was cut to a length and/or width of from about 1mm to about 10mm.
2. 2. The tobacco material was defibrated with a mechanical defibrillator.
3. 3. The tobacco shredded material was acid washed with sulfuric acid under the following conditions:
   • Pulp concentration: 5%
   • Temperature: 50°C
   • Duration: 60 minutes
   • pH 2.5
4. 4. The tobacco material was then bleached under the following conditions: Pulp concentration: 12% Temperature: 80°C Time: 150 minutes 100 kg peracetic acid/ton tobacco material pH: 4-6
5. 5. The material was then dehydrated in a centrifuge and then chelated with EDTA under the following conditions:
   • Pulp concentration: 5%
   • Temperature 70°C
   • Duration: 60 minutes
   • pH: 5.5
   • 5 kg EDTA/ton tobacco material
6. 6. A second phase of bleaching was then carried out under the following conditions:
   • Pulp concentration: 12%
   • Temperature: 90°C
   • Duration: 240 minutes
   • 50 kg hydrogen peroxide/ton tobacco material
   • pH 10.5-11.5 - regulated with NaOH
   • 10 kg MgSO ₄ /ton tobacco material
7. 7. The composition was then dewatered in a centrifuge.
8. 8. Finally, the tobacco material was screened so that at least 50% of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of 2 mm to 5 mm.

example 2

A smokeless tobacco composition is made with the following composition: ingredient weight percent water 54 Microcrystalline cellulose 36 Bleached tobacco material from Example 1 2 sodium chloride 3 guar gum 3 nicotine 0.2 sodium alginate 0.8 flavor enhancer 0.5 sodium bicarbonate 0.5

• 9. Das gebleichte Tabakmaterial wird mit Guarkernmehl, Salz, Natriumbicarbonat und mikrokristalliner Cellulose vermischt.
• 10. Die Alginatzusammensetzung wird durch Auflösen des Alginats in Wasser hergestellt.
• 11. Die Alginatzusammensetzung wird dann mit dem gebleichten Tabakmaterial und anderen trockenen Zutaten über Sprühdüsen unter hohem Druck vermischt. Die resultierende Mischung wird gerührt.
• 12. Anschließend werden Nikotin und Aromastoffe hinzugefügt und gemischt.

The composition is prepared according to the method described for Example 1, but with the following additional steps:

• 9. The bleached tobacco material is mixed with guar gum, salt, sodium bicarbonate and microcrystalline cellulose.
• 10. The alginate composition is prepared by dissolving the alginate in water.
• 11. The alginate composition is then mixed with the bleached tobacco material and other dry ingredients via high pressure spray nozzles. The resulting mixture is stirred.
• 12. Nicotine and flavorings are then added and mixed.

It has been found that the smokeless tobacco composition can be easily chewed by the user without crumbling or dissolving in the user's mouth. The product has a soft, doughy texture when chewed and is easily moulded/chewed. It also turned out that Product has a desirable rate of release of the active ingredients into the oral cavity of the user when subjected to mechanical pressure by chewing.

The various embodiments described herein are for understanding and teaching the features claimed. These embodiments are presented only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined in the claims or limitations on equivalents of the claims and that other embodiments may be employed and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., not specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may cover other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• WO 2015/150506 [0019, 0022, 0086]
• WO 2010/114445 [0047]
• WO 2018/083114 [0088]
• US16227742 [0099]

Claims (19)

A smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. Smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 1 wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. Smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 1 until 3 wherein the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 1 until 4 wherein the bleached tobacco material comprises fermentable carbohydrates in an amount less than about 4% by weight of the bleached tobacco material. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 1 until 5 which further comprises an alginate composition dispersed in the smokeless tobacco composition, the alginate composition comprising water and a salt of alginic acid. Smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 6 wherein the salt of alginic acid is selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate, ammonium alginate, and mixtures thereof. Smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the alginate composition includes an alginate matrix that retains at least a major portion of an added substance while the matrix is intact, and wherein the alginate matrix is shaped to dissolve in the chemical and physical environment present in a user's mouth and/or decays. Smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 8 , in which the added substance is an active ingredient, such as. B. nicotine. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 1 until 9 , which also contains guar gum. Smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 10 wherein the guar gum is present in an amount from about 1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. Smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the guar gum is present in an amount from about 2% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 1 until 12 wherein the smokeless tobacco composition contains water in an amount from about 40% to about 60% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 1 until 13 wherein the smokeless tobacco composition contains nicotine in addition to the nicotine naturally present in the bleached tobacco material. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 1 until 14 wherein the smokeless tobacco composition is an oral smokeless tobacco composition, such as chewing tobacco. A smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by a process including the steps of: (a) providing unbleached tobacco material; (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material; and (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. Smokeless tobacco composition according to Claim 16 wherein the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the step of: treating the unbleached tobacco material with an effective amount of a bleaching agent. Smokeless tobacco composition according to Claim 17 wherein the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the steps of: (i) treating unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH with an acid; and (ii) contacting the unbleached tobacco material with a bleaching agent at a temperature ranging from about 50°C to about 95°C. A smokeless tobacco composition according to any one of Claims 16 until 18 wherein at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm.