EP4687503A1

EP4687503A1 - Functionalized fleece material production

Info

Publication number: EP4687503A1
Application number: EP24717791.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jerry Wayne Pipes; Balager Ademe; Michael Andrew Zawadzki; Nicolas VON COSMOS; Brandon Scott DARROW; Charlotte Rucker SMITH; Paul Stuart Chapman
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-31
Filing date: 2024-03-27
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: WO2024201346A1

Abstract

The disclosure of this application provides systems and methods for producing a pouched product, including functionalization of a fleece material (e.g., with an active agent, flavorant, or colorant). Following functionalization, the fleece material can be fed to an in-line pouching machine to introduce an oral composition into a cavity formed by the functionalized fleece material and form the pouched product. Such systems and methods can provide for production of pouched products with straightforward modifications to both the inner and outer compositions of the pouched product.

Description

FUNCTIONALIZED FLEECE MATERIAL PRODUCTION

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to oral products intended for human use. The products are configured for oral use and deliver substances such as flavors and/or active ingredients during use. Such products may include tobacco or a product derived from tobacco, or may be tobacco-free alternatives.

BACKGROUND

There are many categories of products intended for oral use and enjoyment. For example, oral tobacco products containing nicotine, which is known to have both stimulant and anxiolytic properties, have been available for many years. Conventional formats for so-called “smokeless” tobacco products include moist snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco, which are typically formed almost entirely of particulate, granular, or shredded tobacco, and which are either portioned by the user or presented to the user in individual portions, such as in single-use pouches or sachets. See for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in US Pat. Nos. 6,668,839 to Williams; 6,834,654 to Williams; 6,953,040 to Atchley et al.; 7,032,601 to Atchley et al.; and 7,694,686 to Atchley et al.; 7,810,507 to Dube et al.; 7,819,124 to Strickland et al.; 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 7,901,512 to Quinter et al.; 8,627,828 to Strickland et al.; 11,246,334 to Atchley, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, traditional tobacco materials and non-tobacco materials have been combined with other ingredients to form product formats distinct from traditional smokeless products, with example formats including lozenges, pastilles, gels, and the like. See, for example, the types of products described in US Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2008/0196730 to Engstrom et al.; 2008/0305216 to Crawford et al.; 2009/0293889 to Kumar et al.; 2010/0291245 to Gao et al; 2011/0139164 to Mua et al.; 2012/0037175 to Cantrell et al.; 2012/0055494 to Hunt et al.; 2012/0138073 to Cantrell et al.; 2012/0138074 to Cantrell et al.; 2013/0074855 to Holton, Jr.; 2013/0074856 to Holton, Jr.; 2013/0152953 to Mua et al.; 2013/0274296 to Jackson et al.; 2015/0068545 to Moldoveanu et al.; 2015/0101627 to Marshall et al.; and 2015/0230515 to Lampe et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

There is continuing interest in the development of new types of oral products that deliver advantageous sensorial or biological activity. Such products typically contain flavorants and/or active ingredients such as nicotine, caffeine, botanicals, or cannabidiol. The format of such products can vary, and include pouched products containing a powdered or granular composition, lozenges, pastilles, liquids, gels, emulsions, meltable compositions, and the like. See, for example, the types of products described in US Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2022/0160675 to Gerardi et al.; 2022/0071984 to Poole et al.; 2021/0378948 to Gerardi et al.; 2021/0330590 to Hutchens et al.; 2021/0186081 to Gerardi et al.; 2021/0177754 to Keller et al; 2021/0177043 to Gerardi et al.; 2021/0177038 to Gerardi et al.; 2021/0169867 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2021/0169792 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2021/0169132 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2021/0169121 to St. Charles, and 2021/0169122 to St. Charles, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. BRIEF SUMMARY

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

According to the present disclosure, processes and systems for pouched products are provided, which specifically allow for the production of a functionalized fleece material used to enclose an oral composition. Functionalized fleece materials as provided herein include fleece materials treated with a sensory additive such as a flavoring or active agent and decorative fleece materials treated with a colorant, e.g. , to provide a particular pattern therein/thereon. Allowing for functionalization of a fleece material in line with pouch production provides various benefits, e.g., being able to use any type of base fleece material and functionalizing it (e.g., with a specific flavoring, active agent, or pattern, e.g., logo or text) as desired for the preparation of a particular type of pouched product, such as for one production order. Such a cohesive system/method results in not having to store numerous different bobbins with different types of fleeces and different types of functionalization (including flavor, activity, and/or decorative features) thereon.

The disclosure includes, without limitation, the following embodiments:

Embodiment 1 : A method for producing a pouched product, comprising: providing a fleece material; functionalizing the fleece material by applying an additive-containing liquid thereto to give a functionalized fleece material; and directly feeding the functionalized fleece material to an in-line pouching machine to introduce an oral composition into a cavity formed by the functionalized fleece material and form the pouched product.

Embodiment 2: The method of Embodiment 1, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of an active ingredient, a flavorant, and a colorant.

Embodiment 3 : The method of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of a nicotine component, botanicals, stimulants, nutraceuticals, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, cannabimimetics, terpenes, and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 4: The method of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a flavorant selected from the group consisting of vanilla, coffee, chocolate/cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, Wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey,jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, and any combination thereof.

Embodiment 5: The method of any of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a sensate. Embodiment 6: The method of Embodiment 5, wherein the sensate is selected from the group consisting of capsaicin, citric acid, menthol, Sichuan buttons, erythritol, cubebol, vanillyl butyl ether, jambu, spilanthol, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, WS-3 (N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(l-methylethyl)-cyclohexane carboxamide), WS-23 (N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide), WS-5 (N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3- carboxamide), EVERCOOL™ 180 ((lR,2S,5R)-N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)menthylcarboxamide ), EVERCOOL™ 190 ((lR,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide), monomenthyl succinate, monomethylglutarate, dimethylglutarate, and any combination thereof.

Embodiment 7: The method of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a colorant.

Embodiment 8: The method of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the applying comprises applying the additive-containing liquid on an entire surface of the fleece material.

Embodiment 9: The method of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the applying comprises applying the additive-containing liquid in a pattern (e.g., a predetermined pattern) on a surface of the fleece material.

Embodiment 10: The method of Embodiment 9, wherein the pattern comprises one or more stripes on the surface of the fleece material.

Embodiment 11: The method of Embodiment 9, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a colorant and the pattern comprises a logo or text.

Embodiment 12: The method of any of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises water.

Embodiment 13: The method of any of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the additive-containing liquid further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of surfactants, pH adjusters, plasticizers, binders, and any combination thereof.

Embodiment 14: The method of any of Embodiments 1-13, wherein the oral composition comprises at least one of an active agent and a flavorant in an amount of at least about 0.5% by weight of the oral composition; and a filler in an amount of at least about 30% by weight of the oral composition.

Embodiment 15: The method of Embodiment 14, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of a sugar substitute, microcrystalline cellulose, and a combination thereof.

Embodiment 16: The method of any of Embodiments 1-15, wherein the fleece material comprises one or more dissolvable fibers, and in particular, wherein the fleece material comprises polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

Embodiment 17: The method of any of Embodiments 1-16, wherein the fleece material comprises fibers with a binder component associated therewith, and in particular, wherein the binder component comprises a starch-based binder.

Embodiment 18: The method of any of Embodiments 1-15, wherein the fleece material is in the form of a bobbin of fleece material.

Embodiment 19: The method of any of Embodiments 1-16, wherein the method is a continuous method for the production of numerous pouched products. Embodiment 20: The method of any of Embodiments 1-19, wherein the applying results in the additive-containing liquid being adsorbed on a surface of the fleece material.

Embodiment 21: The method of any of Embodiments 1-20, wherein the applying results in the additive-containing liquid being absorbed within the fleece material.

Embodiment 22: A pouched product prepared by the method of any of Embodiments 1-21.

Embodiment 23 : A system for producing a pouched product, comprising: a first unit configured to apply an additive-containing liquid to a fleece material to give a functionalized fleece material; and a second unit configured to form a pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece material and an oral composition contained therein, wherein the first unit and second unit are in-line with one another.

Embodiment 24: The system of Embodiment 23, further comprising one or more components to direct the functionalized fleece material directly into the second unit.

Embodiment 25 : The system of Embodiment 23 or 24, further comprising a bobbin around which the functionalized fleece can be wrapped prior to being directed into the second unit.

Embodiment 26: The system of any of Embodiments 23-25, wherein the first unit is a sprayer.

Embodiment 27: The system of any of Embodiments 23-25, wherein the first unit is a printer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are example only, and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a non-limiting flow chart of a process according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a non-limiting example of a pattern that can be applied to a pouch material according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a non-limiting schematic of a system according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a non-limiting fleece-based pouched product according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The disclosure generally provides methods and systems for producing products configured for oral use. The term "configured for oral use" as used herein means that the product is provided in a form such that during use, saliva in the mouth of the user causes one or more of the components of the product (e.g., flavoring agents and/or active ingredient) to pass into the mouth of the user. In certain embodiments, the product is adapted to deliver one or more components to a user through mucous membranes in the user's mouth and, in some instances, said component is an active ingredient (including, but not limited to, for example, nicotine) that can be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth when the product is used. As provided herein, the products are generally in the form of pouched products. A pouched product is a product comprising an outer water-permeable container in the form of a pouch which contains a material adapted for oral use therein (e.g., a particulate mixture adapted for oral use). The orientation, size, composition, and type of outer water-permeable pouch and the type and nature of the composition adapted for oral use that are illustrated herein are not to be construed as limiting thereof.

The disclosure more specifically provides methods and systems for modifying a fleece material to be employed as an outer water-permeable container (such as those employed in pouched products) to associate one or more additives therewith. In certain embodiments, the method can involve applying the one or more additives to a surface of the fleece material to be used as an outer water-permeable container for a pouched product so as to provide immediate additive delivery from the surface of the fleece material (e.g., flavoring agent and/or active ingredient) to the user when the pouched product is inserted into the oral cavity. In certain embodiments, the method can involve applying one or more colorants to a surface of the fleece material to be used as an outer water-permeable container for a pouched product so as to provide a desired design (e.g., logo or text) thereon. These modified fleece materials are referred to herein as “functionalized fleece” materials, which includes, e.g., fleece materials treated with a flavoring and/or active agent and decorated/decorative fleece materials treated with a colorant.

As provided in FIG. 1, Step 10 comprises providing an additive-containing liquid; Step 12 comprises providing a fleece material; Step 14 comprises applying the additive-containing liquid to the fleece to give a functionalized fleece material; and Step 16 comprises forming a pouched product from the functionalized fleece material, e.g., by enclosing an oral composition therein. Steps 14 and 16 are advantageously conducted in line with one another, such that the functionalized fleece material can be used directly for the production of an oral composition, i.e., the fleece material functionalization can be conducted during the general pouch production process. These steps of the disclosed process will be described in further detail in turn herein below. Step 10: Providing an additive-containing liquid

Step 10 comprises providing an additive-containing liquid. The additive-containing liquid can vary, but generally comprises one or more additives to be applied to the fleece material and one or more solvents in which the one or more additives are at least partially soluble. As such, in certain embodiments, the additive-containing liquid is a solution. In other embodiments, the additive-containing liquid is a suspension or a dispersion. In certain embodiments, the additive-containing liquid comprises water. In certain embodiments, the additive-containing liquid comprises an alcohol (e.g., ethanol). The additive(s) can vary and can be, in some embodiments, selected from flavoring agents, colorants, active ingredients, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid consists or consists essentially of the one or more additives and the one or more solvents. In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquids can further comprise one or more additional components, e.g., processing aids, including, but not limited to, emulsifiers, dispersants, solubilizers, and/or surfactants. Examples of surfactants and emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids, glycerol esters, poly glycerol esters, lecithin, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (polysorbates), propylene glycol fatty acid esters, and combinations thereof.

Suitable flavorants that can be optionally included within the additive-containing liquid in some embodiments (and thus that can be components of the functionalized fleece) are not particularly limited. As used herein, a "flavoring agent" or "flavorant" is any flavorful or aromatic substance capable of altering the sensory characteristics associated with the fleece and/or the oral product comprising the fleece. Examples of sensory characteristics that can be modified by the flavoring agent include taste, mouthfeel, moistness, coolness/heat, and/or fragrance/aroma. Flavoring agents may be natural or synthetic, and the character of the flavors imparted thereby may be described, without limitation, as fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionary, floral, fruity, or spicy. Specific types of flavors include, but are not limited to, vanilla, coffee, chocolate/cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, Wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey,jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, trigeminal sensates, terpenes, and any combinations thereof. See also, Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (1972), which is incorporated herein by reference. Flavoring agents may comprise components such as terpenes, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and the like. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent is a trigeminal sensate. As used herein, "trigeminal sensate" refers to a flavoring agent which has an effect on the trigeminal nerve, producing sensations including heating, cooling, tingling, and the like. Nonlimiting examples of trigeminal sensate flavoring agents include capsaicin, citric acid, menthol, Sichuan buttons, erythritol, and cubebol. Flavorings also may include components that are considered moistening, cooling or smoothening agents, such as eucalyptus, WS-3 (N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(l-methylethyl)-cyclohexane carboxamide), WS-23 (N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide), WS-5 (N-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p- menthane-3 -carboxamide), EVERCOOL™ 180 ((lR,2S,5R)-N-(4- (cyanomethyl)phenyl)menthylcarboxamide ), EVERCOOL™ 190 ((lR,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2- yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the flavoring agents are sensates, e.g., selected from vanillyl butyl ether (VBE), jambii (acmella oleracea) or components thereof, spilanthol, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, monomenthyl succinate, mono- and dimethylglutarate, and others. These flavors may be provided neat (i.e., alone) or in a composite, and may be employed as concentrates or flavor packages (e.g., spearmint and menthol, orange and cinnamon; lime, pineapple, and the like). Representative types of components also are set forth in US Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0244521 to Strickland et al.; and PCT Application Pub. No. WO 05/041699 to Quinter et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some instances, the flavoring agent may be provided in a spray -dried form or a liquid form.

The flavoring agent can comprise at least one volatile flavor component. As used herein, "volatile" refers to a chemical substance that forms a vapor readily at ambient temperatures (i.e., a chemical substance that has a high vapor pressure at a given temperature relative to a nonvolatile substance). Typically, a volatile flavor component has a molecular weight below about 400 Da, and often include at least one carbon-carbon double bond, carbon-oxy gen double bond, or both. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises one or more alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, terpenes, terpenoids, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of aldehydes include vanillin, ethyl vanillin, p-anisaldehyde, hexanal, furfural, isovaleraldehyde, cuminaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and citronellal. Non-limiting examples of ketones include 1 -hydroxy -2 -propanone and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2- cyclopentenone-l-one. Non-limiting examples of esters include allyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, and 3 -methylbutyl acetate. Non-limiting examples of terpenes include sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-famesene, nerolidol, thujone, myrcene, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalool, and eucalyptol. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises one or more of ethyl vanillin, cinnamaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-famesene, or citral. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises ethyl vanillin.

Where the additive-containing liquid comprises a flavorant, the flavorant is generally provided in a concentration sufficient to endow the fleece material with flavor and/or aroma. It is noted that various details of the process as described herein below may allow for different concentrations of flavorant to be considered suitable for this purpose. For example, where a greater amount of the additive-containing liquid is applied to the fleece material, it may be possible to use an additive-containing liquid with a lower concentration of flavorant to give a comparable result. As such, the concentration of flavorant within the additive-containing liquid can vary widely, depending, for example, on the nature of the flavorant used, the amount of additivecontaining liquid applied, and the like. In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid includes a flavorant in an amount such that the (dried) functionalized fleece material comprises a flavorant in an amount of at least about 0.05% or at least about 0.1% by weight based on the weight of the functionalized fleece material. In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid includes a flavorant in an amount such that the (dried) functionalized fleece material comprises a flavorant in an amount of at least about 0.05% or at least about 0.1% by weight based on the weight of the entire pouched product into which the functionalized fleece is incorporated. Suitable colorants that can optionally be included within the additive-containing liquid in some embodiments (and thus that can be components of the functionalized fleece) are not particularly limited. A colorant may optionally be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes to the fleece material. Examples of colorants include various dyes and pigments, such as caramel coloring and titanium dioxide. A colorant is generally employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes to the fleece material. As such, the amount of colorant utilized in the additive-containing liquid can vary.

Suitable active ingredients that can be optionally included within the additive-containing liquid in some embodiments (and thus that can be components of the functionalized fleece) are also not particularly limited. As used herein, an "active ingredient" refers to one or more substances belonging to any of the following categories: API (active pharmaceutical ingredient), food additives, natural medicaments, and naturally occurring substances that can have an effect on humans. Example active ingredients include any ingredient known to impact one or more biological functions within the body, such as ingredients that furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or which affect the structure or any function of the body of humans (e.g., provide a stimulating action on the central nervous system, have an energizing effect, an antipyretic or analgesic action, or an otherwise useful effect on the body). In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be of the type generally referred to as dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, "phytochemicals" or "functional foods." These types of additives are sometimes defined in the art as encompassing substances typically available from naturally -occurring sources (e.g., botanical materials) that provide one or more advantageous biological effects (e.g., health promotion, disease prevention, or other medicinal properties), but are not classified or regulated as drugs.

Non-limiting examples of active ingredients include those falling in the categories of botanical ingredients, stimulants, amino acids, nicotine components, and/or pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and medicinal ingredients (e.g., vitamins, such as A, B3, B6, B12, and C, and/or cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)). Each of these categories is further described herein below. The particular choice of active ingredients will vary depending upon the desired flavor and desired characteristics of the particular fleece material and/or pouched oral product comprising the functionalized fleece material.

In certain embodiments, the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of caffeine, taurine, GABA, theanine, vitamin C, lemon balm extract, ginseng, citicoline, sunflower lecithin, and combinations thereof. For example, the active ingredient can include a combination of caffeine, theanine, and optionally ginseng. In another embodiment, the active ingredient includes a combination of theanine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), and lemon balm extract. In a further embodiment, the active ingredient includes theanine, theanine and tryptophan, or theanine and one or more B vitamins (e.g., vitamin B6 or B 12). In a still further embodiment, the active ingredient includes a combination of caffeine, taurine, and vitamin C. Furthermore, any of the types of active ingredients described herein may be encapsulated in the additive-containing liquid, the functionalized fleece material, an oral pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece material, or two or more thereof to avoid chemical degradation (e.g., where the active ingredient is sensitive to oxidative, photolytic, thermal, or evaporative degradation during processing or upon storage of the oral product) or to reduce strong taste of these actives, including but not limited to caffeine, Vitamin A, and iron (Fe). Additionally, these encapsulated actives may need to be paired with an excipient in the additive-containing liquid and/or functionalized fleece material to increase their solubility and/or bioavailability. Non-limiting examples of these excipients include beta-carotene, lycopene, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Co-enzyme Q10, Vitamin K, and curcumin.

The particular percentages of active ingredients, where present, will vary depending upon the desired characteristics of the particular product. Typically, an active ingredient or combination thereof is present in a total concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of a pouched product, such as in a range from about 0.001% to about 20%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient or combination of active ingredients is present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.5% w/w to about 10%, from about 1% to about 10%, from about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece. In some embodiments, the active ingredient or combination of active ingredients is present in a concentration of from about 0.001%, about 0.01%, about 0.1% , or about 1%, up to about 20% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.001%, about 0.002%, about 0.003%, about 0.004%, about 0.005%, about 0.006%, about 0.007%, about 0.008%, about 0.009%, about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece. Further suitable ranges for specific active ingredients are provided herein below.

It is to be understood that the concentration of the active ingredient, where included in the additivecontaining liquid, can vary within the additive-containing liquid and can be selected so as to provide the desired weight of active ingredient within the (dried) functionalized fleece, taking into consideration the processing parameters, e.g., how much of the additive-containing liquid is applied to the fleece material. It is noted that the active ingredient concentration ranges disclosed herein, in some embodiments, may represent a combination of active ingredient(s) within the functionalized fleece material and active ingredient(s) in the particulate composition within the pouched product. Botanical

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a botanical ingredient. As used herein, the term "botanical ingredient" or "botanical" refers to any plant material or fungal-derived material, including plant material in its natural form and plant material derived from natural plant materials, such as extracts or isolates from plant materials or treated plant materials (e.g., plant materials subjected to heat treatment, fermentation, bleaching, or other treatment processes capable of altering the physical and/or chemical nature of the material). For the purposes of the present disclosure, a "botanical" includes, but is not limited to, "herbal materials," which refer to seed-producing plants that do not develop persistent woody tissue and are often valued for their medicinal or sensory characteristics (e.g., teas or tisanes). Reference to botanical material as "non-tobacco" is intended to exclude tobacco materials (i.e., does not include any Nicotiana species). In some embodiments, the products as disclosed herein can be characterized as free of any tobacco material (e.g., any embodiment as disclosed herein may be completely or substantially free of any tobacco material). By "substantially free" is meant that no tobacco material has been intentionally added. For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than 0.001% by weight of tobacco, or less than 0.0001%, or even 0% by weight of tobacco.

When present, a botanical is typically at a concentration of from about 0.01% w/w to about 10% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.01% w/w, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, or about 0.5%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein.

The botanical materials useful in the present disclosure may comprise, without limitation, any of the compounds and sources set forth herein, including mixtures thereof. Certain botanical materials of this type are sometimes referred to as dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, "phytochemicals" or "functional foods." Certain botanicals, as the plant material or an extract thereof, have found use in traditional herbal medicine, and are described further herein. Non-limiting examples of botanicals or botanical-derived materials include ashwagandha, Bacopa monniera, baobab, basil, Centella asiatica, Chai-hu, chamomile, cherry blossom, chlorophyll, cinnamon, citrus, cloves, cocoa, cordyceps, curcumin, damiana, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia odorata, essential oils, eucalyptus, fennel, Galphimia glauca, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng (e.g., Panax ginseng), green tea, Griffonia simplicifolia, guarana, cannabis, hemp, hops, jasmine, Kaempferia parviflora (Thai ginseng), kava, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, licorice, lutein, maca, matcha, Nardostachys chinensis, oil-based extract of Viola odorata, peppermint, quercetin, resveratrol, Rhizoma gastrodiae, Rhodiola, rooibos, rose essential oil, rosemary, Sceletium tortuosum, Schisandra, Skullcap, spearmint extract, Spikenard, terpenes, tisanes, turmeric, Turnera aphrodisiaca, valerian, white mulberry, and Yerba mate.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises lemon balm. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a mildly lemon-scented herb from the same family as mint (Lamiaceae). The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. The tea of lemon balm, as well as the essential oil and the extract, are used in traditional and alternative medicine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises lemon balm extract. In some embodiments, the lemon balm extract is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the (dried) functionalized fleece.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises ginseng. Ginseng is the root of plants of the genus Panax, which are characterized by the presence of unique steroid saponin phytochemicals (ginsenosides) and gintonin. Ginseng finds use as a dietary supplement in energy drinks or herbal teas, and in traditional medicine. Cultivated species include Korean ginseng (P. ginseng), South China ginseng (P. notoginseng), and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius). American ginseng and Korean ginseng vary in the type and quantity of various ginsenosides present. In some embodiments, the ginseng is American ginseng or Korean ginseng. In specific embodiments, the active ingredient comprises Korean ginseng. In some embodiments, ginseng is present in an amount of from about 0.4 to about 0.6% by weight, based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein.

Stimulants

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises one or more stimulants. As used herein, the term "stimulant" refers to a material that increases activity of the central nervous system and/or the body, for example, enhancing focus, cognition, vigor, mood, alertness, and the like. Non-limiting examples of stimulants include caffeine, theacrine, theobromine, and theophylline. Theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) is a purine alkaloid which is structurally related to caffeine, and possesses stimulant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Present stimulants may be natural, naturally derived, or wholly synthetic. For example, certain botanical materials (guarana, tea, coffee, cocoa, and the like) may possess a stimulant effect by virtue of the presence of e.g., caffeine or related alkaloids, and accordingly are "natural" stimulants. By "naturally derived" is meant the stimulant (e.g., caffeine, theacrine) is in a purified form, outside its natural (e.g., botanical) matrix. For example, caffeine can be obtained by extraction and purification from botanical sources (e.g., tea). By "wholly synthetic", it is meant that the stimulant has been obtained by chemical synthesis. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises caffeine. In some embodiments, the caffeine is present in an encapsulated form. On example of an encapsulated caffeine is Vitashure®, available from Balchem Corp., 52 Sunrise Park Road, New Hampton, NY, 10958.

When present, a stimulant or combination of stimulants (e.g., caffeine, theacrine, and combinations thereof) is typically at a concentration of from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the fleece material or based on the total weight of a pouched product comprising the fleece material. In some embodiments, the composition comprises caffeine in an amount of from about 1.5 to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein.

Amino acids

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises an amino acid. As used herein, the term "amino acid" refers to an organic compound that contains amine (-NH₂) and carboxyl (-COOH) or sulfonic acid (SO3H) functional groups, along with a side chain (R group), which is specific to each amino acid. Amino acids may be proteinogenic or non-proteinogenic. By "proteinogenic" is meant that the amino acid is one of the twenty naturally occurring amino acids found in proteins. The proteinogenic amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. By "non-proteinogenic" is meant that either the amino acid is not found naturally in protein, or is not directly produced by cellular machinery (e.g., is the product of post-translational modification). Non-limiting examples of non-proteinogenic amino acids include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine (2- aminoethanesulfonic acid), theanine (L-y-ghitamyletbylamide), hydroxyproline, and beta-alanine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises theanine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises GABA. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a combination of theanine and GABA. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of theanine, GABA, and lemon balm. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of caffeine, theanine, and ginseng. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises taurine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of caffeine and taurine.

When present, an amino acid or combination of amino acids (e.g., theanine, GABA, and combinations thereof) is typically at a concentration of from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein. Vitamins

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a vitamin or combination of vitamins. As used herein, the term "vitamin" refers to an organic molecule (or related set of molecules) that is an essential micronutrient needed for the proper functioning of metabolism in a mammal. There are thirteen vitamins required by human metabolism, which are: vitamin A (as all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl-esters, as well as all-trans-beta-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B 1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate), vitamin B 12 (cobalamins), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (calciferols), vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and vitamin K (quinones). In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises vitamin C. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of vitamin C, caffeine, and taurine.

When present, a vitamin or combination of vitamins (e.g., vitamin B6, vitamin B 12, vitamin E, vitamin C, or a combination thereof) is typically at a concentration of from about 0.01% w/w to about 6% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, or about 0.1% w/w, to about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5% , or about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein.

Antioxidants

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises one or more antioxidants. As used herein, the term "antioxidant" refers to a substance which prevents or suppresses oxidation by terminating free radical reactions, and may delay or prevent some types of cellular damage. Antioxidants may be naturally occurring or synthetic. Naturally occurring antioxidants include those found in foods and botanical materials. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include certain botanical materials, vitamins, polyphenols, and phenol derivatives.

Examples of botanical materials which are associated with antioxidant characteristics include without limitation acai berry, alfalfa, allspice, annatto seed, apricot oil, basil, bee balm, wild bergamot, black pepper, blueberries, borage seed oil, bugleweed, cacao, calamus root, catnip, catuaba, cayenne pepper, chaga mushroom, chervil, cinnamon, dark chocolate, potato peel, grape seed, ginseng, gingko biloba, Saint John's Wort, saw palmetto, green tea, black tea, black cohosh, cayenne, chamomile, cloves, cocoa powder, cranberry, dandelion, grapefruit, honeybush, echinacea, garlic, evening primrose, feverfew, ginger, goldenseal, hawthorn, hibiscus flower, jiaogulan, kava, lavender, licorice, maijoram, milk thistle, mints (menthe), oolong tea, beet root, orange, oregano, papaya, pennyroyal, peppermint, red clover, rooibos (red or green), rosehip, rosemary, sage, clary sage, savory, spearmint, spirulina, slippery elm bark, sorghum bran hi- tannin, sorghum grain hi-tannin, sumac bran, comfrey leaf and root, goji berries, gutu kola, thyme, turmeric, uva ursi, valerian, wild yam root, Wintergreen, yacon root, yellow dock, yerba mate, yerba santa, bacopa monniera, withania somnifera, Lion’s mane, and silybum marianum. Such botanical materials may be provided in fresh or dry form, essential oils, or may be in the form of an extracts. The botanical materials (as well as their extracts) often include compounds from various classes known to provide antioxidant effects, such as minerals, vitamins, isoflavones, phytoesterols, allyl sulfides, dithiolthiones, isothiocyanates, indoles, lignans, flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Examples of compounds found in botanical extracts or oils include ascorbic acid, peanut endocarb, resveratrol, sulforaphane, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, coenzyme Q, carnitine, quercetin, kaempferol, and the like. See, e.g., Santhosh et al., Phytomedicine, 12(2005) 216-220, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Non-limiting examples of other suitable antioxidants include citric acid, Vitamin E or a derivative thereof, a tocopherol, epicatechol, epigallocatechol, epigallocatechol gallate, erythorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, 4-hexylresorcinol, theaflavin, theaflavin monogallate A or B, theaflavin digallate, phenolic acids, glycosides, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, polyphenols, catechols, resveratrols, oleuropein, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and combinations thereof.

When present, an antioxidant is typically at a concentration of from about 0.001% w/w to about 10% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.001%, about 0.005%, about 0.01% w/w, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, or about 0.5%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10%, based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein. Nicotine component

In certain embodiments, the additive-containing liquid (and thus, the functionalized fleece of the present disclosure) can include a nicotinic compound. Various nicotinic compounds, and methods for their administration, are set forth in US Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0274628 to Borschke, which is incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, “nicotinic compound” or “source of nicotine” often refers to naturally -occurring or synthetic nicotinic compound unbound from a plant material, meaning the compound is at least partially purified and not contained within a plant structure, such as a tobacco leaf. Most preferably, nicotine is naturally -occurring and obtained as an extract from a Nicotiana species (e.g., tobacco). The nicotine can have the enantiomeric form S(-)-nicotine, R(+)-nicotine, or a mixture of S(-)-nicotine and R(+) -nicotine. Most preferably, the nicotine is in the form of S(-)-nicotine (e.g., in a form that is virtually all S(-)-nicotine) or a racemic mixture composed primarily or predominantly of S(-)-nicotine (e.g., a mixture composed of about 95 weight parts S(-)-nicotine and about 5 weight parts R(+)-nicotine). Most preferably, the nicotine is employed in virtually pure form or in an essentially pure form. Highly preferred nicotine that is employed has a purity of greater than about 95 percent, more preferably greater than about 98 percent, and most preferably greater than about 99 percent, on a weight basis.

In certain embodiments, a nicotine component may be included in free base form, salt form, as a complex, or as a solvate. By "nicotine component" is meant any suitable form of nicotine (e.g., free base or salt) for providing oral absorption of at least a portion of the nicotine present. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base and a nicotine salt. In some embodiments, nicotine is in its free base form, which easily can be adsorbed in for example, a microcrystalline cellulose material to form a microcrystalline cellulose-nicotine carrier complex. See, for example, the discussion of nicotine in free base form in US Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0191322 to Hansson, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be employed in the form of a salt. Salts of nicotine can be provided using the types of ingredients and techniques set forth in US Pat. No. 2,033,909 to Cox et al. and Perfetti, Beitrage Tabakforschung Int., 12: 43-54 (1983), which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, salts of nicotine are available from sources such as Pfaltz and Bauer, Inc. and K&K Laboratories, Division of ICN Biochemicals, Inc. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base, a nicotine salt such as hydrochloride, dihydrochloride, monotartrate, bitartrate, sulfate, salicylate, and nicotine zinc chloride. In some embodiments, the nicotine component or a portion thereof is a nicotine salt with one or more organic acids.

For customer satisfaction, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a basic amine- containing oral product configured for oral use which retains the initial basic amine content (e.g., nicotine content) during storage, and which delivers substantially the full amount of basic amine (e.g., nicotine) initially present in the oral product. In some such embodiments, nicotine or other basic amine is employed in association with at least a portion of an organic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof (referred to herein as “ion pairing”). Embodiments of the functionalized fleeces and pouched products disclosed herein can comprise a basic amine, such as nicotine or a nicotine component and an organic acid, an alkali metal salt of an organic acid, or a combination thereof, wherein the organic acid has a logP value of from about 1.4 to about 8.0.

As disclosed herein, at least a portion of the basic amine (e.g., nicotine) is associated with at least a portion of the organic acid or the alkali metal salt thereof. It is noted that for the purposes of the present disclosure, the basic amine can be included in place of or in addition to other active ingredients described in more detail herein. Depending on multiple variables (concentration, pH, nature of the organic acid, and the like), the basic amine present in the composition can exist in multiple forms, including ion paired, in solution (i.e., fully solvated), as the free base, as a cation, as a salt, or any combination thereof. The relative amounts of the various components within the oral product composition may vary, and typically are selected so as to provide the desired sensory and performance characteristics to the oral product. In some embodiments, the association between the basic amine and at least a portion of the organic acid or the alkali metal salt thereof is in the form of an ion pair between the basic amine and a conjugate base of the organic acid.

Ion pairing describes the partial association of oppositely charged ions in relatively concentrated solutions to form distinct chemical species called ion pairs. The strength of the association (i.e., the ion pairing) depends on the electrostatic force of attraction between the positive and negative ions (i.e., a protonated basic amine such as nicotine, and the conjugate base of the organic acid). By "conjugate base" is meant the base resulting from deprotonation of the corresponding acid (e.g., benzoate is the conjugate base of benzoic acid). On average, a certain population of these ion pairs exists at any given time, although the formation and dissociation of ion pairs is continuous. In the oral products as disclosed herein, and/or upon oral use of said oral products (e.g., upon contact with saliva), the basic amine, for example nicotine, and the conjugate base of the organic acid exist at least partially in the form of an ion pair. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that such ion pairing may minimize chemical degradation of the basic amine and/or enhance the oral availability of the basic amine (e.g., nicotine). At alkaline pH values (e.g., such as from about 7.5 to about 9), certain basic amines, for example nicotine, are largely present in the free base form, which has relatively low water solubility, and low stability with respect to evaporation and oxidative decomposition, but high mucosal availability. Conversely, at acidic pH values (such as from about 6.5 to about 4), certain basic amines, for example nicotine, are largely present in a protonated form, which has relatively high water solubility, and higher stability with respect to evaporation and oxidative decomposition, but low mucosal availability. Surprisingly, it has been found that the properties of stability, solubility, and availability of the nicotine in a composition configured for oral use can be mutually enhanced through ion pairing or salt formation of nicotine with appropriate organic acids and/or their conjugate bases. Specifically, nicotine-organic acid ion pairs of moderate lipophilicity result in favorable stability and absorption properties. Lipophilicity is conveniently measured in terms of logP, the partition coefficient of a molecule between a lipophilic phase and an aqueous phase, usually octanol and water, respectively. An octanol-water partitioning favoring distribution of a basic amine-organic acid ion pair into octanol is predictive of good absorption of the basic amine present in the disclosed oral products through the oral mucosa.

As noted above, at alkaline pH values (e.g., such as from about 7.5 to about 9), nicotine is largely present in the free base form (and accordingly, a high partitioning into octanol), while at acidic pH values (such as from about 6.5 to about 4), nicotine is largely present in a protonated form (and accordingly, a low partitioning into octanol). An ion pair between certain organic acids (e.g., having a logP value of from about 1.4 to about 8.0. such as from about 1.4 to about 4.5, allows nicotine partitioning into octanol consistent with that predicted for nicotine partitioning into octanol at a pH of 8.4.

One of skill in the art will recognize that the extent of ion pairing in the disclosed additivecontaining solution applied to the fleece, which may be present both before use (e.g., during processing and during storage) and during use by the consumer, may vary based on, for example, pH, the nature of the organic acid, the concentration of nicotine, the concentration of the organic acid or conjugate base of the organic acid present in the composition, the moisture content of the composition, the ionic strength of the composition, and the like. One of skill in the art will also recognize that ion pairing is an equilibrium process influenced by the foregoing variables. Accordingly, quantification of the extent of ion pairing is difficult or impossible by calculation or direct observation. However, as disclosed herein, the presence of ion pairing may be demonstrated through surrogate measures such as partitioning of the nicotine between octanol and water or membrane permeation of aqueous solutions of the basic amine plus organic acids and/or their conjugate bases.

Organic acid

As used herein, the term "organic acid" refers to an organic (i.e., carbon-based) compound that is characterized by acidic properties. Typically, organic acids are relatively weak acids (i.e., they do not dissociate completely in the presence of water), such as carboxylic acids (-CO2H) or sulfonic acids (- SO2OH). As used herein, reference to organic acid means an organic acid that is intentionally added. In this regard, an organic acid may be intentionally added as a specific composition ingredient as opposed to merely being inherently present as a component of another ingredient (e.g., the small amount of organic acid which may inherently be present in another ingredient, such as a tobacco material).

Suitable organic acids will typically have a range of lipophilicities (i.e., a polarity giving an appropriate balance of water and organic solubility). Typically, lipophilicities of suitable organic acids, as indicated by logP, will vary between about 1 and about 12 (more soluble in octanol than in water). In some embodiments, the organic acid has a logP value from about 1 to about 12, e.g., from about 3.0, about 3.5, about 4.0, about 4.5, about 5.0, about 5.5, about 6.0, about 6.5, about 7.0, about 7.5, or about 8.0, to about 8.5, about 9.0, about 9.5, about 10.0, about 10.5, about 11.0, about 11.5, or about 12.0. In certain embodiments, lipophilicities of suitable organic acids, as indicated by logP, will vary between about 1.4 and about 4.5 (more soluble in octanol than in water). In some embodiments, the organic acid has a logP value of from about 1.5 to about 4.0, e.g., from about 1.5, about 2.0, about 2.5, or about 3.0, to about 3.5, about 4.0, about 4.5, or about 5.0. Particularly suitable organic acids have a logP value of from about 1.7 to about 4, such as from about 2.0, about 2.5, or about 3.0, to about 3.5, or about 4.0. In specific embodiments, the organic acid has a logP value of about 2.5 to about 3.5. In some embodiments, organic acids outside this range may also be utilized for various purposes and in various amounts, as described further herein below. For example, in some embodiments, the organic acid may have a logP value of greater than about 4.5, such as from about 4.5 to about 12.0. Particularly, the presence of certain solvents or solubilizing agents (e.g., inclusion in the composition of glycerin or propylene glycol) may extend the range of lipophilicity (i.e., values of logP higher than 4.5, such as from about 4.5 to about 12.0). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that moderately lipophilic organic acids (e.g., logP of from about 1.4 to about 4.5) produce ion pairs with nicotine which are of a polarity providing good octanol-water partitioning of the ion pair, and hence partitioning of nicotine, into octanol versus water. As discussed above, such partitioning into octanol is predictive of favorable oral availability.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is a carboxylic acid or a sulfonic acid. The carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid functional group may be attached to any alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group having, for example, from one to twenty carbon atoms (C1-C20). In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl carboxylic or sulfonic acid.

As used herein, "alkyl" refers to any straight chain or branched chain hydrocarbon. The alkyl group may be saturated (i.e., having all sp³ carbon atoms), or may be unsaturated (i.e., having at least one site of unsaturation). As used herein, the term "unsaturated" refers to the presence of a carbon-carbon, sp² double bond in one or more positions within the alkyl group. Unsaturated alkyl groups may be mono- or polyunsaturated. Representative straight chain alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n- propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl. Branched chain alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, isopropyl, sec -butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, and 2-methylbutyl. Representative unsaturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethylene or vinyl, allyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, isobutylenyl, 1 -pentenyl, 2 -pentenyl, 3 -methyl- 1-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, and the like. An alkyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted.

"Cycloalkyl" as used herein refers to a carbocyclic group, which may be mono- or bicyclic. Cycloalkyl groups include rings having 3 to 7 carbon atoms as a monocycle or 7 to 12 carbon atoms as a bicycle. Examples of monocyclic cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. A cycloalkyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted, and may include one or more sites of unsaturation (e.g., cyclopentenyl or cyclohexenyl).

The term "aryl" as used herein refers to a carbocyclic aromatic group. Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl and naphthyl. An aryl group can be unsubstituted or substituted.

"Heteroaryl" and "heterocycloalkyl" as used herein refer to an aromatic or non-aromatic ring system, respectively, in which one or more ring atoms is a heteroatom, e.g. nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl group comprises up to 20 carbon atoms and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. A heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl may be a monocycle having 3 to 7 ring members (for example, 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S) or a bicycle having 7 to 10 ring members (for example, 4 to 9 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S), for example: a bicyclo [4, 5], [5,5], [5,6], or [6,6] system. Examples of heteroaryl groups include by way of example and not limitation, pyridyl, thiazolyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, pyrimidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuranyl, thianaphthalenyl, indolyl, indolenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, 1H- indazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, carbazolyl, phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, isochromanyl, chromanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, and isatinoyl. Examples of heterocycloalkyls include by way of example and not limitation, dihydroypyridyl, tetrahydropyridyl (piperidyl), tetrahydrothiophenyl, piperidinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, bis-tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, piperazinyl, quinuclidinyl, and morpholinyl. Heteroaryl and heterocycloalkyl groups can be unsubstituted or substituted.

"Substituted" as used herein and as applied to any of the above alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, means that one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with a substituent. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to, -Cl, Br, F, alkyl, -OH, -OCH₃, NH₂, -NHCH3, -N(CH₃)2, -CN, -NC(=O)CH₃, -C(=O)-, -C(=O)NH₂, and -C(=O)N(CH₃)₂. Wherever a group is described as "optionally substituted," that group can be substituted with one or more of the above substituents, independently selected for each occasion. In some embodiments, the substituent may be one or more methyl groups or one or more hydroxyl groups.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl carboxylic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl carboxylic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and the like.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl sulfonic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl sulfonic acids include propanesulfonic acid, heptanesulfonic acid, and octanesulfonic acid.

In some embodiments, the alkyl carboxylic or sulfonic acid is substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples include glycolic acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, and lactic acid.

In some embodiments, an organic acid may include more than one carboxylic acid group or more than one sulfonic acid group (e.g., two, three, or more carboxylic acid groups). Non-limiting examples include oxalic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, and glutaric acid. In organic acids containing multiple carboxylic acids (e.g., from two to four carboxylic acid groups), one or more of the carboxylic acid groups may be esterified. Non-limiting examples include succinic acid monoethyl ester, monomethyl fumarate, mo no methyl or dimethyl citrate, and the like.

In some embodiments, the organic acid may include more than one carboxylic acid group and one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples of such acids include tartaric acid, citric acid, and the like.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is an aryl carboxylic acid or an aryl sulfonic acid. Nonlimiting examples of aryl carboxylic and sulfonic acids include benzoic acid, toluic acids, salicylic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, and -tolucncsulfonic acid.

Further non-limiting examples of organic acids which may be useful in certain embodiments include 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, 4- aminosalicylic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid (L), aspartic acid (L), alpha-methylbutyric acid, camphoric acid (+), camphor-10-sulfonic acid (+), cinnamic acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid, ethane-1,2- disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, furoic acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, glutamic acid, glycerophosphoric acid, glycolic acid, hippuric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, lactobionic acid, lauric acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalene- 1,5 -disulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, pamoic acid, phenylacetic acid, pyroglutamic acid, pyruvic acid, sebacic acid, stearic acid, and undecylenic acid. Examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited to, the list of organic acids in Table 1.

Table 1. Non-limiting examples of suitable organic acids In some embodiments, the organic acid is benzoic acid, a toluic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, decanoic acid, or octanoic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is benzoic acid, octanoic acid, or decanoic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is octanoic acid.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is a mono ester of a di- or poly-acid, such as mono-octyl succinate, mono-octyl fumarate, or the like. For example, the organic acid is a mono ester of a dicarboxylic acid or a poly-carboxylic acid. In some embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid is malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid is succinic acid, glutaric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dicarboxylic acid is succinic acid, glutaric acid, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the alcohol forming the mono ester of the dicarboxylic acid is a lipophilic alcohol. Examples of suitable lipophilic alcohols include, but are not limited to, octanol, menthol, and tocopherol. In some embodiments, the organic acid is an octyl mono ester of a dicarboxylic acid, such as monooctyl succinate, monooctyl fumarate, or the like. In some embodiments, the organic acid is a monomenthyl ester of a dicarboxylic acid. Certain menthyl esters may be desirable in oral compositions as described herein by virtue of the cooling sensation they may provide upon use of the product comprising the composition. In some embodiments, the organic acid is monomenthyl succinate, monomenthyl fumarate, monomenthyl glutarate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the organic acid is a monotocopheryl ester of a dicarboxylic acid. Certain tocopheryl esters may be desirable in oral compositions as described herein by virtue of the antioxidant effects they may provide. In some embodiments, the organic acid is tocopheryl succinate, tocopheryl fumarate, tocopheryl glutarate, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is a carotenoid derivative having one or more carboxylic acids. Carotenoids are tetraterpenes, meaning that they are produced from 8 isoprene molecules and contain 40 carbon atoms. Accordingly, they are usually lipophilic due to the presence of long unsaturated aliphatic chains, and are generally yellow, orange, or red in color. Certain carotenoid derivatives can be advantageous in oral compositions by virtue of providing both ion pairing and serving as a colorant in the composition. In some embodiments, the organic acid is 2E,4E,6E,8E,10E,12E,14E,16Z,18E)-20-methoxy- 4,8,13,17-tetramethyl-20-oxoicosa-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18-nonaenoic acid (bixin) or an isomer thereof. Bixin is an apocarotenoid found in annatto seeds from the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), and is the naturally occurring pigment providing the reddish orange color to annatto. Bixin is soluble in fats and alcohols but insoluble in water, and is chemically unstable when isolated, converting via isomerization into the double bond isomer, trans-bixin (P-bixin), having the structure:

In some embodiments, the organic acid is (2£,4£,6£,8£,10£,12£,14£,16£,18£)-4,8,13,17- telramethylicosa-2,4,6,8, 10,12, 14,16, 18-nonaenedioic acid (norbixin), a water soluble hydrolysis product of bixin having die structure:

The selection of organic acid may further depend on additional properties in addition to or without consideration to the logP value. For example, an organic acid should be one recognized as safe for human consumption, and which has acceptable flavor, odor, volatility, stability, and the like. Determination of appropriate organic acids is within the purview of one of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is benzoic acid, a toluic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, decanoic acid, or octanoic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is benzoic acid, octanoic acid, or decanoic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is octanoic acid.

In some embodiments, more than one organic acid may be present in the additive-containing liquid applied to the fleece. For example, the liquid (and correspondingly, the functionalized fleece) may comprise two, or three, or four, or more organic acids. Accordingly, reference herein to "an organic acid" contemplates mixtures of two or more organic acids. The relative amounts of the multiple organic acids may vary. For example, the additive-containing liquid (and, accordingly, the corresponding functionalized fleece) may comprise equal amounts of two, or three, or more organic acids, or may comprise different relative amounts. In this manner, it is possible to include certain organic acids (e.g., citric acid or myristic acid) which have a logP value outside the desired range, when combined with other organic acids to provide the desired average logP range for the combination. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to include organic acids in the composition which have logP values outside the desired range for purposes such as, but not limited to, providing desirable organoleptic properties, stability, as flavor components, and the like. Further, certain lipophilic organic acids have undesirable flavor and or aroma characteristics which would preclude their presence as the sole organic acid (e.g., in equimolar or greater quantities relative to nicotine). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a combination of different organic acids may provide the desired ion pairing while the concentration of any single organic acid in the additive-containing liquid/functionalized fleece material remains below the threshold which would be found objectionable from a sensory perspective.

For example, in some embodiments, the organic acid may comprise from about 1 to about 5 or more molar equivalents of benzoic acid relative to nicotine, combined with e.g., about 0.2 molar equivalents of octanoic acid or a salt thereof, and 0.2 molar equivalents of decanoic acid or a salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is a combination of any two organic acids selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, a toluic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, decanoic acid, and octanoic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is a combination of benzoic acid, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid, or benzoic and octanoic acid. In some embodiments, the composition comprises citric acid in addition to one or more of benzoic acid, a toluic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, decanoic acid, and octanoic acid. In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid applied to the fleece material comprises an alkali metal salt of an organic acid. For example, at least a portion of the organic acid may be present in the composition in the form of an alkali metal salt. Suitable alkali metal salts include lithium, sodium, and potassium. In some embodiments, the alkali metal is sodium or potassium. In some embodiments, the alkali metal is sodium. In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid comprises an organic acid and a sodium salt of the organic acid.

In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid applied to the fleece material comprises benzoic acid and sodium benzoate, octanoic acid and sodium octanoate, decanoic acid and sodium decanoate, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the organic acid to the sodium salt of the organic acid is from about 0.1 to about 10, such as from about 0.1, about 0.25, about 0.3, about 0.5, about 0.75, or about 1, to about 2, about 5, or about 10. For example, in some embodiments, both an organic acid and the sodium salt thereof are added, wherein the organic acid is added in excess of the sodium salt, in equimolar quantities with the sodium salt, or as a fraction of the sodium salt. One of skill in the art will recognize that the relative amounts will be determined by the desired pH of the composition, as well as the desired ionic strength. For example, the organic acid may be added in a quantity to provide a desired pH level of the functionalized fleece and/or pouched product, while the alkali metal (e.g., sodium) salt is added in a quantity to provide the desired extent of ion pairing. As one of skill in the art will understand, the quantity of organic acid (i.e., the protonated form), relative to the alkali metal salt or conjugate base form, will vary according to the pH of the composition and the pKa of the organic acid, as well as according to the actual relative quantities initially added, e.g., via the additive-containing liquid.

The amount of organic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof present in the additive-containing liquid, functionalized fleece, and/or pouched product, relative to nicotine, may vary. Generally, as the concentration of the organic acid (or the conjugate base thereof) increases, the percent of nicotine that is ion paired with the organic acid increases. This typically increases the partitioning of the nicotine, in the form of an ion pair, into octanol versus water as measured by the logP (the logic of the partitioning coefficient). In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.05, about 0.1, about 1, about 1.5, about 2, or about 5, to about 10, about 15, or about 20 molar equivalents of the organic acid, the alkali metal salt thereof, or the combination thereof, relative to the nicotine component, calculated as free base nicotine.

In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid (and, correspondingly, the functionalized fleece) comprises from about 2 to about 10, or from about 2 to about 5 molar equivalents of the organic acid, the alkali metal salt thereof, or the combination thereof, to nicotine, on a free-base nicotine basis. In some embodiments, the organic acid, the alkali metal salt thereof, or the combination thereof, is present in a molar ratio with the nicotine from about 2, about 3, about 4, or about 5, to about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10. In embodiments wherein more than one organic acid, alkali metal salt thereof, or both, are present, it is to be understood that such molar ratios reflect the totality of the organic acids present.

In certain embodiments the organic acid inclusion is sufficient to provide a composition pH of from about 4.0 to about 9.0, such as from about 4.5 to about 7.0, or from about 5.5 to about 7.0, from about 4.0 to about 5.5, or from about 7.0 to about 9.0. In some embodiments, the organic acid inclusion is sufficient to provide a composition pH of from about 4.5 to about 6.5, for example, from about 4.5, about 5.0, or about 5.5, to about 6.0, or about 6.5. In some embodiments, the organic acid is provided in a quantity sufficient to provide a pH of the composition of from about 5.5 to about 6.5, for example, from about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, or about 6.0, to about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, or about 6.5. In other embodiments, a mineral acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or the like) is added to adjust the pH of the composition to the desired value.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is added as the free acid, either neat (i.e., native solid or liquid form) or as a solution in, e.g., water, to the other composition components. In some embodiments, the alkali metal salt of the organic acid is added, either neat or as a solution in, e.g., water, to the additivecontaining liquid. In some embodiments, the organic acid and the basic amine (e.g., nicotine) are combined to form a salt, either before addition to the additive-containing liquid, or the salt is formed within and is present in the additive-containing liquid as such.

In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid/functionalized fleece material comprises nicotine benzoate and sodium benzoate (or other alkali metal benzoate). In other embodiments, the additivecontaining liquid/functionalized fleece comprises nicotine and an organic acid, wherein the organic acid is a monoester of a dicarboxylic acid or is a carotenoid derivative having one or more carboxylic acids.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be in the form of a resin complex of nicotine, where nicotine is bound in an ion-exchange resin, such as nicotine polacrilex, which is nicotine bound to, for example, a polymethacrylic acid, such as Amberlite IRP64, Purolite Cl 15HMR, or Doshion P551. See, for example, US Pat. No. 3,901,248 to Lichtneckert et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Another example is a nicotine-polyacrylic carbomer complex, such as with Carbopol 974P. In some embodiments, nicotine may be present in the form of a nicotine polyacrylic complex.

Typically, the nicotine component (calculated as the free base) when present, is in a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein, such as in a range from about 0.001 to about 10%. In some embodiments, the nicotine component is present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein. In some embodiments, the nicotine component is present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 3% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.1% w/w to about 2.5%, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.1% to about l%by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein. These ranges can also apply to other active ingredients noted herein.

In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquids, functionalized fleeces, and/or pouched products of the disclosure can be characterized as free of any nicotine component (e.g., any embodiment as disclosed herein may be completely or substantially free of any nicotine component). By "substantially free" is meant that no nicotine has been intentionally added, beyond trace amounts that may be naturally present in e.g., a botanical material. For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than 0.001% by weight of nicotine, or less than 0.0001%, or even 0% by weight of nicotine, calculated as the free base.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a nicotine component (e.g., any product or material of the disclosure, in addition to comprising any active ingredient or combination of active ingredients as disclosed herein, may further comprise a nicotine component).

Cannabinoids

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises one or more cannabinoids. As used herein, the term "cannabinoid" refers to a class of diverse natural or synthetic chemical compounds that acts on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules exhibiting particular properties such as the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring (Phytocannabinoids) from plants such as cannabis, (endocannabinoids) from animals, or artificially manufactured (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, and these may be divided into subclasses, including cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinodiols, and other cannabinoids, such as 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), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A).

In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from the group consisting of 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), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A), and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid comprises at least tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid comprises at least cannabidiol (CBD). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). In some embodiments, the CBD is synthetic CBD. Notably, CBD has a logP value of about 6.5, making it insoluble in an aqueous environment (e.g., saliva).

In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (e.g., CBD) is added to the oral product in the form of an isolate. An isolate is an extract from a plant, such as cannabis, where the active material of interest (in this case the cannabinoid, such as CBD) is present in a high degree of purity, for example greater than 95%, greater than 96%, greater than 97%, greater than 98%, or around 99% purity. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is an isolate of CBD in a high degree of purity, and the amount of any other cannabinoid in the oral product is no greater than about 1% by weight of the oral product, such as no greater than about 0.5% by weight of the oral product, such as no greater than about 0.1% by weight of the oral product, such as no greater than about 0.01% by weight of the oral product.

The choice of cannabinoid and the particular percentages thereof which may be present within the disclosed oral product will vary depending upon the desired flavor, texture, and other characteristics of the oral product.

Alternatively, or in addition to the cannabinoid, the active agent may include a cannabimimetic, which is a class of compounds derived from plants other than cannabis that have biological effects on the endocannabinoid system similar to cannabinoids. Examples include yangonin, alpha-amyrin or beta-amyrin (also classified as terpenes), cyanidin, curcumin (tumeric), catechin, quercetin, salvinorin A, N- acylethanolamines, and N-alkylamide lipids. Such compounds can be used in the same amounts and ratios noted herein for cannabinoids.

When present, a cannabinoid (e.g., CBD) or cannabimimetic is typically in a concentration of at least about 0.1% by weight of a pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein, such as in a range from about 0.1% to about 30%, such as, e.g., from about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, or about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (such as CBD) is present in the oral product in a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the oral product, such as in a range from about 0.001% to about 2% by weight of the oral product. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (such as CBD) is present in the oral product in a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral product. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (such as CBD) is present in a concentration from about 0.4% to about 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral product.

Terpenes

Active ingredients suitable for use in the present disclosure can also be classified as terpenes, many of which are associated with biological effects, such as calming effects. Terpenes are understood to have the general formula of (C5H₈)_n and include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Terpenes can be acyclic, monocyclic or bicyclic in structure. Some terpenes provide an entourage effect when used in combination with cannabinoids or cannabimimetics. Examples include beta-caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, beta-citronellol, linalyl acetate, pinene (alpha or beta), geraniol, carvone, eucalyptol, menthone, iso-menthone, piperitone, myrcene, beta-bourbonene, and germacrene, which may be used singly or in combination.

In some embodiments, the terpene is a terpene derivable from a phytocannabinoid producing plant, such as a plant from the stain of the cannabis sativa species, such as hemp. Suitable terpenes in this regard include so-called “CIO” terpenes, which are those terpenes comprising 10 carbon atoms, and so-called “C15” terpenes, which are those terpenes comprising 15 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises more than one terpene. For example, the active ingredient may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more terpenes as defined herein. In some embodiments, the terpene is selected from pinene (alpha and beta), geraniol, linalool, limonene, carvone, eucalyptol, menthone, iso-menthone, piperitone, myrcene, beta-bourbonene, germacrene and mixtures thereof. Pharmaceutical ingredients

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The API can be any known agent adapted for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic use. These can include, for example, synthetic organic compounds, proteins and peptides, polysaccharides and other sugars, lipids, phospholipids, inorganic compounds (e.g., magnesium, selenium, zinc, nitrate), neurotransmitters or precursors thereof (e.g., serotonin, 5 -hydroxy tryptophan, oxitriptan, acetylcholine, dopamine, melatonin), and nucleic acid sequences, having therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic activity. Non-limiting examples of APIs include analgesics and antipyretics (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, 3-(4- isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid), phosphatidylserine, myoinositol, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, Omega-3), arachidonic acid (AA, Omega-6), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), beta-hydroxy -beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), citicoline (cytidine-5'-diphosphate-choline), and cotinine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises citicoline. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of citicoline, caffeine, theanine, and ginseng. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises sunflower lecithin. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of sunflower lecithin, caffeine, theanine, and ginseng.

The amount of API may vary. For example, when present, an API is typically at a concentration of from about 0.001% w/w to about 10% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, or about 1%, to about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of a pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein.

In some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid, the functionalized fleece material, and/or the pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece provided herein is substantially free of any API. By "substantially free of any API" means that the liquid/materiaFproduct does not contain, and specifically excludes, the presence of any API as defined herein, such as any Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapeutic agent intended to treat any medical condition.

Step 12: Providing a fleece material

As provided in FIG. 1, step 12 comprises providing a fleece material. The fleece material is not particularly limited and can be any material that can be useful as at least a portion of an outer water- permeable container for a pouched product. In some non-limiting embodiments, it is an air laid carded web, a wet laid web prepared by paper machine technology, or a paper web.

The fleece material is typically a fibrous nonwoven web. As used herein, the term “fiber” is defined as a basic element of textiles. Fibers are often in the form of a rope- or string-like element. As used herein, the term “fiber” is intended to include fibers, filaments, continuous filaments, staple fibers, and the like. The term “multicomponent fibers” refers to fibers that comprise two or more components that are different by physical or chemical nature, including bicomponent fibers. Specifically, the term “multicomponent fibers” includes staple and continuous fibers prepared from two or more polymers present in discrete structured domains in the fiber, as opposed to blends where the domains tend to be dispersed, random or unstructured.

A “fleece material” as used herein may be formed from various types of fibers, as described in more detail herein below, capable of being formed into a traditional fleece fabrics or other traditional pouch materials. For example, fleece materials may be provided in the form of a woven or nonwoven fabric. Suitable types of fleece materials, for example, are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,931,493 to Sebastian et al.; and US Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2015/0128978 to Sebastian et al., 2016/0000140 to Sebastian et al., and US Patent App. Pub. No. 2016/0073689 to Sebastian et al.; which are all incorporated herein by reference.

The term “nonwoven” is used herein in reference to fibrous materials, webs, mats, batts, or sheets in which fibers are aligned in an undefined or random orientation. The nonwoven fibers are initially presented as unbound fibers or filaments. An important step in the manufacturing of nonwovens involves binding the various fibers or filaments together. The manner in which the fibers or filaments are bound can vary, and include thermal, mechanical and chemical techniques that are selected in part based on the desired characteristics of the final product, as discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

In some embodiments, a heat sealable binder coating or a binder material (e.g., a coating or other additive) may be added to the fibers prior to, during, or after forming or functionalizing the fleece material. As used herein, “heat sealable binder coatings” refers to coating materials, such as acrylic polymer compositions, applied to a substrate (e.g., a nonwoven web or fleece material) and which are capable of sealing seams of individual pouches upon heating. In some embodiments, a binder material can be added to the web fibers before or during the laying of the fibrous web (i.e., before the fibrous web is bonded to form a fleece material). In certain embodiments, a binder material can be added to the fleece material after it has been formed. In various embodiments, the binder material is in the form of a liquid coating. In certain embodiments, a binding powder can be applied to the fleece material. For example, powdered polyethylene can be used as a binder material. The liquid or powder coating can be applied, for example, between layers of fibers when cross-laying, air laying, or as an after treatment. A short exposure in an oven is sufficient to melt and fuse the binder material.

The means of producing the fleece material can vary. Web formation can be accomplished by any means known in the art. Nonwoven web formation will typically involve a carding step, which involves deposition of the fibers onto a surface followed by aligning/b lending the fibers in a machine direction. Thereafter, the fibrous web is typically subjected to some type of bonding/entanglement including, but not limited to, thermal fusion or bonding, mechanical entanglement, chemical adhesive, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the fibrous web is bonded thermally using a calendar (which can provide flat or point bonding), steam jet bonding, or a thru-air oven. Additional bonding methods include ultrasonic bonding and crimping. In some embodiments, needle punching is utilized, wherein needles are used to provide physical entanglement between fibers. In one embodiment, the web is entangled using hydroentanglement, which is a process used to entangle and bond fibers using hydrodynamic forces. As noted above, a binder material can be applied to the fibers of the fibrous web before laying the fibrous web, during formation of the fibrous web, and/or after the fibrous web has been bonded to form a fleece material. After forming the fleece material, heat can be applied to the fleece material in order to activate/at least partially melt the binder material to further bond the fleece material and thereby further enhance the mechanical integrity of the fleece material.

In various embodiments, the fleece material can be dissolvable (i.e., orally ingestible) such that under conditions of normal use (i.e., upon contact with saliva in the mouth of a user), the pouch material dissolves. Preferably, the pouch material will dissolve after a significant amount of the soluble components of the composition within the pouch (e.g., active ingredient(s) and/or flavorant(s)) permeate through the pouch material into the mouth of the user. For example, the fleece material can be configured to dissolve at a rate such that the pouch material holds the composition included therein together for a period of time sufficient to allow for the release of substantially all water soluble components. As described in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the composition within the fleece material of a pouched product can also be dissolvable. In such embodiments, the pouch material can be configured to dissolve at a rate similar to the rate at which the composition dissolves. In certain embodiments, the pouch material can be adapted to or configured to at least partially dissolve or completely dissolve in about 5 minutes or longer, about 15 minutes or longer, about 30 minutes or longer, or about an hour or longer. In certain embodiments, the pouch material can be adapted to or configured to at least partially dissolve or completely dissolve in no less than 30 minutes, no less than 45 minutes, or no less than an hour. In some embodiments, the pouch material may be adapted to or configured to at least partially dissolve or completely dissolve in a time of about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes, about 1 minute to about 25 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes, or about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes. Without being limited by theory, a pouched product comprising a dissolvable pouch material can provide environmental advantages.

In various embodiments, dissolvable pouch materials can include, but are not limited to, spun or nonwoven alginate fibers, gluten fibers, mini-perforated flat sheets derived from alginate, carrageenan, and other polymer binders, and combinations thereof. Without being limited by theory, the dissolution rate of the pouch material can be controlled, in part, by the use of cross-linking technology between alginate or pectin and calcium salts, for example. In certain embodiments, the dissolvable pouch material can include fast dissolving fibers formed using an electrospinning process (e.g. , solution-based electrospinning) with hydrophilic polymers. See, e.g., the techniques and fibers disclosed in Asawahame, Chawalinee et al., Formation of Orally Fast Dissolving Fibers Containing Propolis by Electrospinning Technique, Chiang Mai J. Sci. 2015; 42(2), p. 469-480, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the fibers within the fleece material may include, but are not limited to, a polymer selected from the group consisting of poly glyco lie acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate, and copolymers thereof. In some embodiments, the fibers within the fleece material may be selected from the groups consisting of wool, cotton, fibers made of cellulosic material, such as regenerated cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose nitrate, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, protein fibers, and the like. See also, the fiber types set forth in US Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2014/0083438 to Sebastian et al., which is incorporated by reference herein. In various embodiments, the pouch material can include a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

Regenerated cellulose fibers can be particularly advantageous, and are typically prepared by extracting non-cellulosic compounds from wood, contacting the extracted wood with caustic soda, followed by carbon disulfide and then by sodium hydroxide, giving a viscous solution. The solution is subsequently forced through spinneret heads to create viscous threads of regenerated fibers. Example methods for the preparation of regenerated cellulose are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,274 to Leoni et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,666 to Baldini et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,766 to Baldini et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,256 to Ishida et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,028 to Yokogi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,689 to Laity; U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,790 to Vos et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,938 to Sumnicht, which are incorporated herein by reference. The manner in which the regenerated cellulose is made is not limiting, and can include, for example, both the rayon and the Lyocell processes. Various suppliers of regenerated cellulose are known, including Lenzing (Austria), Cordenka (Germany), Aditya Birla (India), and Daicel (Japan).

The form of the fibers used in the nonwoven web according to the present disclosure can vary, and include fibers having any type of cross-section, including, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, square, oval, triangular, and multilobal. In certain embodiments, the fibers can have one or more void spaces, wherein the void spaces can have, for example, circular, rectangular, square, oval, triangular, or multilobal cross-sections. As noted previously, the fibers can be selected from single-component (i.e., uniform in composition throughout the fiber) or multicomponent fiber types including, but not limited to, fibers having a sheath/core structure and fibers having an islands-in-the-sea structure, as well as fibers having a side-by- side, segmented pie, segmented cross, segmented ribbon, or tipped multilobal cross-sections.

The physical parameters of the fibers present in the nonwoven web can vary. For example, the fibers used in the nonwoven web can have varying size (e.g., length, denier per filament (dpf)) and crimp characteristics. In some embodiments, fibers used in the nonwoven web can be nano fibers, sub-micron fibers, and/or micron-sized fibers. In certain embodiments, fibers of the nonwoven webs useful herein can measure about 1.5 dpf (1.67 decitex) to about 2.0 dpf (2.22 decitex), or about 1.6 dpf (1.78 decitex) to about 1.90 dpf (2.11 decitex). In various embodiments, each fiber can measure about 4-10 crimps per cm, or about 5-8 crimps per cm. In some embodiments, each fiber can be a continuous filament fiber. In certain embodiments, each fiber can be a staple fiber. Each fiber length can measure about 35 mm to about 60 mm, or about 38 mm to about 55 mm, for example. It can be advantageous for all fibers in the nonwoven web to have similar fiber size and crimp attributes to ensure favorable blending and orientation of the fibers in the nonwoven web.

The fibrous webs can have varying thicknesses, porosities, basis weights, and other parameters. The nonwoven web can be formed such that the fiber orientation and basis weight of the pouched product formed therefrom can retain the composition adapted for oral use that is enclosed within the outer water-permeable pouch, but can also allow the flavors of the composition to be enjoyed by the consumer. For example, in some embodiments, the fibrous webs can have a basis weight of about 20 gsm to about 35 gsm, or about 25 gsm to about 30 gsm. In a preferred embodiment, the fibrous web can have a basis weight of about 28 gsm. Basis weight of a fabric can be measured using ASTM D3776/D3776M-09a (2013) (Standard Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric), for example. In various embodiments, the fibrous web can have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 0.15 mm (e.g., about 0.11 mm). The fibrous web can have an elongation of about 70% to about 80%, e.g., about 78%. In some embodiments, the fibrous web can have a peak load of about 4 lbs. to about 8 lbs., e.g., about 5.5 lbs. Elongation and breaking strength of textile fabrics can be measured using ASTM D5034-09(2013) (Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)), for example. In various embodiments, the fibrous web can have a Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) of about 35 to about 40, e.g., about 37. TEA can be measured, for example, as the work done to break the specimen under tensile loading per lateral area of the specimen. In certain embodiments, the fibrous web can have a porosity of greater than about 2,000 ml/min/cm² or greater than about 10,000 ml/min/cm². Porosity, or air permeability of textile fabrics can be measured using ASTM D737-04(2012) (Standard Test method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics), for example.

Advantageously, in the disclosed methods, the fleece material is provided or presented as a continuous material, e.g., a full bobbin of fleece material that is processed at one time. As such, the fleece material is generally provided so as to functionalize fleece material for the subsequent production of numerous pouched products from one piece of functionalized fleece material.

Step 14: Applying the Additive-Containing Liquid to the Fleece Material

Step 14 comprises applying the additive-containing liquid to the fleece material. In preferred embodiments, the additive-containing liquid is applied to the fleece material when the fleece material is in the form of a continuous sheet, i.e., not in individual product-sized portions. As such, step 14 is generally conducted so as to provide sufficient functionalized fleece material to be used in subsequently producing multiple pouched products, as will be described in further detail herein below. The additive-containing liquid can be applied to the fleece material e.g., on one longitudinal surface of the fleece material (such that one side of the fleece material is functionalized) or on both longitudinal surfaces of the fleece material (such that both sides of the fleece material are functionalized). Methods for applying the additive-containing liquid can vary.

The applying may be via any method known in the art for the application of a liquid to a fleece material. In some embodiments, the applying comprises spraying the additive-containing liquid onto the fleece material. In some embodiments, the applying comprises dipping the fleece material into the additivecontaining liquid. In some embodiments, the applying comprises printing the additive-containing liquid onto the fleece material. In some such embodiments, methods of spraying can vary and can be selected from stream, fan spray, and atomization. In some such embodiments, methods of printing can vary and can be selected from contact printing, inkjet printing, and other methods of printing. The applying is generally conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure; however, the applying can, in some embodiments, be done under other conditions, e.g., at decreased temperature and/or pressure (e.g., to avoid volatilization of volatile active ingredients or flavorants) or elevated temperature and/or pressure (e.g., to ensure solubility of the one or more additives in the additive-containing liquid). See also U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2012/0085360 to Kawata et al. and 2012/0103353 to Sebastian et al., each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The applying can comprise spraying/dipping/printing one time or multiple times to achieve the desired loading of the additive on/in the fleece material. If multiple applications are conducted, they can comprise applying the same additive-containing liquid to the fleece material or can comprise applying different additive-containing liquids to the fleece material (such that multiple additives can be applied to the same fleece material). In some embodiments, the applying can be conducted using a transfer process such as via gravure rollers or similar to cigarette tipping glue application. In certain embodiments, the applying can be conducted in a similar fashion as described with respect to the application of menthol to cigarette paper during cigarette production as described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,068,614 to Kopachkov, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the applying is done via equipment such as Kaymich flavor application equipment (e.g., Gemini flavour application systems). Such equipment can, according to the present disclosure, be adapted for use with the additive-containing liquid disclosed herein and for use with a fleece material. Such equipment can, according to the present disclosure, further be modified so as to provide it in line with pouching equipment.

The additive-containing liquid can be adsorbed on a surface of the fleece material being treated and/or the additive-containing liquid can be absorbed within the fleece material being treated. The applying can comprise applying the additive-containing liquid on the fleece material so as to give a substantially uniform coating thereon and/or therein. In other embodiments, the applying can comprise applying the additive-containing liquid in select regions of the fleece material, e.g., to create a pattern on/in the fleece material. Such patterns can vary widely; in some embodiments, the pattern can comprise one or more full or partial stripes, one or more dots, a logo or text (particularly relevant where the additive-containing liquid comprises one or more colorants), and the like. Other patterns can, for example, provide the product brand, a company name, a corporate logo, a corporate brand, a marketing message, product strength, active ingredient, product manufacture date, product expiration date, product flavor, product release profile, weight, product code (e.g., batch code), other product differentiating markings, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the pattern may be in non-sealed areas of the pouch, e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2. The exact pattern applied is not particularly limited.

Step 16: Producing a Pouch

The functionalized fleece provided by step 14 is then used to form a pouched product. Advantageously, step 14 is in line with step 16, such that the fleece material is functionalized and the resulting functionalized fleece is then introduced in-line to equipment suitable for pouching. As such, in some embodiments, the functionalized fleece resulting from step 14 is not subjected to any storage before step 16. In some embodiments, the functionalized fleece resulting from step 14 is loaded onto a bobbin after the additive-containing liquid is applied and the bobbin of functionalized fleece material can be fed to the pouching machine to produce pouched products according to various embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment, a continuous supply of the functionalized fleece material according to the present disclosure can be provided; the functionalized fleece material is formed into a continuous tubular member by sealing the lateral edges of the functionalized fleece material such that a longitudinally- extending seam is formed. The seam can be formed, for example, by applying conventional heat sealing techniques to the functionalized fleece material, resulting in softening and/or melting of a heat sealable binder material that may be present in the fleece material to form a seal. A charge of a composition adapted for oral use can be inserted into the continuous tubular member; the continuous tubular member can be subdivided at predetermined intervals so as to form a plurality of pouch member portions, wherein each pouch member portion includes a charge of the composition. Each discrete pouch portion can then be entirely sealed such that an outer water-permeable pouch comprising the functionalized fleece is formed that encloses the composition. This second sealing step can involve applying conventional heat sealing techniques to the pouch material, resulting in softening and/or melting of a heat sealable binder material in the nonwoven web to form a seal. Sealing can alternatively (or in addition) be conducted by sonic welding. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are particularly configured to provide discrete pouched products. The operations described and the order of the method steps illustrated herein are not construed as limiting thereof.

A non-limiting system suitable for performing the methods disclosed herein is schematically depicted in FIG. 3, illustrating fleece material 20 being fed into an additive-containing liquid applicator (in which step 14 is conducted). As referenced herein above, in some embodiments, the additive-containing liquid applicator can be, e.g., configured for spraying, dipping, printing, or otherwise associating the additive-containing liquid with the fleece material (e.g., on one longitudinal surface or both longitudinal surfaces). Example spray applicators can include systems for stream spraying, fan spraying, and atomization. Example printing applicators can include contact printers, inkjet printers, and other types of printers. In some embodiments, this additive-containing liquid applicator is equipment such as Kaymich flavor application equipment (e.g., Gemini flavour application systems).

The resulting functionalized fleece material can move through the system via step A or B as depicted in FIG. 3. As shown, step A provides for direct introduction of the functionalized fleece into the poucher, in which step 16 is conducted to produce pouched product 100. Step B provides for collection of the functionalized fleece on a bobbin (or other like apparatus), which is then fed directly into the poucher to produce pouched product 100. It is understood that FIG. 3 is representative only, and various rollers, guides, tracks, and other components used, e.g., to direct the fleece matcrial/functionalizcd fleece material through the system are not explicitly depicted, but may be included within the system.

Pouching equipment that can be used for step 16 can be any type of equipment that can be used to enclose an oral composition within a fleece material to produce a pouch. Non-limiting examples of such pouching equipment (also referred to as pouchers or pouching machines) include, e.g., those manufactured by Merz Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH, Licit, Germany and G.D. SpA of Italy and those disclosed inU.S. Patent Nos. 11,284,643 to Carroll, 10,870,503 to Garthaffner et al., and 8,151,802 to Boldrini, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0018539 to Brinkley et al., which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

An example apparatus for manufacturing an oral pouch product is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 of U.S. Publication No. 2012/0055493 to Novak, III et al.; however, this apparatus is used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. It should also be appreciated that the following manufacturing process and related equipment is not limited to the process order described below. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus similar to that described in U.S. Publication No. 2012/0055493 can be configured to removably receive a first bobbin on an unwind spindle assembly, the first bobbin having a continuous length of the functionalized fleece material wound thereon. When the first bobbin is engaged with the apparatus, the functionalized fleece material can be routed from the first bobbin to a forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of the pouch material into a continuous tubular member defining a longitudinal axis (e.g., as shown in Step A of FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the functionalized fleece can be directly fed into the apparatus without being wound around a bobbin (e.g., as shown in Step B of FIG. 3).

As the functionalized fleece is unwound from the bobbin (or otherwise directed into the pouching machine), the functionalized fleece can be directed around an arrangement of roller members, otherwise referred to herein as a dancer assembly. A forming unit can be configured to cooperate with the first bobbin and the dancer assembly to take up slack in the functionalized fleece and to maintain a certain amount of longitudinal tension on the functionalized fleece as the functionalized fleece is unwound from the first bobbin and fed to the forming unit, for example, by a drive system. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, between the first bobbin and the forming unit, the functionalized fleece can be supported, routed, and/or guided by a suitably aligned series of any number of, for example, idler rollers, guideposts, air bars, turning bars, guides, tracks, tunnels, or the like, for directing the pouch material along the desired path. The apparatus described herein can be configured so as to handle bobbins (where included) of any suitable type and size to accommodate the functionalized fleece).

The forming unit can include one or more roller members configured to direct the pouch material about a hollow shaft such that the continuous supply of the pouch material can be formed into a continuous tubular member. The forming unit can include a sealing device configured to seal, fix, or otherwise engage lateral edges of the pouch material to form a longitudinally -extending seam, thereby forming a longitudinally -extending continuous tubular member. In various embodiments, an insertion unit can be configured to introduce charges of the composition adapted for oral use into the continuous tubular member through the hollow shaft. The insertion unit may be directly or indirectly engaged with the hollow shaft.

A leading edge or end (also referred to as a laterally -extending seam) of the continuous tubular member can be closed/sealed such that a charge of composition adapted for oral use inserted by the insertion unit, is contained within the continuous tubular member proximate to the leading end. The leading end can be closed/sealed via a closing and dividing unit configured to close/seal a first portion of the continuous tubular member to form the closed leading end of a pouch member portion. The closing and dividing unit can also be configured to form a closed trailing edge or end of a previous pouch member portion. In this regard, the closing and dividing unit can also be configured to close a second portion of the continuous tubular member to form the closed trailing end of the pouch member portion. In this regard, the closing and dividing unit can close the ends, by heat-sealing, or other suitable sealing mechanism.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20-22 of U.S. Publication No. 2012/0055493 to Novak, III et al., the closing and dividing unit can be configured to divide the continuous tubular member, between the closed trailing end and the closed leading end of serially -disposed pouch member portions, along the longitudinal axis of the continuous tubular member, and into a plurality of discrete pouch member portions such that each discrete pouch member portion includes a portion of the oral composition from the insertion unit. In this regard, the closing and dividing unit can include a blade, heated wire, or other cutting arrangement for severing the continuous tubular member into discrete pouch member portions. For example, the closing and dividing unit can include first and second arm members configured to interact to close and divide the continuous tubular member.

In operation, a charge of the composition adapted for oral use (i.e., an amount suitable for an individual pouch member portion) can be supplied to the pouch member portion by an insertion unit after a leading end has been closed, but prior to the closing of a trailing end. In various embodiments, after receiving the charge of the oral composition, the discrete individual pouch member portion can be formed by closing the trailing end and severing the closed pouch member portion from the continuous tubular member such that an individual pouched product is formed.

The amount of material contained within each pouch may vary. In various embodiments, the weight of the mixture within each pouch is at least about 50 mg, for example, from about 50 mg to about 2 grams, from about 100 mg to about 1.5 grams, or from about 200 mg to about 700 mg. In certain smaller embodiments, the weight of the material within each pouch is at least about 50 mg to about 150 mg. For some larger embodiments, the weight of the material within each pouch preferably does not exceed about 300 mg to about 500 mg. In some embodiments, each pouch/container may have disposed therein a flavor agent member, as described in greater detail in US Pat. No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. See, for example, the types of materials and technologies set forth in US Pat. Nos. 6,887,307 to Scott et al. and 6,923,981 to Leung et al.; and The EFSA Journal (2004) 85, 1-32; which are incorporated herein by reference. General, non-limiting methods for producing nonwoven pouches are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0073689 to Sebastian et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various embodiments, the nonwoven web can be sufficiently tacky so as to create issues with high-speed pouching equipment. Therefore, in certain embodiments, a Teflon coating, or similar material, can be applied to one or more surfaces of the pouching equipment that touch the nonwoven web such as, for example, rollers, cutting instruments, and heat sealing devices in order to reduce and/or alleviate any problems associated with the pouch material sticking to the pouching equipment during processing.

The pouched products can further include product identifying information printed or dyed on the outer water-permeable pouch or imprinted (e.g., embossed, debossed, or otherwise pressed) on the outer water-permeable pouch, such as described in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2014/0255452 to Reddick et al., filed March 11, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein.

It is noted that, although the application focuses on functionalization prior to pouch production, it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the functionalization described herein can be conducted at an alternative stage, e.g., during the pouching or after a pouched product is produced.

An example of a pouched product produced according to the disclosed methods and systems generally is illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the example pouched product 100 can comprise an outer water- permeable container 102 in the form of a pouch comprising the functionalized fleece, which contains an oral composition 104 adapted for oral use. It is noted that various modifications can be made to the depicted embodiment, e.g., replacing one or both serrated edges shown with a straight edge. Oral composition 104 can be, in some embodiments, a particulate material. In various embodiments, a moisture-permeable packet or pouch can act as a container for use of the oral composition (e.g., particulate material) within. For example, the pouch provides a liquid-permeable container of a type that may be considered to be similar in character to the mesh-like type of material that is used for the construction of a tea bag. If desired, flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, and other desired components, may be incorporated within, or applied to, the pouch material. The general composition/construction of such packets or pouches, such as the container pouch 104 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, may be varied as noted herein. For example, suitable packets, pouches or containers of the type used for the manufacture of oral products, which can be modified according to the present disclosure, are available under the tradenames CatchDry, Ettan, General, Granit, Goteborgs Rape, Grovsnus White, Metropol Kaktus, Mocca Anis, Mocca Mint, Mocca Wintergreen, Kicks, Probe, Prince, Skmf and TreAnkrare. A pouch type of product similar in shape and form to various embodiments of a pouched product described herein is commercially available as ZONNIC (distributed by Niconovum AB). Additionally, pouch type products generally similar in shape and form to various embodiments of a pouched product are set forth as snuff bag compositions E-J in Example 1 of PCT WO 2007/104573 to Axelsson et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, which are produced using excipient ingredients and processing conditions that can be used to manufacture pouched products as described herein. Further pouch types of products comprising nicotine are marketed under the brand name VELO®.

The oral composition contained within such a pouched product is not particularly limited, and can comprise any filling composition, including those that can be included within conventional, fleece-based pouched products. Such compositions are generally mixtures, e.g., particulate mixtures, of two or more components and as such, the compositions are, in some cases, referenced herein below as “mixtures.” Such mixtures can comprise, e.g., one or more active ingredients and/or one or more flavorants, and various other optional ingredients (e.g., fillers, pH adjusters/buffering agents, colorants, humectants, salts, sweeteners, and the like). Various additives can be included in the disclosed mixture; for example, the mixture can be processed, blended, formulated, combined and/or mixed with other materials or ingredients. The additives can be artificial, or can be obtained or derived from herbal or biological sources. Examples of further types of additives include thickening or gelling agents (e.g., fish gelatin), emulsifiers, oral care additives (e.g., thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, and zinc), preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate and the like), zinc or magnesium salts selected to be relatively water soluble for compositions with greater water solubility (e.g., magnesium or zinc gluconate) or selected to be relatively water insoluble for compositions with reduced water solubility (e.g., magnesium or zinc oxide), disintegration aids, or combinations thereof. See, for example, those representative components, combination of components, relative amounts of those components, and manners and methods for employing those components, set forth in US Pat. No. 9,237,769 to Mua et al., US Pat. No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al., US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0291245 to Gao et al., and US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2007/0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Typical inclusion ranges for such additional additives can vary depending on the nature and function of the additive and the intended effect on the final mixture, with an example range of up to about 10% by weight, based on total weight of the mixture (e.g., about 0.1 to about 5% by weight).

Certain components that can advantageously be included in the mixtures within certain embodiments of the pouches provided herein are outlined generally below; however, it is to be understood that the discussion below is not intended to be limiting of the components that can be incorporated within the disclosed pouches. In certain embodiments, the composition within the pouch provided herein includes only saliva soluble materials. In various embodiments, the composition within the pouch can be orally dissolvable. The composition can be configured to provide sustained release of active ingredient(s) and/or flavorant(s) upon contact with the saliva in the mouth of a user. After use, the entire composition, and in certain embodiments, the entire pouch originally housing the composition, can be dissolved and orally ingested by the user such that there is nothing left of the pouched product to remove from the mouth of the user.

In various embodiments, the composition within the pouched product can be adapted to or configured to at least partially dissolve or completely dissolve in about 5 minutes or longer, about 15 minutes or longer, about 30 minutes or longer, or about an hour or longer. In certain embodiments, the composition can be configured to at least partially dissolve or completely dissolve in no less than 30 minutes, no less than 45 minutes, or no less than an hour. In some embodiments, the composition can be configured to at least partially dissolve or completely dissolve in a time of about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes, about 1 minute to about 25 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes, or about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes.

The oral composition within the pouches as described herein can include at least one particulate filler component. Such particulate filler components may fulfill multiple functions, such as enhancing certain organoleptic properties such as texture and mouthfeel, enhancing cohesiveness or compressibility of the product, and the like. The filler components are generally particulate materials and can include, e.g., cellulosic non-tobacco plant material and derivatives thereof including, but not limited to, cereal grains, sugar beet, bran fiber, starches, natural cellulose, modified cellulosic materials, maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, sugar substitutes (e.g., mannitol, xylitol, and sorbitol). Specific examples of suitable fillers include, but are not limited to, carbohydrates, cellulose, fiber, starch, maltodextrin, polyglycitols, polysaccharides, and minerals. For example, suitable fillers can be any non- tobacco plant material or derivative thereof, including cellulose materials derived from such sources. Examples of cellulosic non-tobacco plant material include cereal grains (e.g., maize, oat, barley, rye, buckwheat, and the like), sugar beet (e.g., FIBREX® brand filler available from International Fiber Corporation), bran fiber, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of derivatives of non-tobacco plant material include starches (e.g., from potato, wheat, rice, com), natural cellulose, and modified cellulosic materials. In some embodiments, fillers comprise a mixture of glucose and starch-derived polysaccharides. One such suitable mixture of glucose and starch-derived polysaccharides is EMDEX®, available from JRS PHARMA LP, USA, 2981 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2359. Additional examples of potential filler components include maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, mannitol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Combinations of fillers can also be used.

In some embodiments, fillers are cellulose materials or cellulose derivatives. Cellulose can be provided, e.g., in powder (such as “microcrystalline” (MCC) or “ultrafine” (UFC)) form, such as ARBOCEL® powdered cellulose, e.g., including, but not limited to, ARBOCEL® UFC 100 or VIVAPUR® MCC, e.g., including, but not limited to, VIVAPUR® 105). One suitable particulate filler component for use in the products described herein is microcrystalline cellulose ("MCC"). The MCC may be synthetic or semisynthetic, or it may be obtained entirely from natural celluloses. The MCC may be selected from the group consisting of AVICEL® grades PH-100, PH-102, PH-103, PH-105, PH-112, PH-113, PH-200, PH-300, PH- 302, VIVACEL® grades 101, 102, 12, 20 and EMOCEL® grades 50M and 90M, and the like, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiment, the filler further comprises a cellulose derivative or a combination of such derivatives. In some embodiments, the mixture comprises from about 1 to about 10% of the cellulose derivative by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture, with certain embodiments comprising about 1 to about 5% by weight of cellulose derivative.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose derivative is a cellulose ether (including carboxyalkyl ethers), meaning a cellulose polymer with the hydrogen of one or more hydroxyl groups in the cellulose structure replaced with an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or aryl group. Non-limiting examples of such cellulose derivatives include methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose ("HPC"), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose ("HPMC"), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose ("CMC"). In one embodiment, the cellulose derivative is one or more of methylcellulose, HPC, HPMC, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and CMC. In one embodiment, the cellulose derivative is HPC. These materials can be provided by various suppliers, e.g., Tic Gums (e.g., including, but not limited to, CMC pH 15, which can be employed in certain embodiments of the disclosed products). In certain embodiments, the oral composition comprises a filler selected from the group consisting of polyols, dextrose, maltodextrin, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a filler selected from the group consisting of a sugar alcohol(s)/sugar substitute (e.g., sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, isomalt, erythritol, and combinations thereof), glucose, maltose, maltotriose, maltodextrin, modified starches, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the filler component can be described as a particulate material. As used herein, the term "particulate" refers to a material in the form of a plurality of individual particles, some of which can be in the form of an agglomerate of multiple particles, wherein the particles have an average length to width ratio less than 2:1, such as less than 1.5:1, such as about 1: 1. In various embodiments, the particles of a particulate material can be described as substantially spherical or granular (e.g., in the form of beads). The amount of particulate filler component within an oral composition can vary, but is typically up to about 75 percent of the material contained within the pouch by weight (i.e., the mixture), based on the total weight of the mixture. A typical range of particulate filler material (e.g., MCC) within the mixture can be from about 10 to about 75 percent by total weight of the mixture, for example, from about 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, or about 30, to about 35, about 40, about 45, or about 50 weight percent (e.g., about 20 to about 50 weight percent or about 25 to about 45 weight percent). In certain embodiments, the amount of particulate filler material is at least about 10 percent by weight, such as at least about 20 percent, or at least about 25 percent, or at least about 30 percent, or at least about 35 percent, or at least about 40 percent, based on the total weight of the mixture.

The particulate mixture can, in some embodiments, further comprise one or more flavoring agents. Examples of suitable flavoring agents include those referenced herein above as optional components of the additive-containing liquid. The amount of flavoring agent utilized in the mixture can vary, but is typically up to about 10 weight percent, and certain embodiments are characterized by a flavoring agent content of at least about 0.1 weight percent, such as about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent, about 1 to about 6 weight percent, or about 2 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the mixture.

In some embodiments, the mixture within the pouch may further comprise a salt (e.g., alkali metal salts), typically employed in an amount sufficient to provide desired sensory attributes to the mixture. Nonlimiting examples of suitable salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, flour salt, and the like. When present, a representative amount of salt is at least about 0.5 percent by weight, at least about 1.0 percent by weight, or at least about 1.5 percent by weight, but will typically make up about 10 percent or less of the total weight of the mixture, or about 7.5 percent or less or about 5 percent or less (e.g., about 0.5 to about 5 percent by weight).

The mixture within the pouch may optionally comprise one or more pH adjusters/buffering agents. Examples of pH adjusters and buffering agents that can be used include, but are not limited to, metal hydroxides (e.g., alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide), and other alkali metal buffers such as metal carbonates (e.g., potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate), or metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate, and the like. Where present, the buffering agent is typically present in an amount less than about 5 percent based on the weight of the film, for example, from about 0.5% to about 5%, such as, e.g., from about 0.75% to about 4%, from about 0.75% to about 3%, or from about 1% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture. Non-limiting examples of suitable buffers include alkali metal acetates, glycinates, phosphates, glycerophosphates, citrates, carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, borates, or mixtures thereof.

The mixture within the pouch typically further comprises one or more sweeteners. Where present, the sweeteners can be any sweetener or combination of sweeteners, in natural or artificial form, or as a combination of natural and artificial sweeteners. Examples of natural sweeteners include isomaltulose, fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevia, honey, and the like. Examples of artificial sweeteners include sucralose, maltodextrin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame and the like. In some embodiments, the sweetener comprises one or more sugar substitutes, e.g., alcohols. Sugar alcohols are polyols derived from monosaccharides or disaccharides that have a partially or fully hydrogenated form. Sugar alcohols have, for example, about 4 to 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 may make up from about 0.1 to about 20 percent or more of the of the mixture by weight, for example, from about 0.1 to about 1%, from about 1 to about 5%, from about 5 to about 10%, or from about 10 to about 20% of the mixture on a weight basis, based on the total weight of the mixture.

A binder (or combination of binders) may be employed in certain embodiments as a component of the oral composition within the pouch, in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the mixture. Binders also often function as thickening or gelling agents. Typical binders can be organic or inorganic, or a combination thereof. Representative binders include modified cellulose, povidone, sodium alginate, starch-based binders, pectin, carrageenan, pullulan, zein, gums, and the like, and combinations thereof. Certain specific examples of modified celluloses that can be employed as components of the binder include, but are not limited to, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose. In some embodiments, two or more HPMCs are employed. HPMCs can vary, e.g., by viscosity, particle properties, polymer molecular weight, and by average content of methoxy groups and average content of hydroxpropyl groups, as well as substitution pattern. HPMC binders that can be employed suitably in the disclosed products are not particularly limited. Various types of HPMC are available, e.g., from JRS Pharma (e.g., Vivapharm ® HPMC, e.g., grade E5), Dow (e.g., Methocel™, e.g., grade K99), Lotte Fine Chemical (e.g., Any Addy® HPMC), and others, which are also encompassed by the present disclosure.

Modified com starches can include, e.g., chemically modified starches (e.g., OSA starch) and acid- modified starch. Certain specific examples of modified com starches that can be employed include, but are not limited to, com starches that have been treated to improve the consistency thereof, e.g., com starch that has been roasted, treated with acid, treated with an electrical starch, or treated with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. In certain embodiments, the binder includes a gum, for example, a natural gum. As used herein, a natural gum refers to polysaccharide materials of natural origin that have binding properties, and which are also useful as a 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, agar, and combinations thereof.

A binder may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the mixture. In some embodiments, the binder of the oral composition within the pouch comprises pectin or carrageenan or combinations thereof. The amount of binder utilized in the mixture can vary, but is typically up to about 30 weight percent, and certain embodiments are characterized by a binder content of at least about 0.1% by weight, such as about 1 to about 30% by weight, or about 5 to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture. In certain embodiments, one or more humectants may be employed in the mixture. Examples of humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like. Where included, the humectant is typically provided in an amount sufficient to provide desired moisture attributes to the mixture. Further, in some instances, the humectant may impart desirable flow characteristics to the mixture. When present, a humectant will typically make up about 5% or less of the weight of the mixture (e.g., from about 0.5 to about 5% by weight). When present, a representative amount of humectant is about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

The particulate mixture can, in some embodiments, further comprise one or more colorants. Examples of suitable colorants include those referenced herein above as optional components of the additive-containing liquid. A colorant, where included, may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes to the mixture. The amount of colorant utilized in the mixture can vary, but when present is typically up to about 3 weight percent, such as from about 0.1%, about 0.5%, or about 1%, to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

The particulate mixture can, in some embodiments, further comprise one or more active ingredients (or may be free or substantially free of one or more active ingredients). Where they are included, the active ingredient(s) within the pouch can be the same as or different than the active ingredient(s) associated with the functionalized fleece material. Examples of active ingredients that can be included within the composition in the pouch include, but are not limited to, the active ingredients described herein above as optional components of the additive-containing liquid.

In some embodiments, the oral composition within the pouch can comprise a tobacco component. Where included, the tobacco material can vary in species, type, and form. Generally, the tobacco material is obtained from for a harvested plant of the Nicotiana species. Example 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. Various representative other types of plants from the Nicotiana species are set forth in Goodspeed, The Genus Nicotiana, (Chonica Botanica) (1954); US Pat. Nos. 4,660,577 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; 5,387,416 to White et al., 7,025,066 to Lawson et al.; 7,798,153 to Lawrence, Jr. and 8,186,360 to Marshall et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 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.

Nicotiana species from which suitable tobacco materials can be obtained 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 US Pat. Nos. 5,539,093 to Fitzmaurice et al.; 5,668,295 to Wahab et al.; 5,705,624 to Fitzmaurice et al.; 5,844,119 to Weigl; 6,730,832 to Dominguez et al.; 7,173,170 to Liu et al.; 7,208,659 to Colliver et al. and 7,230,160 to Benning et al.; US Patent Appl. Pub. No. 2006/0236434 to Conkling et al.; and PCT W02008/103935 to Nielsen et al. See, also, the types of tobaccos that are set forth in US Pat. Nos. 4,660,577 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; 5,387,416 to White et al.; and 6,730,832 to Dominguez et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The Nicotiana species can, in some embodiments, be selected for the content of various compounds that are present therein. For example, plants can be selected on the basis that those plants produce relatively high quantities of one or more of the compounds desired to be isolated therefrom. In certain embodiments, plants of the Nicotiana species (e.g., Galpao commun tobacco) are specifically grown for their abundance of leaf surface compounds. Tobacco plants can be grown in greenhouses, growth chambers, or outdoors in fields, or grown hydroponically.

Various parts or portions of the plant of the Nicotiana species can be included within a mixture as disclosed herein. For example, virtually all of the plant (e.g., the whole plant) can be harvested, and employed as such. Alternatively, various parts or pieces of the plant can be harvested or separated for further use after harvest. For example, the flower, leaves, stem, stalk, roots, seeds, and various combinations thereof, can be isolated for further use or treatment. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises tobacco leaf (lamina). The mixture disclosed herein can include processed tobacco parts or pieces, cured and aged tobacco in essentially natural lamina and/or stem form, a tobacco extract, extracted tobacco pulp (e.g., using water as a solvent), or a mixture of the foregoing (e.g., a mixture that combines extracted tobacco pulp with granulated cured and aged natural tobacco lamina).

In certain embodiments, the tobacco material comprises solid tobacco material selected from the group consisting of lamina and stems. The tobacco that is used for the mixture most preferably includes tobacco lamina, or a tobacco lamina and stem mixture (of which at least a portion is smoke-treated). Portions of the tobaccos within the mixture may have processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut-rolled stems, cut-rolled-expanded stems or cut-puffed stems), or volume expanded tobacco (e.g., puffed tobacco, such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET)). See, for example, the tobacco expansion processes set forth in US Pat. Nos. 4,340,073 to de la Burde et al.; 5,259,403 to Guy et al.; and 5,908,032 to Poindexter, et al.; and 7,556,047 to Poindexter, et al., all of which are incorporated by reference. In addition, the d mixture optionally may incorporate tobacco that has been fermented. See, also, the types of tobacco processing techniques set forth in PCT W02005/063060 to Atchley et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

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, cuter 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 between 1.4 millimeters and 250 microns. In some instances, the tobacco particles may be sized to pass through a screen mesh to obtain the particle size range required. 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.

The manner by which the tobacco is provided in a finely divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably, tobacco parts or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a powder type of form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, or the like. Most preferably, the tobacco is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling, using equipment such as hammer mills, cuter 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 to less than about 5 weight percent. For example, the tobacco plant or portion thereof can be separated into individual parts or pieces (e.g., the leaves can be removed from the stems, and/or the stems and leaves can be removed from the stalk). The harvested plant or individual parts or pieces can be further subdivided into parts or pieces (e.g., the leaves can be shredded, cut, comminuted, pulverized, milled or ground into pieces or parts that can be characterized as filler-type pieces, granules, particulates or fine powders). The plant, or parts thereof, can be subjected to external forces or pressure (e.g., by being pressed or subjected to roll treatment). When carrying out such processing conditions, the plant or portion thereof can have a moisture content that approximates its natural moisture content (e.g., its moisture content immediately upon harvest), a moisture content achieved by adding moisture to the plant or portion thereof, or a moisture content that results from the drying of the plant or portion thereof. For example, powdered, pulverized, ground or milled pieces of plants or portions thereof can have moisture contents of less than about 25 weight percent, often less than about 20 weight percent, and frequently less than about 15 weight percent.

For the preparation of oral products, it is typical for a harvested plant of the Nicotiana species to be subjected to a curing process. The tobacco materials incorporated within the mixture for inclusion within products as disclosed herein are those that have been appropriately cured and/or aged. 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). Examples of techniques and conditions for curing flue-cured tobacco are set forth in Nestor et al., Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 20, 467-475 (2003) and US 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 US 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.

In certain embodiments, tobacco materials that can be employed include flue-cured or Virginia (e.g., K326), burley, sun-cured (e.g., Indian Kumool and Oriental tobaccos, including Katerini, Prelip, Komotini, Xanthi and Yambol tobaccos), Maryland, dark, dark-fired, dark air cured (e.g., Madole, 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 and various blends of any of the foregoing tobaccos.

The tobacco material may also have a so-called "blended" form. For example, the tobacco material may include a mixture of parts or pieces of flue-cured, burley (e.g., Malawi burley tobacco) and Oriental tobaccos (e.g., as tobacco composed of, or derived from, tobacco lamina, or a mixture of tobacco lamina and tobacco stem). For example, a representative blend may incorporate about 30 to about 70 parts burley tobacco (e.g., lamina, or lamina and stem), and about 30 to about 70 parts flue cured tobacco (e.g., stem, lamina, or lamina and stem) on a dry weight basis. Other example tobacco blends incorporate about 75 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 15 parts burley tobacco, and about 10 parts Oriental tobacco; or about 65 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 25 parts burley tobacco, and about 10 parts Oriental tobacco; or about 65 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 10 parts burley tobacco, and about 25 parts Oriental tobacco; on a dry weight basis. Other example tobacco blends incorporate about 20 to about 30 parts Oriental tobacco and about 70 to about 80 parts flue-cured tobacco on a dry weight basis.

Tobacco materials used in the present disclosure can be subjected to, for example, fermentation, bleaching, and the like. If desired, the tobacco materials can be, for example, irradiated, pasteurized, or otherwise subjected to controlled heat treatment. Such treatment processes are detailed, for example, in US Pat. No. 8,061,362 to Mua et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, tobacco materials can be treated with water and an additive capable of inhibiting reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide upon heating of the tobacco material (e.g., an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, cysteine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, compositions incorporating di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, certain non-reducing saccharides, certain reducing agents, phenolic compounds, certain compounds having at least one free thiol group or functionality, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, natural plant extracts (e.g., rosemary extract), and combinations thereof. See, for example, the types of treatment processes described in US Pat. Pub. Nos. 8,434,496, 8,944,072, and 8,991,403 to Chen et al., which are all incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, this type of treatment is useful where the original tobacco material is subjected to heat in the processes previously described.

In some embodiments, the type of tobacco material is selected such that it is initially visually lighter in color than other tobacco materials to some degree (e.g., whitened or bleached). Tobacco pulp can be whitened in certain embodiments according to any means known in the art. For example, bleached tobacco material produced by various whitening methods using various bleaching or oxidizing agents and oxidation catalysts can be used. Example oxidizing agents include peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), chlorite salts, chlorate salts, perchlorate salts, hypochlorite salts, ozone, ammonia, potassium permanganate, and combinations thereof. Example oxidation catalysts are titanium dioxide, manganese dioxide, and combinations thereof. Processes for treating tobacco with bleaching agents are discussed, for example, in US Patent Nos. 787,611 to Daniels, Jr.; 1,086,306 to Oelenheinz; 1,437,095 to Delling; 1,757,477 to Rosenhoch; 2,122,421 to Hawkinson; 2,148,147 to Baier; 2,170,107 to Baier; 2,274,649 to Baier; 2,770,239 to Prats et al.; 3,612,065 to Rosen; 3,851,653 to Rosen; 3,889,689 to Rosen; 3,943,940 to Minami; 3,943,945 to Rosen; 4,143,666 to Rainer; 4,194,514 to Campbell; 4,366,823, 4,366,824, and 4,388,933 to Rainer et al.; 4,641,667 to Schmekel et al.; 5,713,376 to Berger; 9,339,058 to Byrd Jr. et al.; 9,420,825 to Beeson et al.; and 9,950,858 to Byrd Jr. et al.; as well as in US Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2012/0067361 to Bjorkholm et al.; 2016/0073686 to Crooks; 2017/0020183 to Bjorkholm; and 2017/0112183 to Bjorkholm, and in PCT Publ. Appl. Nos. WO1996/031255 to Giolvas and W02018/083114 to Bjorkholm, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can have an ISO brightness of at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80%. In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can have an ISO brightness in the range of about 50% to about 90%, about 55% to about 75%, or about 60% to about 70%. ISO brightness can be measured according to ISO 3688: 1999 or ISO 2470-1:2016.

In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can be characterized as lightened in color (e.g., "whitened") in comparison to an untreated tobacco material. White colors are often defined with reference to the International Commission on Illumination's (CIE's) chromaticity diagram. The whitened tobacco material can, in certain embodiments, be characterized as closer on the chromaticity diagram to pure white than an untreated tobacco material.

Typical inclusion ranges for tobacco materials can vary depending on the nature and type of the tobacco material, and the intended effect on the final pouched product, with an example range of up to about 30% by weight (or up to about 20% by weight or up to about 10% by weight or up to about 5% by weight), based on total weight of the oral composition (e.g., about 0.1 to about 15% by weight).

In some embodiments, a pouched product of the disclosure can be characterized as completely free or substantially free of tobacco material (other than purified nicotine as an active ingredient, in some embodiments). For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than 1% by weight, or less than 0.5% by weight, or less than 0.1% by weight of tobacco material, or 0% by weight of tobacco material.

The water content of the particulate mixture within the pouched product described herein, prior to use by a consumer of the product, may vary according to the desired properties. Typically, the mixture, as present within the product prior to insertion into the mouth of the user, is less than about 60 percent by weight of water, and generally is from about 1 to about 60% by weight of water, for example, from about 5 to about 55, about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 45, or about 25 to about 40 percent water by weight, including water amounts of at least about 5% by weight, at least about 10% by weight, at least about 15% by weight, and at least about 20% by weight.

It is noted that such pouches are not limited to containing an oral composition in the form of a particulate mixture. In some embodiments, the material adapted for oral use within the pouch can be, e.g., a liquid or gel material. Products of the present disclosure configured for oral use may be packaged and stored in any suitable packaging in much the same manner that conventional types of oral products are packaged and stored. For example, a plurality of packets or pouches may be contained in a cylindrical container. The storage period of the product after preparation may vary. As used herein, "storage period" refers to the period of time after the preparation of the disclosed product. In some embodiments, one or more of the characteristics of the products disclosed herein (e.g., retention of whiteness, lack of color change, retention of volatile flavor components) is exhibited over some or all of the storage period. In some embodiments, the storage period (i.e., the time period after preparation) is at least one day. In some embodiments, the storage period is from about about 1 day, about 2 days, or about 3 days, to about 1 week, or from about 1 week to about 2 weeks, from about 2 weeks to about 1 month, from about 1 month to about 2 months, from about 2 months to about 3 months, from about 3 months to about 4 months, or from about 4 months to about 5 months. In some embodiments, the storage period is any number of days between about 1 and about 150. In certain embodiments, the storage period may be longer than 5 months, for example, about 6 months, about 7 months, about 8 months, about 9 months, about 10 months, about 11 months, or about 12 months.

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.

Claims

1. A method for producing a pouched product, comprising: providing a fleece material; functionalizing the fleece material by applying an additive-containing liquid thereto to give a functionalized fleece material; and directly feeding the functionalized fleece material to an in-line pouching machine to introduce an oral composition into a cavity formed by the functionalized fleece material and form the pouched product.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of an active ingredient, a flavorant, and a colorant.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of a nicotine component, botanicals, stimulants, nutraceuticals, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, cannabimimetics, terpenes, and combinations thereof.

4. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a flavorant selected from the group consisting of vanilla, coffee, chocolate/cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, Wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey,jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, and any combination thereof.

5. The method of any of claims 1-4, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a sensate.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the sensate is selected from the group consisting of capsaicin, citric acid, menthol, Sichuan buttons, erythritol, cubebol, vanillyl butyl ether, jambu, spilanthol, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, WS-3 (N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(l-methylethyl)- cyclohexane carboxamide), WS-3 (N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(l-methylethyl)-cyclohexane carboxamide), WS-23 (N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide), WS-5 (N- [(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), EVERCOOL™ 180 ((1R,2S,5R)- N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)menthylcarboxamide ), EVERCOOL™ 190 ((lR,2S,5R)-N-(2- (pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide), monomenthyl succinate, monomethylglutarate, dimethylglutarate, and any combination thereof.

7. The method of any of claims 1-6, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a colorant.

8. The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein the applying comprises applying the additivecontaining liquid on an entire surface of the fleece material.

9. The method of any of claims 1-7, wherein the applying comprises applying the additivecontaining liquid in a pattern on a surface of the fleece material.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pattern comprises one or more stripes on the surface of the fleece material.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises a colorant and the pattern comprises a logo or text.

12. The method of any of claims 1-11, wherein the additive-containing liquid comprises water.

13. The method of any of claims 1-12, wherein the additive-containing liquid further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of surfactants, pH adjusters, plasticizers, binders, and any combination thereof.

14. The method of any of claims 1-13, wherein the oral composition comprises at least one of an active agent and a flavorant in an amount of at least about 0.5% by weight of the oral composition; and a filler in an amount of at least about 30% by weight of the oral composition.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of a sugar substitute, microcrystalline cellulose, and a combination thereof.

16. The method of any of claims 1-15, wherein the fleece material comprises one or more dissolvable fibers, and in particular, wherein the fleece material comprises polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

17. The method of any of claims 1-16, wherein the fleece material comprises fibers with a binder component associated therewith, and in particular, wherein the binder component comprises a starch-based binder.

18. The method of any of claims 1-17, wherein the fleece material is in the form of a bobbin of fleece material.

19. The method of any of claims 1-18, wherein the method is a continuous method for the production of numerous pouched products.

20. The method of any of claims 1-19, wherein the applying results in the additive-containing liquid being adsorbed on a surface of the fleece material.

21. The method of any of claims 1-20, wherein the applying results in the additive-containing liquid being absorbed within the fleece material.

22. A pouched product prepared by the method of any of claims 1-21.

23. A system for producing a pouched product, comprising: a first unit configured to apply an additive-containing liquid to a fleece material to give a functionalized fleece material; and a second unit configured to form a pouched product comprising the functionalized fleece material and an oral composition contained therein, wherein the first unit and second unit are in-line with one another.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising one or more components to direct the functionalized fleece material directly into the second unit.

25. The system of claim 23 or 24, further comprising a bobbin around which the functionalized fleece can be wrapped prior to being directed into the second unit.

26. The system of any of claims 23-25, wherein the first unit is a sprayer.

27. The system of any of claims 25-25, wherein the first unit is a printer.