JP2005508648A - Composition and method for mentholization of charcoal filtered cigarettes - Google Patents

Abstract

    The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular, for the mentholization of smoking articles comprising microencapsulating menthol or other flavourants in a material that melts at a temperature below the pyrolysis range of the smoking article. Relates to a method and a composition.

Description

  The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular, for the mentholization of smoking articles comprising microencapsulating menthol or other flavourants in a material that melts at a temperature below the pyrolysis range of the smoking article. Relates to a composition and a method.

  Menthol, or 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-cyclohexanol, is a cyclic monoterpene. This is the main ingredient of peppermint oil, which has a mint-like taste and smell and gives a cool feeling when inhaled or ingested. Toothpaste, mouth cleanser, mouth spray, medicine, throat candy, cough lozenge, analgesic balm, aspirator, chewing gum, hard candy, chocolate, beverage, liqueur, lotion, shave lotion, shampoo, wet towel Menthol is used as a flavorant in various products, including perfumes, deodorants and the like.

  Menthol is also a popular flavonant for use in cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and other smoking materials. It is widely used for the refreshing cooling sensation given to the cigarette smoke. However, menthol is very volatile at room temperature. This volatility makes it difficult to control the concentration of menthol in cigarettes and can be a problem in packaging and handling. Smoking substances that contain menthol may also have a short shelf life as menthol escapes the product during storage. This problem is particularly noticeable in menthol-flavored cigarettes incorporating a charcoal filter. Menthol does not revert when bound to charcoal or other adsorbents commonly used in filter cigarettes, and over time leads to a substantial and unacceptable menthol reduction. Menthol absorption can also adversely affect the ability of the filter to remove unwanted components from the smoke produced during the burning of tobacco products.

  Thus, considerable time and expense has been spent developing a satisfactory method for producing menthol-flavored charcoal filter cigarettes. The process of mentholizing unfiltered cigarettes or filtered cigarettes without adsorbents is usually unsatisfactory for use with charcoal filter cigarettes. For example, the classic method of using a mentholized piece of paper sealed in a cigarette wrap is that charcoal simply absorbs menthol during storage, resulting in essentially unmentholated cigarettes. Therefore, it is not satisfactory.

  Other methods for producing mentholized smoking products include providing on a menthol support, such as diatomaceous earth, from which menthol is later released. Such a method is undesirable in that little menthol is produced, and may result in an unacceptable flavor or appearance of the smoking material.

  Other methods focus on preparing menthol derivatives or similar compositions that release flavorants such as menthol or menthol upon pyrolysis or hydrolysis. Such derivatives include carbonate derivatives of menthol and esters, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. . However, such derivatives may suffer from one or more drawbacks. For example, their volatility may not be suitable for use with adsorbents, they may not produce a sufficient amount of free menthol upon decomposition, they may be unstable or difficult to process, Alternatively, the pyrolysis or hydrolysis product may be toxic, carcinogenic, or may have an unacceptable flavor.

  Although various methods for mentholization of unfiltered cigarettes are provided, they are satisfactory for mentholizing cigarettes or other smoking articles that incorporate menthol-adsorbing substances such as activated carbon or zeolite. No method has been suggested yet. Accordingly, there is a need for a smoking material that includes an effective menthol transmission system that is compatible with the use of adsorbent filter media.

  In a first embodiment, a smoking composition is provided, the smoking composition comprising a smokable material, a plurality of microcapsules, and a filter, the smoking composition comprises a cigarette, and the smokable material comprises tobacco. And the filter comprises activated carbon or activated carbon, and the microcapsules comprise a coating comprising a waxy hot-melt material having a melting point of about 35 ° C. to about 200 ° C. and a filler comprising menthol.

  In a second embodiment, a smoking composition comprising a smokable material and a plurality of microcapsules is provided, the microcapsule comprising a dressing and a filler, wherein the dressing is above room temperature and below the pyrolysis temperature of the smokable material. Upon exposure to temperature, it melts, thereby releasing the filler into the mainstream, sidestream, or mainstream and sidestream of smoke.

  In one aspect of the second embodiment, the smokable material comprises tobacco. The tobacco may have a reduced or negligible nicotine content, or a reduced or negligible content of tobacco-specific nitrosamines.

  In one aspect of the second embodiment, the filler comprises a flavorant such as menthol.

  In one aspect of the second embodiment, the smoking composition further comprises a filter. The filter may further contain activated carbon or activated carbon. The filter may include a cavity filter. The cavity filter may be filled at least 95% by volume, or about 100% by volume.

  In one aspect of the second embodiment, the dressing comprises a waxy hot melt material having a melting point of about 35 ° C to about 200 ° C. The waxy heat-melting substances are carnauba wax, montan wax, auricule wax, candelilla wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, whale wax, microcrystalline wax, rice wax, low molecular weight polyethylene wax, stearic acid , Palmitic acid, myristic acid, stearylamide, stearone, and mixtures thereof.

  In one aspect of the second embodiment, the dressing includes a water insoluble polymer. Water insoluble polymers may include cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, urea formaldehyde resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polymethyl-methacrylates, nylons, and mixtures thereof. .

  In one aspect of the second embodiment, the dressing includes a water soluble polymer. Water-soluble polymers include polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water-soluble cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride ethylene copolymer, maleic anhydride methyl vinyl ether copolymer, polyethylene oxide, water-soluble polyamide, water-soluble polyester, acrylic acid polymer, polystyrene acrylic acid copolymer, and these Mixtures may be included.

  In one aspect of the second embodiment, the coating material is starch, gum, gelatin, dextrin, hydrolyzed rubber, hydrolyzed gelatin, gum arabic, karamatsu, pectin, tragacanth, locust bean, guar, alginic acid Salt, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, karaya, maltodextrin, and mixtures thereof.

  In a third embodiment, there is provided a method for producing a smokable material comprising a volatile flavourant, the method comprising providing a plurality of microcapsules comprising a coating and a filler; and the microcapsules on the smokable material. And the filler contains a volatile flavonant, and the coating melts when exposed to a temperature higher than room temperature and lower than the pyrolysis temperature of the smokable substance, and the depositing step causes the volatile flavonant to be deposited. A smokable substance containing is obtained.

  In one aspect of the third embodiment, the smokable material comprises tobacco.

  In one aspect of the third embodiment, the volatile flavonant comprises menthol.

  In one aspect of the third embodiment, the dressing includes a waxy hot melt material having a melting point of about 35 ° C to about 200 ° C.

(preface)
The following description and examples further illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize numerous variations and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of preferred embodiments should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

  In preferred embodiments, methods and compositions are provided for transmitting menthol or other flavorants into the smoke mainstream of smoking articles such as cigarettes. The method includes microencapsulation of flavorants and incorporating the microcapsules into a smoking article. Microcapsules sequester flavorants from adsorbents such as activated carbon, resulting in controlled release of flavonants during smoking, and a longer shelf life of smokable items than when unencapsulated flavorants are present. The wall of the microcapsule preferably has sufficient interaction with the flavourant contained therein to maintain the flavourant contained therein until the heat generated during smoking causes the coating (shell) to open. In order to prevent introduction of the dressing into the smoke stream, an encapsulating material that melts rather than volatilizes is usually preferred.

  Preferred embodiments include mainstream and sidestreams of cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco, and especially various polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA), phenolic compositions, and cigarettes Certain other components that are undesirable in smoke, including smoke, are related to cigarettes that have a reduced content of nicotine or other undesirable components in reduced or unburned smoking products. A preferred smoking article tobacco product includes metallic or carbonaceous particles and a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid, as described in US patent application Ser. No. 10/007724, filed Nov. 9, 2001. A catalyst system may be included, and the disclosures of the aforementioned documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Preferred smoking articles typically incorporate activated carbon filters for use with the preferred embodiment microcapsules. However, microcapsules are also suitable for use with unfiltered smoking articles.

  Although the methods and compositions of the preferred embodiments are usually related to tobacco, particularly cigarettes in the form of cigarettes, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, such compositions and methods include any smokable material or smokable composition. To do. Similarly, although the preferred embodiment compositions and methods generally relate to menthol, such compositions and methods are produced by the combustion or pyrolysis of any flavorants, volatile materials that can be adsorbed by activated carbon, or smokable materials. Any additive that is preferred to encapsulate for release upon exposure to heat is included.

(Flavorant)
Volatile components that can be adsorbed by any suitable flavorant, deodorant, additive or activated carbon or any other adsorbent present in the smoking article may be added to the smoking material in the form of microcapsules. Good. Preferred flavonants include, but are not limited to, menthol, menthol derivatives, menthol precursors, and other ingredients that can impart a flavor such as menthol.

  Suitable flavonants include natural fragrances, synthetic fragrances, synthetic essential oils, and natural essential oils. Examples of synthetic fragrances include, but are not limited to, terpene hydrocarbons, esters, ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, ketones, acetals, oximes, and mixtures thereof. Examples of terpene hydrocarbons include, but are not limited to, lime terpenes, lemon terpenes and limonene dimers. Examples of essential oils include, but are not limited to, natural oils obtained from Angelica Root, Anise, Balsam Peru, Basil, Bayram, Laurier (Laurel), Beeswax, Sham Benzoin, Bergamot, Gergamot Mint, Rosewood, Boronia Mega Steigma, Cayupute, Shozuk (Cardamom), Carrot Seed, Atlas cedar, Empizubiksin, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Cinnamon, Ceylon Citronella, Salvia Sclarea, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Dillseed, Elemi, Globus Eucalyptus, Lemon Eucalyptus Eucalyptus radiata, fennel, European fir, frankincense, galvanum, geranium bourbon, rose geranium, show , Grapefruit, helichrysum (Imotel), willow mint, helichrysum, jasmine absolute, cherries, manuka, authentic lavender, lavandin, lemon, lemongrass, lime, linden tree, mandarin, gyoryubai, marjoram, aomoji (mechan), myrrh, gimbaica, Lemon Myrtle, Neroli, Niauri, Nutmeg, Oak Moss, Frankincense, Neroli, Orange Sweet, Oregano Bulgare, Palmarosa, Parsley, Patchouli, Pepper, Peppermint, Neroli, European Red Pine, Ravensara, Damask Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spearmint, spikenard, mariana spruce, prickly pear, mandarin, tea tree, lemon tea tree, gyo Ryubai, Time Geraniol, Tobacco, Tuberose, Vanilla, Berbechisou, Niois Mille, Achillea Millefolium, Ylang Ylang, Ajowan, Bitter Almond, Arnica, Birch, Bordeaux, Redama, Shobu, Camphor, Diatongue, Garlic, Horseradish, Yabo Land Includes shrimp grass, red mugwort, black pepper, onion, penny royal, roux, sassafras, scented hiba, himekoji, ritual spider, and mugwort, and synthetic versions thereof.

  Other suitable fragrances include various aromatic aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols. Examples of aldehyde fragrances include acetaldehyde (apple), benzaldehyde (cherry, almond), anisaldehyde (licorice, anise), cinnamon aldehyde (cinnamon), citral or alpha citral (lemon, lime), neral or beta citral (lemon) , Lime), decanal (orange, lemon), ethyl vanillin (vanilla, cream), heliotropin or piperonal (vanilla, cream), vanillin (vanilla, cream), alpha-amyl cinnamaldehyde (spicy and fruity aroma), butyl Aldehyde (butter, cheese), valeraldehyde (butter, cheese), citronellal, desenal (citrus), aldehyde C-8 (citrus), aldehyde C-9 (citrus), aldehyde C- 2 (citrus), 2-ethyl butyraldehyde (fruits), hexenal (fruits), tolylaldehyde (cherry, almond), veratraldehydr (vanilla), 2-6-dimethyl-5-heptenal (melon) 2,6-dimethyloctanal (green fruits) and 2-dodecenal (citrus, mandarin). Examples of ketone fragrances include d-carvone (carp), 1-carvone (spearmint), diacetyl (butter, cheese, cream), benzophenone (fruity and spicy aroma, vanilla), methyl ethyl ketone (berries), Maltol (fruits), menthone (mint), methyl amyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, dipropyl ketone, methyl hexyl ketone, ethyl amyl ketone (fruits, berries), pyruvic acid (smoky, fruity aroma ), Acetanisole (hawthorn heliotrope), dihydrocarbon (spearmint), 2,4-dimethylacetophenone (peppermint), 1,3-diphenyl-2-propanone (almond), acetocumene (irid and basil, spicy), isojasmon ( The Sumin), d-isomethylionone (Iris-like, violet) isobutyl acetoacetate (like brandy), gingeron (ginger), plegon (peppermint-shower), d-piperitone (mint-like), and 2-nonanone (rose and Like tea). Examples of alcohol fragrances include anis alcohol or p-methoxybenzyl alcohol (fruity, peach), benzyl alcohol (fruity), carvacrol or 2-p-simenol (irritating and warm odor), carveol, cinnamir alcohol ( Floral scent), citronellol (rose scent), decanol, dihydrocarbeveol (spicy, pepper-like), tetrahydrozelaniol or 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol (rose scent), eugenol (clove), and Contains perillic alcohol (floral odor).

  Other suitable flavourants include, but are not limited to, γ-andecalanthone, ethylmethylphenylglycidate, allyl caproate, amyl salicylate, amyl benzoate, amyl acetate, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, salicylic acid Benzyl, benzyl propinate, butyl acetate, benzyl butyrate, phenyl benzyl acetate, cedolyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, citronellyl formate, p-cresyl acetate, 2-t-pentylucoctyl acetate, cyclohexyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl acetate , Cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, dimethylbenzyl acetate, diethyl phthalate, δ-deca-lactone dibutyl phthalate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl benzoate, fentil acetate, geranyl acetate, γ-dodecalactone, methyl Hydrojasmonate, isobornyl acetate, β-isopropoxyethyl salicylate, linalyl acetate, methyl benzoate, tert-butylsiloxyl acetate, methyl salicylate, ethylene brushate, ethylene dodecanoate, methyl phenyl acetate, phenyl ethyl isobutyrate Including aromatic esters, including phenylethylphenyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, methyl phenylcarbyl acetate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, triethyl citrate, pt-butylcyclohexyl acetate and vetiver acetate .

  Without limitation, p-cresyl methyl ether, diphenyl ether, 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8-hexahydro-4, 6, 7, 8, 8-hexamethylcyclopenta-β-2-benzopyran and phenyl Aromatic ethers including isoamyl ether are also suitable.

  Other materials that may be incorporated into the preferred embodiment microcapsules include various additives and other materials well known in the field of smoking article formulations or microcarcel formulations. Such materials are preferably non-toxic and do not produce undesirable degradation products or impart an unpleasant flavor when the smoking material is burned. These other substances include ionic and non-ionic surfactants (eg PLURONIC®, TRITON®), detergents (eg polyoxyl stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate), emulsifiers, demulsifiers, Stabilizers, aqueous and oily carriers (eg white petrolatum, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, lanolin alcohol, mineral oil, sorbitan monooleate, propylene glycol, cetyl stearyl alcohol), solvents, preservatives (eg methyl paraben, propyl paraben, benzyl) Alcohol, ethylenediaminetetraacetate), thickeners (eg, purlin, xanthan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose), plasticizers (glycerol, polyethylene glycol), antioxidants (eg, vitamin E), buffers, etc. Or it may be you.

(Microencapsulated flavonants)
Some flavourants may have high volatility. This volatility can lead to the loss of flavonants by escaping from the package during adsorption or storage by the filter material. Microencapsulation is an effective technique to avoid unintentional disappearance of flavorants prior to use of smoking articles.

  In a preferred embodiment, menthol is encapsulated in hydrophilic gelatinous microcapsules and mixed with chopped tobacco. Other preferred coating materials include water soluble alcohols and polyethylene oxide. The microcapsule shell prevents the disappearance of flavonants due to volatilization. Microencapsulation allows volatile flavourants to be used in smoking products with absorbent filter media. Microencapsulated flavorants provide controlled release of flavonants from microcapsules at preselected temperatures, typically between slightly below the pyrolysis temperature of the smoking material and slightly above room temperature To do. However, higher temperatures may be desirable for some applications.

  Microencapsulation techniques involve covering small solid particles, liquid granules, or gas vesicles with a thin film material that provides a protective shell for the contents of the microcapsules. Suitable microcapsules in preferred embodiments may be any suitable large, typically from about 1 μm or less to about 1000 μm or more, preferably from about 2 μm to about 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300. 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900 μm, and more preferably from about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 μm to about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 μm It is. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to use nanometer sized microcapsules. Such microcapsules are from about 10 nm or less to less than about 1000 nm, preferably from about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 nm to about 100, 200, 300. , 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900 nm.

  In many embodiments, a solid phase, eg, flavorant such as menthol or other material is encapsulated, but in some embodiments it may be preferable to encapsulate a liquid or gaseous material. Microcapsules containing liquids or gases may be prepared using conventional techniques in the field of microcapsule formation, and such microcapsules may be incorporated into smoking articles in preferred embodiments.

(Structure of microcapsule)
The microcapsules of the preferred embodiment include a filler. This filler is typically one or more flavourants, optionally in combination with a material other than the flavourants. In some embodiments, it may be preferred that the microcapsules contain one or more substances that do not contain flavorants. The filler is encased in a microcapsule by a coating.

  Typical dressings may include, but are not limited to, gum arabic, gelatin, ethyl cellulose, polyurea, polyamide, aminoplast, maltodextrin, and hydrogenated vegetable oil. Although any suitable dressing may be used in the preferred embodiment, it is generally preferred to use an edible or non-toxic dressing that is certified for food or pharmaceutical applications. It is also preferable to use a coating material that melts at a temperature lower than the thermal decomposition temperature of the smoking substance. The temperature in the combustion range of tobacco is typically between about 600 ° C and 900 ° C, and the temperature in the pyrolysis / distillation range is typically between about 200 ° C and 600 ° C. The most preferred dressing is a material that melts below about 200 ° C. but above the highest ambient temperature to which the cigarette is exposed before use. Such dressings may include waxes, polymers, lipids, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and other materials having a suitable melting point.

  In some preferred embodiments, the encapsulant is at a temperature of about 35 ° C. or less to about 200 ° C. or more, more preferably about 36 ° C., 37 ° C., 38 ° C., 39 ° C., or 40 ° C. to about 150 ° C., 160 ° C, 170 ° C, 180 ° C, or 190 ° C, most preferably about 41 ° C, 42 ° C, 43 ° C, 44 ° C, 45 ° C, 50 ° C, 60 ° C, 70 ° C, 80 ° C, 90 ° C or about 100 ° C to about It is a waxy hot-melt material having a melting point of 110 ° C, 120 ° C, 130 ° C, or 140 ° C. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, carnauba wax, montan wax, auricully wax, candelilla wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, Hoechst wax (such as OP and O), bareco wax (WB wax). Etc.), NPS wax, rice wax, low molecular weight polyethylene wax, stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, fatty acid amide (such as stearyl amide), and ketone wax (such as stearone). Any waxy suitable material having a suitable melting point may be used. “Waxy substance” is used herein in its broadest sense and includes, but is not limited to, a substance that melts into a less viscous liquid state when heated and returns to a crystalline solid form when cooled. . Such waxy materials include, but are not limited to, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, animal wax, vegetable wax, highly water insoluble polymer, saturated fatty acid and alkyl chain with 12 to 40 carbon atoms. Fatty acid, fatty acid esters such as fatty acid triglycerides, and fatty acid esters of sorbitan and fatty alcohols. Certain suitable waxy substances are lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearin, arachidin, and behenic acid, stearyl and behenyl alcohol, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, spermaceti, candelilla wax, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan tetralaurate, It may be derived from a composition comprising tripalmitin, trimyristin and octacosane, and stearyl alcohol.

  In another preferred embodiment, the encapsulant is a water insoluble polymer. Examples of suitable water insoluble polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, cellulose ethers such as ethyl, propyl or butyl cellulose; cellulose esters such as cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate or acetate-butyric acid cellulose; urea formaldehyde Resins, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polymethyl-methacrylate and nylon. Such materials are described in, for example, Modern Plastics Encyclopedia, Volume 62, No., published by Mcgraw-Hill, New York, NY. 10A (1985-1986), pages 768-787, are described in great detail in any handbook of synthetic organic plastics, and the above references are referred to in this specification. A preferred polymeric material is ethyl cellulose. Polymer coatings can be plasticized using well-known plasticizers such as phthalates, adipates, sebacates, polyols (eg ethylene glycol), tricresyl phosphate, castor oil, and camphor. Good. A preferred polymeric material is ethyl cellulose.

  In another preferred embodiment, the encapsulant is a water soluble polymer. Examples of suitable synthetic water soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone, water soluble cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, methyl vinyl ether maleic anhydride copolymer, polyethylene oxide, water soluble polyamide or Polyesters, copolymers or homopolymers of acrylic acid such as polyacrylic acid, polystyrene acrylic acid copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable water-soluble polymers are hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxylpropyl carboxypropyl cellulose, hydroxybutyl carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. Water-soluble hydroxyalkyl cellulose and carboxyalkyl cellulose, and alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium salts of these carboxyalkyl celluloses are included. Water soluble natural or modified natural polymers include starch, gum, and gelatin. Starch modified to various forms including dextrin is also suitable, as are hydrolyzed gums and hydrolyzed gelatin. Hydrolyzed gums suitable for use as encapsulating materials include gum arabic, karakatsu, pectin, tragacanth, locust bean, guar, alginate, carrageenan, cellulose gum such as carboxymethylcellulose and karaya. Suitable modified starches typically have a dextrose equivalent of 0.25 to about 20, preferably 5 to 15. Starch hydrolyzing agents having up to 95 dextrose are also useful, for example, maltodextrin and dextrin and other starches are derived from corn, waxy maize, tapioca, and the like.

  Microcapsules may be prepared using the M-CAP process of the Derby Installation Technology Corporation of Pennsylvania. The M-CAP shell wall is a microcapsule having a melting point of about 20 ° C. to 350 ° C. as small as 3 microns. Microcapsules with different melting points may be included in a cigarette to ensure a constant release of menthol as the charcoal burns the cigarette core. If the speed control is designed to change, the dressing, thickness or microcapsule size may be changed accordingly. The M-CAP structure provides uniform microcapsule size and microcapsules smaller than 50 microns.

  Microcapsules can be prepared using ethylene acetate / vinyl copolymers or similar cellulite materials with the desired properties of a programmable shell wall release temperature between 20 ° C and 350 ° C. ELVAX® is a product of E.I. of Wilmington, Delaware. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. (E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.). Other suitable coatings are Piscataway, N.I. J. et al. EUDRAGIT E® manufactured by Rohm America, a cationic copolymer synthesized from dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and neutral methacrylate and forms a rapidly degrading film coating BERMOCOLL® (which is ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) manufactured by Verol Chemi AB, Stenang Sand, Sweden; Saddle Brook, N .; J. et al. Knox Gelatin Inc. K & K Gelatin, a gelatin manufactured by Kind & Knox, a division of Knox Gelatin, Inc .; Bridgewater, N .; J. et al. National Starch and Chemical Corporation, N-LOK®, an emulsion stabilizing material manufactured by the Food Products Division, and also manufactured by National Starch Contains CAPSUL®, which is a modified starch. CAPSUL is made from waxy maize, is particularly suitable for encapsulation, and has excellent shelf life stability.

  In preferred embodiments, the shell wall may be less than about 20% to more than about 50% of the microcapsule volume for stability and durability. The microcapsules preferably have a diameter of less than 10 μm so that they cannot be seen on the cut tobacco. However, larger diameters may be preferred in some embodiments. The microcapsule may be further cured with a plasticizer to control its melting point. The microcapsules may be dyed with suitable food pigments to match the color of the cigarette. In some embodiments, double or more encapsulations may be preferred depending on the flavourant to be encapsulated.

  Depending on the application, it may be preferable to use a dressing that decomposes or dissolves, for example in the presence of water vapor in tobacco smoke, thereby releasing the encapsulated flavourant. In some embodiments it may also be preferred to use a dressing that releases the encapsulated material upon pyrolysis of the smoking material.

  Suitable dressings include but are not limited to gum arabic, gelatin, diethyl cellulose, maltodextrin, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Gelatin is particularly preferred because it is inexpensive and gelatin-coated microcapsules can be easily prepared. However, depending on the embodiment, other dressings may be preferred. The optimal coating is the particle size and particle size distribution of the filler, the shape of the filler particles, the interaction with the filler, the stability of the filler, and the timing of the release of the filler from the microcapsules. Will be.

(Microencapsulation process)
Various encapsulation methods may be used to prepare the preferred embodiment microcapsules. These methods include a gas phase or suction step in which the coating is sprayed or deposited onto the filler so as to form a shell, or a liquid is sprayed into the gas phase, which then produces microcapsules. It is hardened. Suitable methods include emulsification and dispersion methods, in which the microcapsules are formed in the liquid phase.

((Spray drying))
Encapsulation by spray drying involves spraying a concentrated solution of a dressing containing filler or unsaturated dispersion into a heated chamber where fast unsolvation occurs. Any suitable solvent system can be used. However, this method is most preferred for use in aqueous systems. Spray drying is generally used to prepare microcapsules containing coatings such as gelatin, hydrolyzed gelatin, gum arabic, modified starch, maltodextrin, sucrose, or sorbitol. When an aqueous solution of the dressing is used, the filler typically comprises a hydrophobic liquid or a water unsaturated oil. Dispersants and / or emulsifiers may be added to the concentrated solution of the coating. Relatively small microcapsules can be prepared by spray drying methods, examples being microcapsules less than about 1 μm to greater than about 50 μm. The resulting particles may include individual particle lumps and individual particles. The amount of filler encapsulated using spray drying techniques typically ranges from about 20% by weight of microcapsules to over 60% by weight of microcapsules. This method is preferred because it is less costly than other methods and has wide utility in preparing food quality microcapsules. However, this method may not be preferred for preparing heat-sensitive materials.

  In another type of spray drying, cold rather than unsolvated is used to harden the molten mixture of the dressing containing the particulate or unsaturated liquid filler. In such encapsulation methods, various lipids, waxes, fatty alcohols, and fatty acids are typically used as coatings. This method is generally preferred for preparing microcapsules having a water-insoluble shell.

((Fluidized bed microencapsulation method))
Encapsulation using fluidized bed technology typically involves spraying and coating a liquid coating, usually in solution or in a molten state, onto solid particles floating in a gas stream, typically heated air. The cooled particles are then cooled. Commonly used dressings include, but are not limited to, colloids, solvent soluble polymers, and sugars. The dressing may be applied to the particles from the top of the reactor or may be applied as a spray from the bottom of the reactor, as in the example in the Warster process. The particles remain in the reactor until the desired shell thickness is reached. Fluid bed microencapsulation methods are commonly used to prepare encapsulated water soluble food ingredients and pharmaceutical compositions. This method is particularly suitable for coating irregularly shaped particles. Fluidized bed encapsulation is typically used to prepare microcapsules larger than about 100 μm, but smaller microcapsules may be prepared.

((Composite droplet formation))
A pair of oppositely-polarized polyelectrolytes that can form liquid composite droplets (ie, colloidal particle masses bound by electrostatic attraction) form microcapsules by composite droplet formation Can be used to A preferred polyanion is gelatin, which can form a complex with various polyanions. Typical polyanions include gum arabic, polymeric phosphoric acid, polyacrylic acid, and alginate. Composite droplet formation is primarily used to encapsulate water-unsaturated liquids or water-insoluble solids. This method is generally not suitable for use with water soluble materials or materials that are sensitive to acidic conditions.

  In the composite droplet formation of gum arabic and gelatin, a water-insoluble filler is dispersed in a warm aqueous gelatin emulsion and gum arabic and water are added to the emulsion. The pH of the aqueous phase is adjusted to be slightly acidic, thereby forming composite droplets that adsorb on the surface of the filler. The system is cooled and a cross-linking agent such as glutaraldehyde is added. The microcapsules may optionally be treated with low pH urea and formaldehyde to reduce the hydrophilicity of the shell and thereby facilitate the drying process without excessive lumping. The resulting microcapsules may then be dried to form a powder.

((Non-reciprocity between polymers))
Microcapsules may be prepared using a solution containing two, non-reciprocal but liquid polymers that are soluble in a common solvent. One of the polymers is selectively absorbed by the filler. When the filler is dispersed in the solution, the filler is instantaneously covered by a thin film of polymer that is selectively absorbed. Microcapsules are obtained by crosslinking the absorbed polymer or adding to the solution something that is not a solvent, depending on the polymer. The liquid is then removed to obtain microcapsules in the form of a dry powder.

  Encapsulation methods utilizing non-reciprocity between polymers can be performed in aqueous or non-aqueous media. Typically used to prepare microcapsules containing limited water soluble polar solids. Suitable dressings include ethyl cellulose, polylactide, and lactide-glycolide copolymers. Encapsulation methods utilizing non-reciprocity between polymers can be used to encapsulate oral and parenteral pharmaceutical compositions, particularly those containing proteins or polypeptides, since biodegradable microcapsules can be easily prepared. Often liked. Microcapsules prepared by encapsulation methods utilizing non-reciprocity between polymers tend to be smaller than microcapsules prepared by other methods and typically have a diameter of 100 μm or less.

((Interfacial polymerization method))
Microcapsules can be prepared by conducting a polymerization reaction at the liquid interface. In one such microencapsulation method, a dispersion of two unsaturated liquids is prepared. The dispersed phase forms a filler. Each phase contains a separate reactant, which can undergo a polymerization reaction that forms a shell. The reactants in the dispersed phase and the reactants in the continuous phase react to form a shell at the interface between the dispersed and continuous phases. The reactants in the continuous phase are typically transferred to the interface by diffusion. Once the reaction begins, the shell eventually becomes a diffusion barrier, thus limiting the rate of the interfacial polymerization reaction. This can affect shell morphology and thickness uniformity. The dispersed phase can contain an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent. The continuous phase is selected to be unsaturated in the dispersed phase.

  Typical polymerization reactants may contain acid chlorides or isocyanates, which can undergo polymerization reactions with amines or alcohols. The amine or alcohol is solubilized in the aqueous phase in the non-aqueous phase that can solubilize the amine or alcohol. The acid chloride or isocyanate is then dissolved in the water unsaturated or non-aqueous solvent unsaturated phase. Similarly, solid particles that contain a reactant or whose surface is covered with a reactant can be dispersed in a liquid in which the solid particles are not very soluble. The reactants in or on the solid particles are then reacted with the reactants in the continuous phase to form a shell.

  In another type of interfacial polymerization microencapsulation, commonly referred to as in situ encapsulation, fillers in the form of highly insoluble particles or in the form of water unsaturated liquids are dispersed in the aqueous phase. The The aqueous phase contains urea, melamine, water-soluble urea-formaldehyde condensate, or water-soluble urea-melamine condensate. In order to form a shell encapsulating the filler, formaldehyde is added to the aqueous phase, which is heated and oxidized. The condensate is deposited as the reaction proceeds on the surface of the dispersed core material. Unlike the interfacial polymerization reaction described above, this method is suitable for use in delicate fillers because the reacting material does not have to be dissolved in the filler. In a related in situ polymerization process, a water-unsaturated liquid or a solid comprising a water-unsaturated vinyl monomer and a vinyl monomer initiator is dispersed in an aqueous phase. Polymerization is initiated by heating and a vinyl shell is formed at the aqueous phase interface.

((Gas phase polymerization method))
Microcapsules can be prepared by exposing the filler particles to a gas that can be polymerized at the surface of the particles. One such method involves a p-xylene dimer in which a gas is polymerized at the surface of the particles to form poly (p-xylene). If specialized coating equipment is required to perform such a coating process, this process may be more expensive than some liquid phase encapsulation processes. Also, the filler is preferably not sensitive to the reactants and reaction conditions.

((Solvent evaporation method))
Microcapsules can be prepared by removing volatile solvents from two unsaturated liquid emulsions, such as OW, OO or WOW type emulsions. The shell-forming material is dissolved in a volatile solvent. The filler is dissolved, dispersed or emulsified in the solution. Suitable solvents include methylene chloride and ethyl acetate. Solvent evaporation is a preferred method for encapsulating water soluble fillers such as polypeptides. When such water soluble ingredients are encapsulated, typically a thickener is added to the aqueous phase and the solution is cooled to lacquer the aqueous phase before the solvent is removed. . A dispersant may also be added to the emulsion prior to removal of the solvent. The solvent is typically removed by evaporation under air or reduced pressure. Microcapsules with a diameter of less than 1 μm or greater than 1000 μm can be prepared using a solvent evaporation method.

((Centrifugal encapsulation method))
Microencapsulation by centrifugal force typically uses a perforated cup containing a shell and filler emulsion. The cup is placed in an oil bath and rotated at a defined speed, thereby forming a liquid droplet containing shell and filler in the oil outside the rotating cup. The liquid granules are glued and lacquered by cooling to produce oiled particles, which may then be dried. The microcapsules thus formed are generally relatively large. In another variation of the centrifugal force encapsulation method, called the rotary suspension separation method, a mixture of filler and molten shell or coating material is placed on a rotating plate. Coated particles are thrown from the edge of the plate, and these are lacquered or solvent-unmixed and collected.

((Submersible nozzle encapsulation method))
Microencapsulation with a submersible nozzle typically involves spraying a liquid mixture of shell and filler through the nozzle into a stream of carrier liquid. The resulting liquid granulate is lacquered and cooled. The microcapsules thus formed are generally relatively large.

((Solvent incompatibility method))
In the solvent disproportionation method, or extraction drying method, when the dispersion filler or dispersion in the concentrated coating solution is subdivided into a solvent disproportionation solvent and typically an aqueous dispersion is used, It is a water-saturated alcohol. A water-soluble coating comprising maltodextrin, sugar and gum is typically used. A preferred solvent disproportionation solvent is a water-saturated alcohol such as 2-propanol or polyglycol. The resulting microcapsules do not have a distinct filler phase. The microcapsules thus formed typically contain less than about 15% by weight filler, although some embodiments may contain more filler.

((Artificial vesicle))
Artificial vesicles are typically microparticles ranging in size from less than about 30 nm to greater than 1 mm. They consist of two layers of phospholipids encapsulating the aqueous region. Lipid molecules direct polar head groups towards the aqueous phase, and hydrophobic hydrocarbon groups gather together in two layers to form concentric closed lipid foliars that sequester aqueous regions. The flavonant may be encapsulated in an aqueous region or confined between lipid bilayers. Where the flavonant is encapsulated depends on its chemical nature and lipid composition.

((Various microencapsulation methods))
Although the microencapsulation methods described above are generally preferred for preparing the preferred embodiment microcapsules, other microencapsulation methods well known to those skilled in the art may also be used. Further, in some embodiments, in addition to the encapsulated material, non-encapsulated flavorants or other materials may be incorporated directly into the smoking material, filter material, wrapping paper, or other component of the smoking article. It may be preferable. The microcapsules added to the smoking material may all contain the same type of flavorant or other material, or may contain various types and / or encapsulated flavonants or other materials.

((Smokable products containing microencapsulated flavorants))
Microcapsules containing one or more flavonants or other materials are prepared as described above. To ensure that premature release of the flavourant does not occur when the microcapsules are added, the microcapsules are completely dried and any material that can adversely affect the intact state of the microcapsule shell. It is preferable not to contact.

  The microcapsules may be incorporated into the smoking article in any suitable manner at any convenient time during the manufacturing process. In a preferred embodiment, microcapsules containing flavorants are deposited on a smokable material, such as for example tobacco. If the microcapsules do not deteriorate or dissolve in the presence of the solution, the microcapsules may be added to the smokable material as part of the casing solution. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be added to the smokable substance in a separate process from the other components. In the process of manufacturing a smoking article, the microcapsules are preferably added to the smokable substance at a time such that there is no subsequent step in which premature flavourant release can occur by exposing the microcapsules.

  The microcapsules may be added to the smokable substance in a pure form, for example as a powder. Alternatively, the microcapsules may be added as a suspension in the liquid. The microcapsule or suspension of microcapsules may contain a substance for promoting the attachment of the microcapsule to the smokable substance. Suitable materials include gelatin or other viscous materials well known to those skilled in the art. Any suitable mixing method such as mechanical stirring, shaking, or sonication may be used to form a uniform mixture of microcapsules and liquid carrier or other ingredients. Preferably, the mixing method does not result in damage to the microcapsules leading to premature release of the flavorants or other substances contained in the microcapsules. The components are preferably mixed and sealed in an inert atmosphere or sealed container prior to use.

  Microcapsules typically have a flavonant concentration of less than about 0.001, 0.005, or 0.01% by weight of flavonant to about 3, 4, or 5% by weight, preferably about 0.05, 0.1 or 0.2% by weight to about 1, 1.5, 2 or 2.5% by weight, more preferably about 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5% by weight to about It is added to the smokable substance to 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 or 0.9% by weight. The optimum concentration was used to prepare the concentration of flavantant in the microcapsule, the type of flavorant used, the amount and release rate of the desired flavorant, the encapsulant, and the flavonant microcapsule Depending on the encapsulation method.

  In some embodiments, other than in some tobacco or other smokable material, for example, in one or more filter materials, in a cartridge contained in a filter or tobacco core, or recognized by one skilled in the art. It may be preferable to incorporate the microcapsules at any other location.

(Catalyst system for reducing carcinogenic substances in smoke)
In a preferred embodiment, the smoking article comprising the microencapsulated flavourant also incorporates a system comprising a catalytic metalaceous and / or carbonaceous particle and a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid. The catalyst system is incorporated into the smokable material to reduce the concentration of undesirable components in the emerging smoke. In embodiments where the particles are metallic, the particles are preferably prepared by heating an aqueous solution of a source of metal ions and a reducing agent, preferably a source of reducing sugars or hydroxides and metal ions. After the metallic particles are formed in solution, a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is added to the solution, and the solution is added to the smokable material. However, embodiments in which the particles and the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid are added separately to the smokable material are also conceivable. This catalyst system and smoking articles incorporating it are described in US patent application Ser. No. 10/007724, filed Nov. 9, 2001 and entitled “Method and Product for Removing Carcinogenic Substances from Tobacco Smoke”. And is referred to in this specification by reference.

((Metallic particles))
In a preferred embodiment, particles of catalytic metallic material are added to the smokable material. The term “metal” as used herein has a broad meaning and is used in its ordinary sense, including but not limited to pure metals, mixtures of two or more metals, mixtures of metals and non-metals, oxidation It includes metals, alloy metals, any mixture or combination of the materials mentioned above, and other materials containing at least one metal. Suitable catalytic metals include transition metals, metals in the main group, and oxides thereof. Many metals are effective in this process, but preferred metals include Pd, Pt, Rh, Ag, Au, Ni, Co, and Cu.

Many transition metals and many main group metal oxides are effective, but preferred metal oxides include, for example, AgO, ZnO, and Fe ₂ O ₃ . Zinc oxide and iron oxide are particularly preferred from the standpoint of physical properties, price, and carcinogenic behavior of the oxide. A single metal or metal oxide may be preferred, or a mixture of two or more metals or metal oxides may be preferred. The combination includes a mixture of particles each having a different metal or metal oxide composition. Alternatively, the particles themselves may contain a plurality of metals or metal oxides. Suitable particles may include an alloy of two or more types of metals, or a mixture of metal and non-metal alloys. Suitable particles may also include those that form the surface of the particle with a metal core and a layer of metal oxide corresponding to the metal. The metallic particles may also include a metal or metal oxide supported on a suitable support such as a silica or alumina support. Alternatively, the metallic particles may include those of the support material with nuclei almost surrounded by a metal or metal oxide layer that is active as a catalyst. In addition to the above-described configuration, the metal particles may have any suitable shape as long as the average particle size is preferable.

  The particles may be prepared by any suitable method known to those skilled in the art. In preparing the metallic particles, suitable methods include, but are not limited to, wire electric explosion, high energy sphere grinding, plasma method, evaporation and condensation method and the like. However, in a preferred embodiment, as described above, the particles are prepared by reduction of metal ions in an aqueous solution.

  Any suitable metal, metal oxide, or carbonaceous particle (as described below) is preferred, but does not migrate significantly to other cigarettes or other smoke concentrates produced during combustion of smokable materials. It is preferred to use such metals, metal oxides, or carbonaceous particles. For example, palladium has a lower degree of migration than silver. Also, metal oxides tend to have a relatively low degree of migration. However, in some embodiments it may be preferred to have a metal, metal oxide, or carbonaceous particle that has a relatively high degree of migration to the smoke concentrate. In providing a composition that effectively catalyzes the decomposition of nitrate, it is generally preferred that the metal, metal oxide, or carbonaceous particles have a relatively low specific heat.

((Carbonaceous particles))
In some embodiments, catalytic carbonaceous material particles are added to the smokable material. The term “carbonaceous” is used herein in a broad sense and in its ordinary sense, including but not limited to graphitic carbon, fullerene, doped fullerene, carbon nanotube, doped carbon nanotube, It includes other suitable carbon-containing materials, and any mixtures or combinations of the materials listed above.

  The carbonaceous particles may be prepared by any suitable method known in the art. Suitable methods for preparing the graphite particles include, but are not limited to, crushing techniques and the like.

Fullerenes include, but are not limited to, C ₇₀ and higher fullerenes, and buckminsterfullerenes (C ₆₀ ). The structure of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes can be doped with other atoms such as alkali metals including potassium, rubidium and cesium. These other atoms can be contained in carbon cages, ie carbon nanotubes, as found in some types of atoms that are encapsulated in fullerenes. The atoms are also eg bct structure of A4C60 (where A = K, Rb, Cs, and C = Buckminsterfullerene) or A6C60 (where A = K, Rb, cs, and C = Buckminsterfullerene) ) In a crystal structure such as a bcc structure. Fullerenes may be dimerized or polymerized. Some fullerenes, such as C70 fullerene, are known for scavenging radicals and may therefore be suitable for use in the catalyst system without the presence of nitric acid or other radical scavenging elements.

  Fullerenes are preferably prepared by condensing gaseous carbon in an inert gas. Gaseous carbon can be obtained, for example, by directing concentrated laser irradiation on the graphite surface. The released carbon atoms are mixed with the helium gas stream where they form a mass of carbon atoms. The gas containing the mass is then directed into the suction chamber where it expands and is cooled to a temperature several degrees above absolute zero. The mass is then extracted. Other suitable methods of preparing fullerenes well known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

  Carbon nanotubes can be prepared by arc discharge between two graphite electrodes. In the arc discharge method, material evaporates from one electrode and deposits as nanoparticles and nanotubes on the other electrode. Purification is achieved by competitive oxidation in the gas or liquid phase. Carbon nanotubes can be generated by catalysis. In the catalytic process, filaments containing carbon nanotubes are typically generated on metal surfaces exposed to hydrocarbon gas at temperatures between 500-1100 ° C. Other techniques for forming carbon tubes include laser evaporation techniques similar to those used to form fullerenes. However, any suitable method for forming carbon nanotubes may be used.

((Particle size))
Preferred embodiment particles are greater than about 0.5 microns (0.5 μm), more preferably about 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3. 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or an average particle size greater than 2 μm. The preferred size depends on the metallic or carbonaceous material. The size of the particles can be as large as 150 μm or more, more preferably 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 19, 18, 17, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 μm or less. In other embodiments, preferred particle sizes are less than about 0.5 μm (500 nm), or 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 9, It may be 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 nm or less. In a preferred embodiment, the particles are mostly of uniform size, i.e. the majority of the particles present are ± 50% or less of the average diameter, preferably about ± 45%, 40%, 35% of the average diameter. 30% or less, more preferably having a diameter within ± 25% or less of the average diameter, most preferably within ± 20% or less of the average diameter. The phrase “average” includes medium and mode.

  A uniform size is generally preferred, but there may be individual particles with diameters above or below the preferred range, provided that there are particles with a diameter within a significant number of preferred ranges, The majority of the particles with particles outside the preferred range may be present. In other embodiments, a particle distribution of two or more sizes forms a group of particles, for example, some particles are nanometer sized and other particles are micron sized. It may be preferable. The particles of preferred embodiments may be in different forms. For example, a single integrated particle that is not attached to other particles, that is, not physically or chemically attached, may form one particle. Alternatively, a cluster or group of small particles gathered by physical or chemical attraction or bonding may form one large particle. The particles may have structures at different atomic levels, including but not limited to, for example, crystalline, amorphous, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, it may be preferred to include different combinations of particles having various properties, including particle size, shape or structure, chemical composition, crystalline, and the like.

((Nitric acid or nitrous acid source))
Any suitable source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is preferred. Preferred sources of nitric acid or nitrite include nitric acid or nitrite of metals selected from the group Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, Va, Vb, and transition metals of the Periodic Table of Elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, erbium , Scandium, manganese, iron, rhodium, palladium, copper, zinc, aluminum, gallium, tin, bismuth, hydroxides and mixtures thereof. Preferably the nitrate is alkali or alkaline earth metal nitric acid. More preferably, the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is selected from the group of calcium, magnesium and zinc, with magnesium nitrate being the most preferred salt. In a particularly preferred embodiment, _{Mg (NO} 3) as the source of nitrate 2 -6H ₂ O are preferred. Nitric acid and nitrite are generally preferred, but any suitable salt or organometallic compound capable of releasing nitric oxide may be used.

  Although not wishing to be limited to a particular mechanism, if the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid forms nitric oxide groups and this process is catalyzed by metallic or carbonaceous particles in the tobacco combustion zone Seem. Nitric oxide groups are thought to capture organic groups responsible for the formation of PAH and other carcinogenic compositions.

  The temperature at which a particular nitric acid or nitrous acid source decomposes to form nitric oxide may vary. Because of the temperature gradient across the tobacco core combustion zone, a choice of nitric acid or nitrous acid source concentration can be made that provides optimal nitric oxide formation upon combustion. Depending on the nitric acid, or nitrous acid, especially those of the Group Ia metal, act as effective combustion promoters that accelerate the combustion rate of the smokable material and reduce overall smoke production, but not necessarily smoke Does not reduce the amount of PAH inside. Such nitric oxide nitric oxide production may also be relatively low.

  In some embodiments, it may be preferred that the source of metal ions and the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid be the same compound, for example palladium (II) nitrate.

((Catalyst preparation))
In a preferred embodiment, the metallic particles are preferably prepared from an aqueous solution. For example, metallic particles can be prepared from a source of one or more metal ions and a source of ions comprising one or more reducing sugars. Suitable sources of metal ions are soluble in aqueous solutions and any ion capable of producing metal ions that can be reduced to catalytic metals or used to form metal oxides. Or an organometallic composition. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the source of catalyst comprises a metal such as palladium and the source of palladium ions comprises a water soluble palladium salt. Non-limiting examples of suitable palladium salts include but are not limited to simple salts such as shosan palladium, di or diamine palladium chloride complexes such as dichlorodiamine palladium (II) (Pd (NH ₃ ) ₂ Cl ₂ ), etc. Palladium halides, especially paradate salts such as ammonium tetrachloroparadate (II) and ammonium hexachloroparadate (IV).

One particularly preferred form of palladium is ammonium tetrachloroparadate (II) (NH ₄ ) ₂ PdCl ₄ . Ammonium tetrachloroparadate is generally preferred over ammonium hexachloroparadate because, in typical conditions for preparing metallic particles, ammonium tetrachloroparadate (II) converts metal ions to metal more. This is because it may be observed.

  In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous solution of a reducing agent is provided to which a source of metal ions is added. In a preferred embodiment, the reducing agent may be a reducing sugar, although other suitable reducing agents may be preferred. Any compound capable of reducing metal ions may be used, but for practical reasons the reducing agent is preferably non-toxic and preferably does not form toxic by-products when hydrolyzed during smoking. . Furthermore, the reducing agent is preferably water-soluble.

  Preferred reducing agents are reducing sugars containing organic aldehydes, including aldehydes containing hydroxy groups such as sugars such as glucose, manose, galactose, xylose, ribose, and arabinose. Other sugars containing hemiacetal or ketone groups may also be used, such as maltose, sucrose, lactose, fructose, and sorbose. Pure sugar may be used, but syrups such as crude sugar and honey, corn syrup, invert syrup or invert sugar may also be used. Other reducing agents include polyhydric alcohols such as alcohols, preferably glycerol, sorbitol, glycols, among them ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and polyglycols such as polyethylene polypropylene glycol. In other embodiments, other reducing agents such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and ethylene may be preferred.

  The solution is preferably heated before the source of metal ions is added to the solution and maintained at that elevated temperature to reduce the time for the metal ions to convert to metallic particles. In a preferred embodiment, a reducing sugar such as a low inversion sugar will be preferred as the reducing agent. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have excess or insufficient reducing agent present in the solution. Generally from about 5% to about 20%, preferably from about 6% to about 16 or 17%, more preferably from about 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11% to about 12, 13, 14%. Or an aqueous solution containing 15% by weight of reducing sugar is preferably prepared. When the reducing agent is invert sugar, it is preferable to prepare an 11% to 12% by weight solution. The amount of reducing agent may vary depending on the type of preferred reducing agent and the amount of metal ion source added to the solution.

  It may be preferred to prepare the solution in a glass graduated vessel equipped with a heating jacket. However, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to prepare the solution in other types of containers made of or graduated from materials such as plastic, stainless steel, earthenware, and the like. In general, the reaction is preferably carried out in a closed container. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to carry out the reaction under reduced pressure or high pressure, or in an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon.

  In preparing an aqueous solution of reducing sugar, it is preferred to use deionized and well filtered water. In a preferred embodiment, the metallic particles are prepared from an aqueous solution, but in some embodiments it may be preferable to use other suitable solvent systems such as, for example, a polar solvent such as ethanol, or a mixture of ethanol and water. is there. Additional components may be included in the solution as long as they do not significantly adversely affect the catalytic activity of the metallic particles.

  It is preferred to add the reducing sugar to deionized and well filtered water and then heat the solution with constant stirring to avoid hot spots in the solution. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to prepare the particles in a room temperature solution or a solution below room temperature, but in general, once a source of metal ions is added to the solution, the reducing sugar and metal ions are mixed. Heating is preferred to promote the reaction. The solution may be heated to any suitable temperature, but it is preferred to avoid boiling the solution and degrading reducing sugars. In a preferred embodiment where the low invert sugar is a reducing sugar, the solution is typically heated to above about 95 ° C, preferably from above room temperature to about 90 ° C, more preferably about 50 ° C, 55 ° C, It is preferred to heat at 60 ° C, or from 65 ° C to about 85 ° C, most preferably between about 70 ° C or 75 ° C to 80 ° C.

  A source of metal ions is added to the heated aqueous solution of reducing agent, and the solution is stirred while the metal ions react with the reducing sugar to form metallic particles. It is preferred to add sufficient metal ions to form a solution containing less than about 3000 ppm to about 5000 ppm or more metal. Preferably, sufficient metal ions are added, from about 3250, 3500, or 3750 ppm to about 4250, 4500, 4750 ppm metal, more preferably from about 3800, 3850, 3900, or 3950 ppm to about 4050, 4100, 4150, or 4200 ppm metal. Most preferably, a solution containing about 4000 ppm metal is formed.

  The time taken to convert metal ions to metallic particles may vary depending on the preferred reducing agent and source of metal ions, but is generally from about 30 minutes or less to about 24 hours or more, and typically about 1 Or ranging from 2 hours to about 3, 4, or 5 hours. In a preferred embodiment where ammonium tetrachloroparadate is the source of metal ions, significant conversion of palladium ions to palladium metal is achieved after the solution is heated at a temperature of about 75 ° C. for 3 hours. Depending on the embodiment, less conversion may be tolerated, but generally at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, and most preferably at least 75, 80, 85% or more It is desirable to achieve a metal ion to metal conversion in excess of.

  The metallic particles produced by this method generally have a diameter of 1 μm or less. In other embodiments, metallic particles having respective diameters and average diameters of less than about 20 nm or greater than about 1 μm may be formed. The size of the metallic particles can be easily determined using conventional methods such as X-ray diffraction or other particle size determination methods such as laser scattering.

After sufficient metal ion to metal or metal oxide conversion is achieved, and metallic particles are formed, a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is added to the suspension. Any suitable composition that produces nitric acid or nitrite ions in an aqueous solution. The supply source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is preferably alkali metal or alkaline earth metal nitric acid or nitrous acid. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the source of nitrate or nitrite is magnesium _{nitrate, Mg (NO 3) 2 -6H} 2 O. In general, it is preferable to add a sufficient amount of nitric acid or nitrous acid source to produce a solution containing from about 70 ppm or less to about 100 ppm or more nitrogen (in the form of nitric acid or nitrous acid). Preferably, a sufficient source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is added to produce a solution containing from about 75, 80, 85 ppm to about 90 or 95 ppm nitrogen, more preferably about 80 ppm or more.

  In general, it is preferred that the suspension of metallic particles is neither too thick nor too thin to facilitate the effective addition of the suspension to the smokable material.

  While it is generally preferred to prepare a suspension of particles by reducing metal ions in solution as described above, and then a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is added, in other embodiments, the particles It may be preferred to use different methods of preparing the. If the metal or carbonaceous particles are not prepared in solution, the particles may be mixed with a suitable liquid to form a suspension. Due to the large surface area of the particles, it may be difficult to wet the surface of the particles sufficiently to form a uniform suspension. In such cases, including, but not limited to, mechanical methods such as sonication or heating, or chemical methods such as the use of small amounts of surfactants if they do not interfere with the catalytic activity of the particles. It may be preferred to use any suitable method to promote the formation of the suspension. Once a suspension is formed, it can proceed as described above to the addition of nitric acid or nitrous acid.

  Although it is generally preferred to add the metallic or carbonaceous particles and the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid to the smokable material in the form of a suspension, other methods of adding the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid are also possible. It is also possible. For example, if the particles are in a dry form, the particles can be added to the smokable substance as a powder. It may be advantageous to moisten the smokable material with a suitable material, such as water, so that the particles can adhere to the smokable material prior to addition of the powder.

  When carbonaceous or metallic particles are added to the smokable substance in powder form, solid nitric acid or nitrous acid may also be added to the smokable substance in powder form, separate from before or after addition of the particles. Or may be added simultaneously with the particles in a mixed state with the particles. Any suitable method well known to those skilled in the art for preparing a suitable solid form of a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid may be used. In particularly preferred methods, the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is prepared by freeze drying or spray drying methods, both of which can produce very small particles. It is generally preferred that the source of particulate nitric acid or nitrous acid has an average diameter that is about the same as the preferred average diameter of the (catalyst) particles. The source of nitric acid or nitrous acid may be added to the smokable material as a solution in a separate step from adding the particle powder, preferably before the dried particles are added to the smokable material.

((Optimization of catalyst system))
Much has to be considered when trying to optimize the catalyst system, first converting the palladium salt to palladium metal in an aqueous reducing solution. This transformation requires a chemical reduction reaction in an aqueous solution. Early work sought to convert palladium salts to palladium metal in casing solutions. The patent literature suggests that the reducing agent for this reaction in the casing solution is fructose, a well known reducing sugar. One source of fructose in casing solutions is low invert sugar. This initial work is repeated with the casing solution, and ingredients that appear not to be essential for the reduction reaction in the casing solution to create a more constant / controllable reaction (eg propylene glycol, lycorice, cocoa) Etc.) are removed, while the components that appear to be essential (eg water, palladium salts and low invert sugar) are in the ratio found in the casing solution, ie 93 g water to 1 g palladium to 8 g low conversion. The sugar was left behind. Another is the original casing solution was not deemed essential to a reduction reaction at a component in the _{Mg (NO 3) 2 -6H 2} O. This component was present in early formulations, but that Mg with nitric acid analysis of tobacco (NO ₃₎ 2 _-6H 2 _O is somewhat degraded when used mixed with an aqueous solution containing palladium metal was demonstrated. In addition, initial experiments have shown that when Mg (NO ₃ ) ₂ -6H ₂ O is in contact with palladium metal for a long time, there is no reproducibility in reducing carcinogenic substances in the cigarette. When Mg (NO ₃ ) ₂ -6H ₂ O was removed from the reaction solution and instead added before adding the catalyst to the tobacco, a constant and reproducible reduction in carcinogens was obtained with the experimental cigarette.

  One feature of the preferred reduction reaction is the rate of conversion of palladium salt to palladium metal in an aqueous solution containing a low invert sugar as the reducing agent. At temperatures of about 70-75 ° C., the rate of conversion typically increases reliably with time, and after the first 3 hours of reaction, more than 60-70% of the salt is typically converted to metal. Yes. Most of the palladium salt is converted to metal within the first hour (about 50%). Longer reaction times (eg greater than 3 hours) generally increase the rate of conversion only slightly. Given the challenge of balancing maximum conversion with an acceptable production schedule, 3 hours is generally preferred as the minimum time for this reaction to occur before adding the catalyst solution to the tobacco.

  In order to increase the production rate and reduce the production cost, it is preferable to increase the rate of conversion from palladium salt to palladium metal. An immediate benefit of increasing the conversion rate is that less palladium salt can be used overall, because the same amount of palladium metal can be formed in the reaction with an increased conversion rate and less salt. is there. This leads to less consumption of the most expensive reactants in the reaction.

  There are several possibilities to increase the rate of conversion of this reaction. The reduction reaction is based on the fact that the aldehyde is oxidized and electrons are released (provided) to the PdII nucleus, thereby forming metallic palladium.

  In the above particularly preferred catalyst system, the source of aldehyde is considered to be reducing sugar fructose. Theoretically, any compound containing an aldehyde reactive group can reduce the palladium salt to palladium metal, but it is preferred that the reducing agent be non-toxic to add the resulting mixture to tobacco. As described above with respect to a particularly preferred catalyst system, a low invert sugar is used as the “reducing agent” for this reaction, and the fructose portion of the low invert sugar is believed to be the active reducing agent. Interestingly, it has been found that when pure fructose is supplied as a reducing agent for palladium reduction, it is not effective even in a 10 molar excess of fructose. This observation suggests that an additional “co-reducing agent” or possibly a catalyst for the reducing agent is present in the low invert sugar solution. Due to the complex mixing of low invert sugars, the challenge remains to find out exactly what the reducing agent is when using low invert sugar as a reactant. However, although the mechanism of palladium reduction is not well understood, a particularly preferred system performs very well.

((Addition of catalyst to smokeable substance))
After nitric acid or nitrous acid is added to a suspension containing metallic or carbonaceous particles, the suspension is added to the smokable material. If the smokable material is tobacco, it is preferred to add the suspension before adding the best flavor to the chopped filling. If the best flavor is not added, then it is preferably added as a final step before being formed into a chopped filling, for example a tobacco core. The catalyst particles may be added before or after the casing solution is added, but in a preferred embodiment the catalyst particles are added after the addition of the casing solution. The casing solution is a solution or sauce that is added to tobacco before chopping tobacco, and is composed of various components such as general sugars and aromatic substances. Such casing solutions are added to tobacco in relatively large amounts, for example in a ratio of 5 tobacco to 1 casing solution.

  Particles and sources of nitric acid or nitrous acid are well distributed throughout the tobacco so that a uniform effect is provided throughout the smoking material and throughout the time the material is smoked. Is preferred. In the case of cigarettes where a mixture of various tobaccos is preferred, the suspension may be added as desired to one or more of the mixed components or to all of the mixed components. To ensure that the particles and the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid are covered fairly uniformly, the suspension is preferably added to all the mixed components.

  If a long time is allowed for the suspension to be added to the smokable material, performance degradation may occur depending on the type of particle suspension. This performance degradation may be due to various factors such as particles being lost from the suspension by collecting on the inner surface of the reaction solution, or undesirably increasing particle size over time. When the suspension contains palladium particles, the desired degree of metal ion conversion is obtained and after the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid is added, the suspension is typically engraved within about 10 hours Added to. The suspension is preferably within about 9, 8, 7, or less hours, more preferably within about 6, 5, or 4 hours, and most preferably 3, 2, or 1 hour or less. Added within. However, in some embodiments, including those using palladium particles, the suspension may be added after a delay of more than 10 hours while maintaining acceptable catalyst performance.

  The suspension is preferably added to the smokable substance as a fine mist as can be done with a nebulizer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the suspension is preferably added to the cigarette in a rotary machine with a plurality of spray ports. Such a method ensures a uniform coating of tobacco products with metal particles. To facilitate the evaporation of excess solvent during or after the solution is added, the tobacco may be heated.

  It is preferred that a sufficient amount of a suspension of metallic or carbonaceous particles is added to the smokable material such that the smokable material comprises from about 500 ppm or less to about 1500 ppm or more of metal or carbon in the form of catalyst particles. Preferably, the smokable material comprises from about 500 ppm to about 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, or 1400 ppm of metal or carbon in the form of catalyst particles, more preferably from 500, 600, or 700 to about 800, 900, or 1000 ppm. And most preferably about 800 ppm. Generally, it is preferred that the smokable material contains from about 0.4 to about 1.5 weight percent nitrogen (from nitric acid or nitrous acid). Preferably, the smokable material is from about 0.5 or 0.6 wt% to about 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 wt% nitrogen, more preferably about 0.6 , 0.7, or 0.8 wt% to about 0.9 wt%, and most preferably about 0.9 wt% nitrogen. In a preferred embodiment, a kilogram of tobacco contains 800 milligrams of metal or carbon in the form of catalyst particles and 9 grams of nitrogen in the form of a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid.

  Once the metallic or carbonaceous particles and the source of nitric acid or nitrous acid are added, the smokable material can be further processed and formed into any desired shape, or like cigars, cigarettes, or pipe tobacco, for example In addition, they may be used separately in any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art.

(filter)
In a preferred embodiment in which the smokable material to which the microencapsulated flavourant is added is made into a smokable article, a filter for the smokable material is provided. The filter can be provided with a cigarette or cigar or other smokable device that contains a separate tobacco or other smokable material. The filter is preferably positioned so that smoke from the smokable material passes through the filter before entering the smoker's body and is secured to one end of the smokable article. Alternatively, it is the only suitable filter for attachment to a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other smokable device that uses a smokable material to which microencapsulated flavourants have been added according to a preferred embodiment. It can also be provided.

  The filter according to a preferred embodiment advantageously removes at least one undesirable component from tobacco smoke or other smokable material. Undesirable components in tobacco smoke include permanent gases, organic volatiles, semi-volatiles, and non-volatiles. Permanent gases (such as carbon dioxide) constitute up to 80% of the smoke and are generally not affected by filters or adsorbents. Organic volatiles, semi-volatiles, and non-volatiles can be reduced by various designs of filters. The filter according to a preferred embodiment advantageously removes components including, but not limited to, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, HCN, acrolein, nitrosamines, particulates, oils, various carcinogens, and the like. it can.

  The filter preferably allows for satisfactory or better smoke flavor, nicotine content, and inhalation properties. The filter is preferably designed to be acceptable to the user without being inconvenient or attracting people. Furthermore, the filter according to the preferred embodiment is an inexpensive, safe and effective component and can preferably be produced by a conventional cigarette making machine.

  The filter may incorporate one or more substances that can absorb, adsorb or react with at least one undesirable component of tobacco smoke. Such absorption, adsorption, or reactant can be incorporated into the filter using any suitable method and apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the absorbing, adsorbing, or reactive material can be contained within a smoke permeable cartridge disposed within the filter, or contained within a cavity within the filter. In another embodiment, absorption, adsorption, or reactant is deposited on and / or in the filter material.

  The method of addition may include forming an absorption, adsorption, or reactant paste in a suitable liquid, adding the paste to the filter media, and evaporating the liquid. Alternatively, absorption, adsorption, or reaction material may be mixed with the viscous material and added to the filter material. All of the filter material may contain absorption, adsorption, or reactant, or only a portion of the filter material may contain adsorption or reactant. The portion of the filter that contains the absorption, adsorption, or reactant is generally referred to as the “smoke conversion filter portion”.

  The cigarette filter of the preferred embodiment preferably contains activated carbon (usually called charcoal) as an adsorbent. The process by which activated carbon removes the composition is adsorption, which is a different process from absorption. Absorption is a process in which the material to be absorbed is dispersed throughout the porous absorbent body, while adsorption is a surface suction effect. Both absorption and adsorption may be physical or chemical. Adsorption effects associated with activated carbon are mainly physical effects. Within the activated carbon filter, smoke components in organic and semi-volatile phases diffuse into the carbon particles, move on the surface, and move into the activated carbon pores by a phenomenon known as van der Waals forces. It is done. These forces are generally considered weak, but at short distances (one or two molecular diameters) are sufficient to attract and hold smoke effectively.

  Activated carbon can be obtained from a variety of sources including but not limited to wood, coconut shells, coal, and peat. Wood generally forms activated carbon (50 to 1000 nm pore size) with soft and macro pores. Peat and coal materials generally form activated carbon (2 to 50 nm pore size) with medium pores. Activated carbon obtained from coconut shells generally has micro pores (pore size less than 2 nm), has a large surface area, and has a low concentration of ash and alkali metal components compared to other types of activated carbon. ing.

  Preferred activated carbons are those that have micropores and are dense enough to give structural strength to the activated carbon so that it can resist excessive particle friction during handling and packaging.

  The filter may contain various other absorptive, adsorptive and porous materials in addition to the activated carbon described above. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, cellulose fibers such as cellulose acetate, cotton, wood pulp, and paper; polymer materials such as polyester and polyolefin; ion exchange materials; activated alumina, silica gel, and silica Natural or synthetic minerals such as magnesium acid; natural or synthetic zeolites or sieves (see, eg, Norman et al. US Pat. No. 3,703,901, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety); natural mud such as Miasham; Algae, including activated carbon and other materials understood by those skilled in the art. An adsorbent, absorbent or porous material is any non-toxic material suitable for a filter for smokable devices that interacts with other materials in the smoker device or filtered smoke. Also good.

  Typically, the structure of the filter includes a porous material such as cellulose acetate yarn or cellulose paper as a main component, which is hereinafter referred to as “filter material”. The adsorptive or absorptive component of the particulate object, usually granular or activated carbon, is dispersed in the filter material of the filter portion or is disposed in a cartridge or cavity (eg, as described below) In the cavity of a three-stage filter).

  The filter material may be an unwoven fiber network or thread. Alternatively, the filter material may be in the form of a sheet, especially when the filter material is formed from a polymer or a mixture of natural fibers such as cotton or wood pulp. The filter material in the form of a mesh or sheet may be collected, folded, corrugated, or any suitable shape (eg, cylindrical) using techniques obvious to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Priol et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,809, generally referred to herein.

  In a preferred embodiment, the filter material comprises cellulose acetate yarn or cellulose paper. Cellulose acetate yarn is the most widely preferred filter material in cigarettes around the world. Cellulose paper filter media generally provides better tar and nicotine retention when compared to acetic acid filters at reduced pressure and has the added advantage of better biodegradability. Cellulose and cellulose acetate reduce the amount of chemicals in the semi-volatile and non-volatile phases, which are composed of solid particulates (commonly referred to as “tars”). These compositions are reduced in proportion to the amount of cellulose or cellulose acetate in the filter. Increasing the density of cellulose or cellulose acetate generally means reduced pressure, increasing the retention of the filter, ie reducing tar transmission. The filter generally retains less than 10% of the vapor phase component.

  In some embodiments, a polymeric material such as cellulose acetate may be preferred for use as a filter material over materials such as cellulose paper. Excellent chemical inertness in use, for example when smoke conversion components reactive to cellulose paper are present in the filter, or components reactive to cellulose paper are produced in the filter Alternatively, polymeric materials may be preferred in embodiments where structural integrity is the property desired for the filter. Cellulose acetate yarns (such as those available from Charlotte, NC's Celanese Acetate) are the most commonly preferred polymeric materials, but suitable polymeric materials such as polyamides, polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, etc. Of synthetic addition polymers or condensation polymers.

  The polymeric material is any non-toxic suitable for use for smokable devices that are interactive with other materials in the smoker device or filtered smoke and have the desired degree of inertness. It may be a polymer. The polymeric material is preferably in the form of a fiber thread, but may optionally be in other physical forms such as corrugated sheets. The polymer material may be a single polymer or, for example, a homopolymer, a copolymer, a terpolymer, a functionalized polymer, a polymer with different molecular weights, a polymer consisting of different monomers, a polymer, oligomer consisting of two or more different proportions of the same monomer, And a mixture of different polymers in two or more configurations, such as non-polymeric components. The polymer is also subjected to a suitable pre-treatment or post-treatment step such as, for example, functionalization of the polymer, coating with a suitable material.

  When the polymer fiber is a filter material, the fiber may constitute all or part of the filter material of the filter. Alternatively, the filter material may be a mixture of polymer fibers or a mixture of polymer fibers and non-polymer fibers such as cellulose fibers obtained from wood pulp, purified cellulose, and cotton fibers. Since polymeric materials can be more expensive than natural fibers, a mixture of filter media is preferred in embodiments where component costs are desired to be reduced. Any suitable percentage of polymer material can be present, from 100% polymer material to 80, 60, 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, or 10% or less polymer material present. Good.

  As mentioned above, in some embodiments it may be preferable to coat the filter material with one or more substances that can chemically react with undesirable components of smoke. Such materials include natural or synthetic polymers, or chemicals well known in the art to provide treated filter media that can alter the chemistry of tobacco smoke. One method of coating the filter material is to prepare a solution or suspension of the substance in a suitable solvent. Suitable solvents include, for example, water, ethanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene and the like.

  The solution or suspension can be added to the surface of the filter material using a gravure printing technique, a spray technique, a printing technique, a liquid immersion technique, an injection technique, or the like. Most preferably, the filter material is essentially insoluble in the preferred solvent and therefore does not significantly affect the overall structure of the filter material. After the solution or suspension is added to the surface of the filter media, the solvent is typically removed by air drying or refluxing at room temperature or heating in an artificial air oven. The amount of solution or suspension added to the filter material is sufficient to cover the outer surface of the filter material, but not enough to fill the space between the fibers of the filter material.

  Typically, the amount of solution or suspension added to the filter media is at least about 5%, preferably at least about 8%, more preferably at least about 10%, based on the weight of the filter media prior to processing, and Most preferably, the amount is sufficient to deposit at least about 15% of material.

  When the material is a polymer, the polymer may be a synthetic polymer or a natural polymer. Synthetic polymers are obtained by polymerization of monomeric materials (eg, addition or condensation polymers) or are recovered after chemically changing the substituents of the polymeric material. Natural polymers are recovered from living organisms (such as seaweed), usually by extraction.

  Examples of synthetic polymers that can be added to the filter media include, but are not limited to, cellulose esters such as carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate and cellulose propionate (eg, Kingsport). , Eastman Chemical Corp. of TN (Eastman Chemical Corp.), polyethylene glycol, water dispersible amorphous polyesters having aromatic dicarbonate functional groups (eg, Kingsport, Eastman Chemical Corp. of TN) Eastman AQ), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (eg, from Shelton, CT Mica Corp. (Mica Corp.)), partially or fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol (eg, Aranta) Airvol from Air Products and Chemicals, PA, an ethylene acrylate copolymer (eg, Philadelphia, Enveron and Wilmington, PA, and Dow Chemical Co., DE, DE). Primacor from The Dow Chemical Co., polysaccharides (eg, Keltrol from CP Kelco, San Diego, CA), alginate (eg, International Specialty Products from Wayne, NJ) Products)), carrageenan (eg, FMC Viscarin GP109 and Nutricol GP120F konjac flour) and starch (eg National Starch & Chemical Co. (National Starch & Chemical Co.) Nadex 772, K-4484 and N-oil).

  Typically, natural or synthetic polymers tend to coat the surface of the filter material very efficiently and have a high viscosity so that a high coating height is not necessary and sometimes difficult. Typically, some natural or synthetic polymers are at least about 0.001%, preferably at least about 0.01%, more preferably at least about 0.1%, based on the weight of the filter media prior to treatment. Most preferably, at least about 1% can be added to the filter material. Typically, the amount of natural or synthetic polymer added to the filter material does not exceed about 10%, and usually does not exceed about 5%, based on the weight of the filter material prior to treatment.

  The natural or synthetic polymer material added to the filter material may vary depending on the desired chemical functionality, hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity. If desired, multiple types of natural or synthetic polymers can be added to the filter media in one suspension or solution. If desired, the filter material is added with at least one natural or synthetic polymer dispersed or dissolved in a suitable solvent, and the solvent is removed, after which at least a similar method is applied to the resulting coated filter material. It is also possible to add one other natural or synthetic polymer. When multiple additions are made in this way, it is preferred that the solvent does not dissolve much of the natural or synthetic polymer already coated on the filter material.

  The filter of the preferred embodiment may include multiple portions. One form of such a filter is a double filter, which consists of two different parts, one part adjacent to the mouth and the other part adjacent to the tobacco core. A common type of double filter has a cellulose acetate portion adjacent to the mouth side of the filter and a cellulose paper portion located on the side of the filter adjacent to the tobacco core. Activated carbon may be incorporated into the cellulose paper portion of the filter to assist in removing unwanted components from tobacco smoke.

  Another filter form, called a triple filter, has three parts, including a part adjacent to the mouth, a part adjacent to the tobacco core, and a part disposed between the two parts. Different parts may be prepared from different materials, or substances having the same components but may be in different physical forms, such as corrugated sheets or yarns, or some parts having the same components and physical forms May contain additional components that are not present in other parts. A typical triple filter configuration is selected in two parts from cellulose acetate and cellulose, one of which is adjacent to the mouth, the other is adjacent to the filter, and the part between the two is the smoke conversion component. Contains. Examples of smoke conversion components include activated carbon or other absorbents, or components that impart smoke flavor.

  One type of triple filter is a cavity filter. A cavity filter consists of two parts separated by a cavity containing one or more smoke conversion components. The cavity may contain an adsorbent material as described above, optionally combined with other suitable components such as activated carbon.

  Double and triple filters can be symmetric (all filter parts are the same length) or asymmetric (two or more parts are different lengths). The filter may be recessed, has a cavity on the mouth side, and is reinforced with a special hard packing paper.

  When the filter component contains a solid material other than a thread or sheet, the material is filtered using any suitable method or apparatus as described above for incorporating absorption, adsorption, or reaction material into the filter component. It can be incorporated into the ingredients. The liquid is immersed in the porous material in the porous material, sprayed with liquid on the filter material, or combined with other ingredients such as gels or solids, and liquid Can be added to the porous filter material using methods well known to those skilled in the art.

  The form of the filter material and the shape of the filter material, and the efficiency of filtering the particulate and vapor phase components of each part of the filter component, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, will balance the desired performance properties for the filter component. Can be changed for. The thread-like filter material can be processed and manufactured into a filter rod using known techniques. Sheet-like or reticulated filter materials are described in Priol et al. US Pat. No. 4,807,809 and Jones Jr. et al. It can be formed into a filter core using the techniques described in other US Pat. The filter material can also be formed into a wick using a wick making device (eg, Bucks, Morins Tobacco Machinery, UK, Ltd. (from Molins Tobacco Machinery, Ltd.).

  The porous filter material contains various additional minor components. These components may include pigments, dyes, preservatives, antioxidants, antifoaming agents, solvents, lubricants, waxes, oils, resins, viscosity agents, and other materials well known to those skilled in the art.

  In a preferred embodiment, the smoking article is provided with a cavity filter consisting of two cellulose acetate parts separated by a cavity containing activated carbon, the filter part being wrapped in a paper stuffing package. The stuffing package may have holes in the cellulose acetate portion adjacent to the tobacco core if dilution with air is desired, such as low or ultra low tar cigarettes. The cellulose acetate portion adjacent to the tobacco core is preferably about 9 mm long, the mouth end portion is preferably 11 mm long, and the cavity is preferably 5 mm long. The cavities are preferably almost filled. Mostly filled is about 95% or more by volume densely packed with particles, preferably about 96, 97, 98, or 99% or more by volume closely packed with particles, and most preferably Is a cavity portion in which about 100% by volume is closely packed with particles. However, in some embodiments it may be preferable that the cavities are not so filled, for example, about 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 6, 55, 50. 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5% by volume may be preferred. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is almost filled with one type of activated carbon. However, in other embodiments, the activated carbon comprises a mixture of activated carbon (eg, various particle sizes or original charcoal), or the activated carbon is magnesium silicate (Mauven, NC, Baumartner, CAVIFLEX®). And available as SEL-X-4®), inert carbon, or semolina, or may be mixed or combined. Most preferably, the cavity portion contains 0.1 g of one type of activated carbon as the only component within the 5 mm long cavity portion of the filter. Carbons prepared in various embodiments from various types of activated carbon or different raw materials, having different surface areas and particle sizes, or having different properties may be preferred. Suitable activated carbons, including special activated carbons, can be obtained from Calgon Carbon Corporation of Pittsburgh, PA.

(Additive)
As is well known to those skilled in the art, additional components may be added to the smokable material or may be included in the filter, tobacco core, or other smoking article components of the preferred embodiment. Non-limiting examples of such ingredients include tobacco extracts, lubricants, flavors and the like. These additional ingredients preferably do not react to release the microcapsules of the smoking substance and its contents prematurely.

  The filter component can optionally include tobacco or flavor extract intimately with the filter material. If desired, the tobacco or flavor extract can be spray dried and / or heat treated. The pre-smoking filter component can comprise from less than 10% tobacco or flavor extract to about 50% tobacco or flavor extract, based on the total dry weight of the filter component and extract. In some embodiments, the tobacco filter component typically includes a lubricious material in intimate contact with the filter material. Typically, before smoking a cigarette, the filter material contains at least about 0.1% lubricant based on the weight of the filter material in that portion. The lubricant may be a low molecular weight liquid (eg glycerin) or a high molecular weight material (eg emulsifier).

  Flavorants may be incorporated into the cigarette using conventional techniques familiar to those skilled in the art in addition to the microencapsulation techniques described herein. If desired, it may be incorporated into the cigarette as a filler additive engraved with a flavor additive such as an organic acid. See, for example, Lawson et al. US Pat. No. 4,832,0028. If metallic or carbonaceous particles and a source of nitric acid or nitrous acid are added to the chopped packing, they are preferably added prior to the addition of the flavorant or flavor extract, 15%, 20%, 25%, or 30% to 35%, 40%, or 45% of the total dry weight.

(Smokable substance)
The microcapsules may be added to any suitable smokable substance. Examples of preferred smokable materials are tobacco, including but not limited to Oriental, Virginia, Maryland, and Burley tobacco, and rare specialty tobacco. Tobacco plants may be of a type produced by conventional plant mating methods or of a genetically engineered type. Tobacco may be stored using any acceptable method, including but not limited to heat drying, exposure to air, exposure to sunlight, and the like, as disclosed in, for example, Williams US Pat. No. 6,202,649 and US Pat. No. 6,135,121. This includes a storage treatment method that results in a low nitrosamine amount, such as the storage treatment methods that are available.

  In general, tobacco material is preserved. Preserved or untreated tobacco may be subjected to any suitable processing steps including, but not limited to, microwave ovens or other radiation treatments, treatment with ultraviolet light, or extraction with aqueous or non-aqueous solvents. Good.

  Tobacco can be in the form of tobacco plates, processed tobacco stems, reformed tobacco material, expanded tobacco fillings, or mixtures thereof. There may be various types of reconstituted tobacco material. Some suitable reshaped tobacco materials are described in Brinkley et al. US Pat. No. 5,159,942. Some increased volume tobacco materials are described in US Pat. No. 5,095,922 to Johnson et al. Mixtures of the aforementioned materials and tobacco types may be used. An exemplary blend is described in Jones et al. US Pat. Other smokable materials may also be used, such as those described in Gentry et al. US Pat. No. 5,074,321 and Brown et al. US Pat. No. 5,056,537.

  Smokable materials are generally used in the form of chopped fillers as is common in the manufacture of conventional cigarettes. For example, the smokable filler is a piece, strip, or string, about 1/5 inch (5 mm) to about 1/60 inch (0.04 mm), preferably about 1/20 inch (1.3 mm) to about It can be used in a form cut to a thickness in the range of 1/40 inch (0.6 mm). In general, such pieces have a length between about 0.25 inches (6 mm) and about 3 inches (76 mm). However, in some embodiments, the thickness is greater than about 1/5 inch (5 mm) or less than about 1/60 inch (0.04 mm) and less than about 0.25 inch (6 mm) or 3 inches ( It may be preferred to use chopped packings having a length exceeding 76 mm).

  The smokable material may be in a form having a relatively high nicotine content (eg, a mixture of smokable materials such as a mixture of various types of tobacco in chopped filling form). Such smokable materials typically have a nicotine content dry weight greater than about 2.0%, 2.25%, 2.5%, 2.75%, or 3.0% or more. Such smokable materials are described in Fag US Pat. No. 5,065,775.

  Alternatively, the smokable substance may be in a form having a relatively low or negligible nicotine content. Such smokable materials typically have a nicotine content dry weight of about 1.5%, 1.25%, 1.0%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05 Less than less than%. Tobacco with a relatively low nicotine content is described in US Pat.

  As used herein, “dry weight of nicotine content” for a smokable substance means the amount of alkaloid nicotine analyzed and quantified by spectroscopic techniques divided by the dry weight of the smokable substance analyzed. For example, Harvey et al., “Tob. Sci.”, 1981, 25, p. See 131.

  In a preferred embodiment, the smokable substance comprises a tobacco product obtained from a tobacco plant that is substantially free of nicotine and / or tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA). Tobacco that contains little nicotine or TSNA can be produced by using genetic engineering to inhibit the ability of plants to synthesize nicotine. Provisional application number 60297154 and Conkling et al., WO 9856923 (both referenced herein), filed June 8, 2001, include at least one tobacco cell of the selected type. Made by exposure to an external DNA construct having DNA containing a portion of the DNA sequence encoding a promoter and an enzyme in the nicotine synthesis process that can function in plant cells in the 5 'to 3' direction , Cigarettes with little nicotine and TSNA. DNA is functionally associated with a promoter, and tobacco cells are altered by the DNA structure, altered cells are selected, and at least one transgenic tobacco plant is produced from the altered cells . Transgenic tobacco plants contain a lower amount of nicotine and / or TSNA compared to the same type of control tobacco plant. In a preferred embodiment, a DNA construct having a portion of the DNA sequence encoding the enzyme in the nicotine synthesis step may have all of the enzyme coding sequence, or any portion thereof.

  In a preferred embodiment, the smokable substance is as described in provisional application no. 60/229198 (referenced herein), filed on August 30, 2000. Consisting of tobacco products obtained from tobacco plants containing reduced nicotine content and / or TSNA.

  Tobacco products having a specific amount of nicotine and / or TSNA can be created by mixing conventional tobacco with low nicotine and / or TSNA tobacco as described above. Some mixing methods first use tobacco prepared from varieties with very low amounts of nicotine and / or TSNA. Tobacco prepared from low nicotine and / or TSNA (eg, undetectable nicotine and / or TSNA) varieties is converted from conventional tobacco (eg, burley with 30,000 ppm nicotine and 8000 ppb TSNA; Tobacco products having almost any desired amount of nicotine and / or TSNA can be produced by mixing with (Oriental with 10000 ppm nicotine and 100 ppb TSNA). Tobacco products having varying amounts of nicotine and / or TSNA may be incorporated into smoking cessation kits and programs to reduce or eliminate smokers' dependence on nicotine and reduce the likelihood of carcinogenesis.

  For example, the Step 1 tobacco product may consist of about 25% low nicotine TSNA tobacco and 75% conventional tobacco; the Step 2 tobacco product consists of about 50% low nicotine TSNA tobacco and 50% conventional tobacco. The tobacco product of step 3 may comprise about 75% low nicotine TSNA tobacco and 25% conventional tobacco; the tobacco product of step 4 comprises about 100% low nicotine TSNA tobacco and 0% It may consist of conventional cigarettes. The smoking cessation kit can include an amount of tobacco product from each of the aforementioned mixtures to satisfy the consumer for a one month smoking cessation program. That is, for example, if the consumer is a box of smokers a day, the one-month kit provides 7 boxes from each step, for a total of 28 boxes of cigarettes. Each smoking cessation kit may include instructions that guide the consumer step by step. Of course, tobacco products having a specific amount of nicotine and / or TSNA are made available in a conveniently metered amount so that the consumer can select the desired amount of nicotine and / or TSNA, respectively. (E.g., cigar boxes, cigarette boxes, hooker cans, and chewing tobacco bags or twists). While there are many ways to obtain various low nicotine / low TSNA tobacco blends using the techniques described herein, the following is one approach that will lead the person skilled in the art.

  To obtain a tobacco product of Step 1 that is a 25% low nicotine / TSNA mixture, tobacco prepared from about 0 ppm nicotine / TSNA tobacco is treated with conventional Burley, heat-dried tobacco, oriental at 25% / 75 each. A barley tobacco product with 22500 ppm nicotine and 6000 ppb TSNA, a heat-treated 15000 ppm nicotine and 225 ppb TSNA product, and an oriental product with 7500 ppm nicotine and 75 ppb TSNA are obtained. Similarly, to obtain a Step 2 product that is a 50% low nicotine / TSNA blend, tobacco prepared from about 0 ppm nicotine / TSNA tobacco is 50% each of conventional burley, heat dried tobacco, oriental. / Burry tobacco products with a ratio of 50%, 1500 ppm nicotine and 4000 ppb TSNA, heat-treated 10000 ppm nicotine and 150 ppb TSNA, and an oriental product with 5000 ppm nicotine and 50 ppb TSNA. In addition, to obtain the tobacco product of Step 3 that is a 75% / 25% low nicotine / TSNA mixture, tobacco prepared from about 0 ppm nicotine / TSNA tobacco is replaced with conventional burley, heat-dried tobacco, oriental and Mixing at a ratio of 75% / 25%, respectively, gives a Barley tobacco product with 7500 ppm nicotine and 2000 ppb TSNA, a heat-treated product with 5000 ppm nicotine and 75 ppb TSNA, and an oriental product with 2500 ppm nicotine and 25 ppb TSNA.

  It is recognized that tobacco products are a mixture of many different types of tobacco that are frequently grown in various locations around the world under various growing environments. As a result, the amount of nicotine and TSNA can vary from crop to crop. However, the average amount of nicotine and TSNA per crop can be easily determined to make the desired mix using conventional techniques. By adjusting the amount of each type of tobacco that makes up the blend, one skilled in the art can balance the amount of nicotine and / or TSNA with other factors that must be considered, such as appearance, flavor, and smokeability. By this method, various types of tobacco can be made having various appearances, flavors, smokeability, and amounts of nicotine and / or nitrosamine.

  In a preferred embodiment, the microcapsules are added to a smokable material, including tobacco, but in other embodiments, any other smokable material may be preferred. For example, microcapsules can be added to smokable botanical materials, as is generally preferred in various herbal smoking materials. Murein and magwort are the commonly preferred base materials for mixing herbal smoking substances. Some other commonly preferred smokable substances are plant substances such as willow bark, dogwood bark, scorpion, yew, quinkink, azalea, madrona leaves, blackberry, raspberry, loganberry, timbleberry, and solmonberry including.

  The microencapsulated flavorants of the preferred embodiment may be added to any smokable material to give it a better taste. However, the preferred flavonants and the amount of such flavonants may vary depending on the type of smokable material used.

(Packing material)
There are various packaging materials that enclose a single smokable substance. An example of a suitable packaging material is cigarette wrapping paper available from Schwetzer-Mauduit International, Alpharetta, Georgia. A cigarette paper wraps a cigarette-bar cigarette and may be made from a combination of flux, wood, or fiber. Several properties such as weight, porosity, transparency, tensile strength, feel, ash appearance, flavor, brightness, good glueability, and no dust provide optimal performance in the finished product, as well as winding Selected to meet the performance requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes by tobacco manufacturers.

  More porous paper is one that allows air to easily pass through the cigarette. The porosity is measured in units of cholesterol and can be controlled to determine the speed and direction of air flow within the cigarette. The higher the cholesterol unit, the more porous the paper. Tar and nicotine production is generally controlled by paper selection without changing the flavor of the cigarette. The use of highly porous paper can help reduce the amount of cigarette tar. The high porosity of the paper increases the burning rate of the cigarette by adding more air, which increases the heat and burning rate. A faster burning rate can reduce the number of smoke that the smoker ingests with each cigarette. Paper with a porosity of 200 coresta units or more is generally preferred, but different types of cigarettes can use the preferred porous paper. For example, American-blend cigarettes typically use 40 to 50 core sheets. Heat treated cigarette cigarettes burn slowly and typically use a 60-80 Cholesta unit paper, which is slightly higher. Higher porosity can be obtained by electrically punching (EP) the paper.

  Cigarette papers prepared from various base fibers are available. Flux and wood are generally preferred foundation fibers. In addition to 100% flux and 100% wood paper, papers with various blends of flux and wood fiber are also available. Paper based on wood is widely preferred due to its low cost, but some consumers prefer the taste of paper based on flux.

  A suitable cigarette paper is available from RFS (US) Inc., which is under the control of UK-owned PURICO (IOM) Limited. P., which produces tobacco paper. H. He is the current owner of the Elasta factory of the Glatfelder Company. In a preferred embodiment, paper having a porosity of about 26 Coresta EP to 90 Coresta EP is preferred. Suitable papers include number 409 paper having a porosity of 26 Cholesta EP and 0.85% citric acid content, and number 0997 paper having a porosity of 26 Cholesta EP. However, in some embodiments, it is preferred to use paper with lower air permeability, such as paper that is not electrically drilled and has a low porosity from the source, such as less than 26 coresta. Sometimes.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cigarette paper is suitable for use with “self-extinguishing” cigarettes. Examples of cigarette papers suitable for use in self-extinguishing cigarettes are, for example, saturated with citric acid or phosphoric acid fire retardants, or incorporate one or more fire retardant bands along the length of the paper Includes paper. Such paper may also be thicker paper with reduced flammability.

  The packaging material described in Gentry US Pat. No. 5,220,930 may be preferred in some embodiments. If desired, multiple layers of packaging can be used. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,425 to Laker et al. Other packaging materials include stuffing paper and chipping paper. The wrapping paper wraps the outer layer of cigarette filter stuffing and holds the filter material in a cylindrical shape. Highly porous wrapping paper is preferred in the manufacture of cigarettes with filter ventilation.

  Chipping paper connects the filter component to the tobacco core. Chipping paper is typically made of white or light yellow, or a cork pattern, and can be printed and glued at high speed. Such chipping paper is used to produce cigarettes characterized in appearance as well as to camouflage the use of activated carbon in the filter components. Perforated chipping paper is preferred for filter-ventilated cigarettes.

  In the case of a cigar, a reconstituted cigarette package wraps outside the machine cigar to give a uniform and finished appearance. The packaging material may incorporate printed stems for display on natural tobacco leaves. Such packing materials are manufactured using tobacco leaf by-products. The reconstituted tobacco binder holds the tobacco bunches or leaves in a cylindrical shape during the manufacture of mechanical cigars. This is also produced using tobacco leaf by-products.

  A very small amount of sewn adhesive is preferred to stick the end of the cigarette paper package around the tobacco core (and filter component, if present). Any suitable adhesive may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the sewn adhesive is an emulsion of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer in water.

  Cigarette packages may contain very small amounts of ink, oils, varnishes, pigments, dyes, and processing aids such as solvents and antioxidants. The ink component may include materials well known to those skilled in the art such as linseed varnish, linseed oil polymer, white mineral oil, mud, silica, natural and synthetic pigments.

(Smoking goods)
The preferred embodiment of the smoking article may take various forms. Preferred smoking articles are typically rod-shaped and include, for example, cigarettes and cigars. Furthermore, the smoking article may be tobacco for a pipe. For example, the smoking article may be in the form of a cigarette in which a smokable substance (eg, chopped tobacco filler) is wrapped in wrapping paper. An exemplary cigarette is described in Guess US Pat. No. 4,561,454. In a preferred embodiment, the smoking article is a cigarette or tobacco rod having a smokable substance.

  In another preferred embodiment, cigarettes are provided that, on average, have a relatively low amount of “tar” per dose when smoked under FTC smoking conditions (eg, “very low tar” cigarettes).

  In another preferred embodiment, a cigarette having a smokable material or tobacco core having a relatively low or negligible nicotine content and a filter component is provided.

  In another preferred embodiment, a cigarette having a smokable filler or tobacco core having a relatively low TSNA content and a filter component is provided.

The amount of smokable material in the tobacco core varies and can be selected as desired. The density at which the tobacco core is packed is typically between about 150 and about 300 mg / cm ³ , preferably between about 200 and about 280 mg / cm ³ , but higher or lower amounts are preferred in some embodiments. Sometimes.

  Typically, the chipping material surrounds the filter component and the adjacent area of the smokable core such that the chipping material extends from about 3 mm to about 6 mm along the length of the smokable core. Typically, the chipping material is a conventional paper chipping material. The chipping material may have various porosity. For example, the chipping material may be treated to provide a method of creating a hole, opening or aperture area, thereby providing a dilution by air to the cigarette, essentially impermeable to air, or air permeable. Good (eg by mechanical or other drilling methods). The overall surface area of the punch and the location of the punch along the cigarette circumference may be varied to control the performance properties of the cigarette.

  The mainstream smoke of cigarettes comes from the atmosphere due to the natural porosity of the cigarette package and / or chipping material, or through holes, openings or apertures in the cigarette package and / or chipping material. Can be diluted with air. The air dilution method can be placed along the length of the cigarette, typically along the filter component furthest from the mouth end of the filter component. The maximum distance is determined by factors such as the type of chipping used and the manufacturing constraints associated with the cigarette manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process. For example, a 27 mm long filter component may have a maximum distance from the mouth end of the filter component between about 23 mm and about 26 mm. Preferably, the lean method with air is located closest to the mouth end relative to the smoke conversion filter portion. For example, in a 27 mm long filter component including a 12 mm long smoke conversion filter portion and a 15 mm mouth end portion, a ring of a thin hole by air can be arranged 13 mm or 15 mm from the end of the filter component.

  As used herein, “air lean” refers to the ratio of the volume of air drawn through the air dilution method to the total volume of air and smoke drawn from the cigarette and exiting from the end of the cigarette ( Generally expressed in%). Cigarettes that are diluted or ventilated by air vary in the amount of dilution. In general, the amount of cigarette dilution diluted with air is greater than about 10%, typically greater than about 20%, and often greater than about 30%. Typically, cigarettes with a relatively small circumference (ie about 21 mm or less) are somewhat less diluted with air than cigarettes with a larger circumference. The upper limit of air dilution in cigarettes is typically less than about 85%, more often less than about 75%. Cigarettes that are relatively lean in air have a lean amount of about 50 to about 75%, frequently about 55 to about 70%.

  Some embodiments of cigarettes have an FTC of less than about 0.9, frequently less than about 0.5, and usually between about 0.05 and about 0.3 when smoked under FTC smoking conditions. “Tar” is averaged per dose (FTC conditions include 35 ml of smoke for 2 seconds divided by 58 seconds of smoldering fire). Such cigarettes that produce less than about 7 mg of FTC “tar” per cigarette are “ultra-low tar” cigarettes. Typically, such cigarettes produce less than about 9 smoke and frequently about 6 to about 8 smoke when smoked under FTC smoking conditions. While “ultra low tar” cigarettes are generally preferred, in some embodiments, however, cigarettes that provide an FTC “tar” of less than about 0.05 or greater than 0.9 per smoke are contemplated.

  In some embodiments, a cigarette is provided that produces a small amount or very little nicotine. Such cigarettes, when smoked under FTC smoking conditions, generally have an average FTC of less than about 0.1, frequently less than about 0.05, often less than about 0.01, and sometimes less than about 0.005. Generate nicotine for each dose. In other embodiments, cigarettes that deliver higher amounts of nicotine may be preferred. Such cigarettes may deliver an average of about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 or more FTC nicotine per dose when smoked under FTC smoking conditions.

  Cigarettes that do not produce small amounts or negligible nicotine may produce between about 1 mg and about 20 mg, sometimes about 2 mg to about 15 mg FTC “tar” per cigarette; and about 20 and about 150 May have a relatively high ratio of FTC “tar” to FTC “nicotine”.

  The preferred embodiment of the cigarette is preferably capable of withstanding inhalation, such as a pressure drop of between about 50 and about 200 mm water pressure with an air flow of 17.5 cc / sec. Typically, the cigarette vacuum value is measured using equipment available from Milton Keynes, Cerulean, UK (formerly Filtrona Instruments and Automation). The preferred embodiment of the cigarette is preferably capable of withstanding a drop in water pressure of preferably about 70 to about 80, more preferably about 80 to about 150 mm with an air flow of 17.5 cc / sec.

  A preferred embodiment of the cigarette may include a smoke conversion filter portion. The smoke conversion filter portion removes one or more undesirable components in the smoke and / or has a better tobacco smoke flavor, rich smoking properties, better mouth feel and smoking satisfaction, and winding It can provide an improvement in the inspiratory properties of tobacco.

  The above description provides several methods and materials of the present invention. The present invention is susceptible to deformation in methods and materials such as selection of flavorants, encapsulating agents, etc., and changes in manufacturing methods and equipment. Such variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure or the invention disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but the invention includes all modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. And substituting as a category.

All patents and other documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (23)

Including a smokable substance, a plurality of microcapsules, and a filter;
The smokable substance comprises tobacco;
The filter comprises activated carbon or activated carbon;
The microcapsule includes a coating material and a filler;
The filler comprises menthol,
The dressing includes a waxy hot-melt material having a melting point of about 35 ° C. to about 200 ° C .;
A smoking composition comprising a cigarette.   Comprising a smokable substance and a plurality of microcapsules, wherein the microcapsule comprises a dressing and a filler, and melts when the dressing is exposed to a temperature above room temperature and below the pyrolysis temperature of the smokable substance The smoking composition is characterized in that the filler is released into the mainstream, sidestream, or mainstream and sidestream of smoke.   The composition of claim 2, wherein the smokable material comprises tobacco.   The composition of claim 2, wherein the tobacco has a reduced or negligible nicotine content.   The composition of claim 2, wherein the tobacco has a reduced or negligible content of tobacco-specific nitrosamine.   The composition of claim 2, wherein the filler comprises a flavorant.   The composition according to claim 6, wherein the flavonant comprises menthol.   The composition for smoking according to claim 2, further comprising a filter.   The composition according to claim 8, wherein the filter further comprises activated carbon or activated carbon.   The composition of claim 9, wherein the filter comprises a cavity filter.   The composition according to claim 9, wherein the cavity filter is at least 95% by volume filled.   10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the cavity filter is about 100% by volume filled.   The composition of claim 2, wherein the dressing comprises a waxy hot-melt material having a melting point of about 35 ° C to about 200 ° C.   The waxy heat-melting substances are carnauba wax, montan wax, auricule wax, candelilla wax, coconut wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, whale wax, microcrystalline wax, rice wax, low molecular weight polyethylene wax, stearic acid The composition according to claim 13, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, myristic acid, stearylamide, stearone, and mixtures thereof.   The composition according to claim 2, wherein the coating material comprises a water-insoluble polymer.   The water-insoluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of cellulose ether, cellulose ester, urea formaldehyde resin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polymethyl-methacrylate, nylon, and mixtures thereof. The composition according to claim 15.   The composition according to claim 2, wherein the coating material comprises a water-soluble polymer.   Water-soluble polymer is polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water-soluble cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride ethylene copolymer, maleic anhydride methyl vinyl ether copolymer, polyethylene oxide, water-soluble polyamide, water-soluble polyester, acrylic acid polymer, polystyrene acrylic acid copolymer, and these The composition according to claim 17, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of a mixture.   Coating material is starch, gum, gelatin, dextrin, hydrolyzed rubber, hydrolyzed gelatin, gum arabic, pine, pectin, tragacanth, rice beans, guar, alginate, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, karaya, maltodextrin And the composition of claim 2 selected from the group consisting of these and mixtures thereof. Providing a plurality of microcapsules comprising a dressing and a filler; and depositing the microcapsules on a smokable material;
The filler includes a volatile flavourant, and the coating material melts when exposed to a temperature higher than room temperature and lower than the pyrolysis temperature of the smokable material, and the depositing step results in a smokable material including the volatile flavonant. A process for producing a smokable substance comprising a volatile flavonant.   The method of claim 21, wherein the smokable substance comprises tobacco.   The method according to claim 21, wherein the volatile flavonant contains menthol. The method according to claim 21, wherein the coating material comprises a waxy hot-melt material having a melting point of about 35 ° C to about 200 ° C.