A mould inhibitor and its use in tobacco reconstituted material

Abstract

The present application provides a mildew inhibitor and its application in tobacco recombination raw materials. The mildew inhibitor mainly comprises clove compound essential oil composed of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cassia essential oil, and the mass ratio of the clove bud essential oil, the star anise essential oil and the cassia essential oil is 10:(0-4):(0-6). Through tests, the clove compound essential oil can inhibit the growth of various molds such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus montgenieri. The mildew inhibitor has a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on common Aspergillus of tobacco leaves, can be used as a tobacco mildew inhibitor, can be used for preventing and treating the mildew of tobacco recombination raw materials, and can be in harmony with the tobacco aroma of heated cigarette smoke, so that the mildew inhibition and aroma enhancement effects on the tobacco recombination raw materials are achieved. In addition, as a tobacco mildew prevention additive, the application method of the mildew inhibitor is simple, diverse and adjustable, the integration degree with the core material preparation process is high, and the mold growth inhibition effect is obvious.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heated cigarette raw materials, and more specifically to a mold inhibitor and its application in tobacco reconstituted raw materials. Background Technology

[0002] Heated cigarettes are a new type of product that uses an external heat source to heat the core material at a controlled temperature, causing the core material to release aerosols only under heating rather than combustion conditions. The quality of the heated cigarette core material has a significant impact on the product's smoke aerosol release, storage and transportation safety, and sensory quality. Currently, heated cigarette core materials are mainly composed of reconstituted raw materials, including reconstituted tobacco leaves, reconstituted granules, and natural tobacco leaves. Regardless of the form, the core material is mainly formed by mixing tobacco leaves, adhesives, smoke-generating agents, and flavor additives. The high organic matter content in the core material provides nutrients for mold growth; the applied smoke-generating agents contain hydrophilic polyols, which can easily cause the moisture content in the tobacco leaves to exceed the safe threshold, significantly increasing the probability of mold growth; high temperature and high humidity environments during storage are particularly conducive to mold reproduction; reconstituted raw materials may be contaminated by microorganisms during production, transportation, or storage. If the packaging materials are not properly sealed and effective disinfection measures are not taken, microorganisms may multiply rapidly under suitable conditions, leading to mold growth in the tobacco leaves. As fungi grow, they secrete various mycotoxins and allergens into tobacco leaves, including aflatoxin, patulin, ochratoxin, variegatatoxin, and sphingomyelin. Aflatoxin is mainly produced by Aspergillus species such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus wintereum through secondary metabolism. Its basic structure consists mainly of a difuran ring and an oxanaphthol (coumarin), the former being its basic toxic structure, while the latter may be related to its carcinogenicity.

[0003] Therefore, like other agricultural products, tobacco mold contamination can be considered a food safety issue. Furthermore, the large number of mold spores released into the air can cause air pollution, leading to diseases such as asthma and allergic alveolitis in humans. Thus, tobacco mold is also an environmental problem that seriously affects human life and health; how to suppress the risk of mold growth in heated cigarette filling materials during storage is an urgent issue to be addressed.

[0004] Significant progress has been made both domestically and internationally in the isolation, identification, and control of molds in tobacco leaves. For example, patent CN115876941A provides a method for early monitoring of mold growth in cigar tobacco leaves and mold markers, offering methodological support for early detection of mold in cigar tobacco leaves. Patent CN 116268533A proposes a method for preventing mold growth by applying rhamnolipin to the surface of tobacco leaves. Patent CN105018369A discloses a thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis isolated from aged tobacco leaves from the Yuxi Tobacco Factory and its method for controlling mold growth in tobacco leaves, showing good application results in controlling mold growth in stored tobacco leaves. In addition, commonly used chemical reagents such as ozone, aluminum phosphide fumigation, and organic acids are also important substances for preventing mold in agricultural products. However, these methods have poor applicability in heated cigarette filling materials, mainly due to issues such as the toxicity of residual mold inhibitors during the heating process and the harmony between heat-released components and the smoke. Therefore, developing a mold inhibitor that can be used to inhibit mold and enhance aroma in tobacco reconstituted raw materials is of practical significance for the storage and quality improvement of heated cigarette products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Natural plant essential oils mainly contain terpenes, aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds, and nitrogen and sulfur compounds, which can serve as excellent mold inhibitors. Targeting mold-causing fungi on the surface of heated cigarette core materials, such as those from tobacco reconstituted raw materials, the key to developing anti-mold additives lies in selectively choosing natural plant essential oils to enhance the retention rate and efficacy of additives during core material preparation. Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the heat release sensory characteristics of plant essential oils in harmony with the core material. Aldehydes, phenols, and other substances in plant essential oils can damage the cell membranes or cell walls of fungi, increasing cell membrane permeability and causing leakage of cell contents, leading to inhibited fungal growth or even fungal death.

[0006] Experiments have shown that clove bud essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, and star anise essential oil contain a large amount of antibacterial components such as eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, trans-anetinoside, limonene, and unsaturated fatty acids. Under different concentrations and inhibitory methods, these components poison mold spores, destroy the plasma membrane of mold cells, and then cause changes in the spatial structure of intracellular macromolecules and metabolic disorders, resulting in abnormalities in the mold cell wall and cell membrane. They can also destroy mold mycelium, causing loss of cell contents and damage to mitochondria, thereby inhibiting the growth of various molds such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus montevidensis.

[0007] Based on this, the present invention proposes a mold inhibitor and its application in tobacco reconstituted raw materials, which can effectively reduce the risk of mold growth during the storage of heated cigarette core materials, has a good anti-mold effect, and has outstanding spicy aroma characteristics, and is harmonious with the natural aroma of heated cigarette smoke.

[0008] Specifically, the present invention provides a mold inhibitor, comprising clove compound essential oil mainly composed of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil, wherein the mass ratio of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil is 10:(0-4):(0-6).

[0009] The mold inhibitor also includes an adjuvant that is uniformly mixed with the clove compound essential oil, and the mass percentage concentration of the clove compound essential oil is 1%-10%.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned mold inhibitor in the control of at least one of the molds, namely Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus montevidensis. A third aspect of the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned mold inhibitor in the inhibition of mold and enhancement of aroma in tobacco reconstituted raw materials.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned mold inhibitor in tobacco reconstituted raw materials.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing tobacco reconstituted raw material. The raw material comprises the mold inhibitor and a non-mold-inhibiting reconstituted raw material, wherein the amount of the mold inhibitor added is 3%-10% of the total mass of the non-mold-inhibiting reconstituted raw material, such as 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc. Preferably, the concentration of clove compound essential oil in the mold inhibitor is 1%-10%.

[0013] In this invention, "non-anti-mold" means that no anti-mold agents or mold inhibitors are added to the reconstituted raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco leaves, recombined granules, and natural tobacco leaves.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material, comprising: applying the mold inhibitor to a non-antifungal recombinant raw material for antifungal treatment. This preparation method mainly involves applying the inhibitor to recombinant raw materials prepared by different methods at different production stages using different approaches.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a tobacco product comprising the aforementioned mold inhibitor. Preferably, the tobacco product is a heated cigarette product comprising the aforementioned mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing tobacco reconstituted raw material.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the mold inhibitor provided by this invention has a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on common mold-causing fungi in tobacco leaves. It can be used as a tobacco mold inhibitor to prevent mold growth in tobacco reconstituted raw materials and harmonizes with the natural aroma of heated cigarette smoke, thus achieving the effect of inhibiting mold and enhancing aroma in tobacco reconstituted raw materials. Furthermore, as a tobacco anti-mold additive, the mold inhibitor has simple, diverse, and controllable application methods, high integration with the core material preparation process, and a significant effect in inhibiting mold growth. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 The photographs show the anti-mold effect of the anti-mold and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaves (a) and the non-anti-mold reconstituted tobacco leaves (b) provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this invention are commonly used in the relevant field. The technical means employed in the embodiments, such as preparation processes and testing methods, are conventional methods well-known to those skilled in the art. All reagents and products used are commercially available. The source, trade name, and, where necessary, the components of any reagents are indicated upon their first appearance.

[0019] The present invention provides a mold inhibitor, comprising clove compound essential oil mainly composed of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil, wherein the mass ratio of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil is 10:(0-4):(0-6).

[0020] Clove bud essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, and star anise essential oil contain a large amount of antibacterial components such as eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, trans-anetinoside, limonene, and unsaturated fatty acids. At different concentrations and with different inhibitory methods, these components poison mold spores, destroy the cell membrane of mold cells, and then cause changes in the spatial structure of intracellular macromolecules and metabolic disorders, resulting in abnormalities in the mold cell wall and cell membrane. They can also destroy mold mycelium, causing loss of cell contents and damage to mitochondria, thereby inhibiting the growth of various molds such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus montmorillonite.

[0021] Anti-mold and mildew test

[0022] Experimental methods: *Aspergillus flavus*, *Aspergillus niger*, and *Aspergillus montmorillonite* were isolated from moldy reconstituted tobacco leaves that had not been treated with antifungal agents. Figure 1As shown, one toxin-producing strain from each of the following strains—*Aspergillus flavus*, *Aspergillus niger*, and *Aspergillus montmorillonite*—was selected for mold inhibition and prevention tests. Purified strains were incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25°C for 120 hours. Under aseptic conditions, a punch was repeatedly ignited three times over a flame. After cooling, holes (6 mm in diameter) were punched at the edge of individual colonies on prepared bacterial plates. The colonies were then transferred to potato dextrose liquid agar (PDB) and incubated at 25°C for 100 hours. After shaking for 3 hours, the spores were filtered through double-layered gauze to obtain a spore suspension. The concentration of the spore suspension was calculated using the plate count method and then diluted to approximately 120 CFU / mL. Bacterial plates were prepared using the pour plate method. Filter paper discs (1 cm in diameter) were attached to the lids of the petri dishes, one dipped in a single or compound essential oil of different concentrations, and the other without any additives. After incubation at 25°C for 100 hours, mold growth and the size of the inhibition zone were observed. The control group consisted of samples without any additives. The lowest essential oil concentration showing 100% inhibition within 72 hours was defined as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The concentration of essential oil that showed no growth after 48 hours of further incubation was defined as the minimum bactericidal and bacteriostatic concentration (MFC).

[0023] (1) Antifungal test of single essential oil

[0024] The MIC results of single essential oils against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus montmorillonite are shown in Table 1.

[0025] Table 1. MIC (L / m³) of single plant essential oils 3 )

[0026]

[0027] In Table 1, “-” indicates no sterile growth and is negative, “+” indicates bacterial growth and is positive, and “±” indicates positive.

[0028] Table 1 shows that the MICs of clove bud essential oil against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus montmorillonite are 0.18 L / m³. 3 0.40L / m 3 and 0.48L / m 3 The MICs of star anise essential oil against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus montmorillonite were 0.32 L / m³. 3 0.16L / m 3 and 0.18L / m 3 The MICs of cinnamon essential oil against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus montmorillonite were 0.48 L / m³. 3 0.48L / m 3 and 0.08L / m 3 Clove bud essential oil has the best inhibitory effect on Aspergillus flavus, star anise essential oil has the best inhibitory effect on Aspergillus niger, and cinnamon essential oil has the best effect on Aspergillus montmorillonite.

[0029] (2) Antibacterial test of clove compound essential oil on mixed flora

[0030] Experimental Methods: Mixed molds were obtained from moldy reconstituted tobacco leaves that had not been treated with antifungal agents. The main three mold components in the mixed mold spore suspension were identified as *Aspergillus flavus*, *Aspergillus niger*, and *Aspergillus montmorillonite*. The concentrations of *Aspergillus flavus*, *Aspergillus niger*, and *Aspergillus montmorillonite* in the mixed spore suspension were 0.56 CFU / mL, 0.36 CFU / mL, and 0.23 CFU / mL, respectively. Plates containing the mixed molds were prepared using the pour plate method. Plates containing 0.40 L / mL of the mold were attached to the lid of the petri dish. 3 Different ratios of clove compound essential oil and filter paper discs (1 cm in diameter) were incubated at 25°C for 7 days. The growth of mixed mold and the size of the inhibition zone were observed. A control group was used without any additives. The inhibitory effect of clove compound essential oil on the three uniformly mixed bacterial populations was expressed as the diameter of the inhibition zone, observed continuously for 7 days, and the hyphal diameter was measured. After the blank control group (CK) had fully grown on the plate (approximately 7 days), the growth of hyphae was observed, and the diameter was measured using the cross-crossing method. Statistical data were collected, and the inhibition rate was calculated using the following formula. Each treatment was repeated 3 times. The ratios of clove compound essential oil and the inhibition rates are shown in Table 2.

[0031] Inhibition rate (%) = [(D0-0.8) – (D1-0.8)] / (D0-0.8) × 100%;

[0032] In the above formula, D0 is the diameter of the control hyphae, and D1 is the diameter of the hyphae on the plate containing clove compound essential oil.

[0033] Table 2. Statistical results of the antibacterial rate of clove compound essential oil against mixed flora.

[0034]

[0035]

[0036] The compound ratio in Table 2 refers to the concentration ratio of clove bud essential oil: star anise essential oil: cinnamon essential oil.

[0037] Table 2 shows that when clove bud essential oil and cinnamon essential oil are combined, the higher the cinnamon essential oil content, the better the antibacterial effect; similarly, when clove bud essential oil and star anise essential oil are combined, the higher the star anise essential oil content, the better the antibacterial effect. The antibacterial effect and stability of a combination of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil, and cinnamon essential oil are superior to those of a combination of only two essential oils.

[0038] (3) Sensory evaluation of inhalation

[0039] Test subjects: Reconstituted tobacco leaves treated with clove compound essential oil samples 1, 5-6, 8-9, and 12-14 in the aforementioned “(2) Antibacterial test of clove compound essential oil on mixed microorganisms” section. The specific method included: adding clove compound essential oil to a 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution at a mass ratio of 5%, and mechanically stirring and mixing evenly at 25°C to form an antifungal emulsion; mixing the antifungal emulsion evenly with tobacco extract, a raw material for papermaking reconstituted tobacco leaves, at a mass ratio of 6% to obtain an antifungal extract; pouring the antifungal extract into a non-contact coating machine for reconstituted tobacco leaves, and spraying the extract onto the substrate through a curtain head to complete the coating work; after drying, antifungal reconstituted tobacco leaves containing compound plant essential oils were obtained.

[0040] Experimental method: The above-mentioned mold-inhibiting reconstituted tobacco leaves containing compound plant essential oils and the reconstituted tobacco leaves without added plant essential oils (blank control group) were produced as heated cigarettes. Professional smokers conducted sensory quality evaluation according to the national standard (sensory technical requirements) GB5606.4-2005. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0041] Table 3 Sensory quality scores of clove compound essential oil samples

[0042]

[0043] As shown in Table 3, the reconstituted tobacco leaves containing samples 1, 6, 9, and 12-13 exhibited a mellow flavor, strong strength, rich and abundant aroma, smooth smoke, good cohesion, sweet aftertaste, and significant masking of off-flavors, resulting in a relatively comfortable and clean finish. However, the reconstituted tobacco leaves containing samples 5, 8, and 14 had a stronger pungent odor during smoking, which could not harmonize with the natural aroma of tobacco. This was mainly due to the excessive proportion of star anise oil and cinnamon oil in the clove compound essential oil. Therefore, when the clove compound essential oil is applied to tobacco products, the mass ratio of clove bud oil, star anise oil, and cinnamon oil can be 10:(0-4):(0-6), preferably 10:(1-4):(1-6); more preferably 10:(1-3):(2-5), with the best anti-mold and aroma-enhancing effect achieved at a ratio of 10:3:5.

[0044] The mold inhibitor provided by this invention can be in common formulations such as liquid, emulsion, spray, and aerosol. The mold inhibitor also includes an adjuvant uniformly mixed with the clove compound essential oil, wherein the clove compound essential oil has a mass percentage concentration of 1%-10%. The type and specific composition of the adjuvant are determined according to the formulation of the mold inhibitor.

[0045] When the mold inhibitor is a liquid, the adjuvant can be an organic solvent such as ethanol, ethyl acetate, or acetone, and the clove compound essential oil can be used directly after dilution.

[0046] When the mold inhibitor is an emulsion, the adjuvants include an emulsifier and a solubilizer, and the concentration of the emulsifier in the adjuvants is 1%-3%. The emulsifier can be substances such as carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, and fatty alcohols, and the solubilizer can be a solvent such as water or ethanol. The tobacco mold inhibitor emulsion itself can also be formulated as a spray for use. Preferably, the mold inhibitor comprises the above-mentioned clove compound essential oil and a 1%-3% carboxymethyl cellulose solution, which are mixed evenly by mechanical stirring, ultrasonic stirring, or other methods to obtain the tobacco mold inhibitor emulsion. When the mold inhibitor is an aerosol, the adjuvants include a propellant, which can be selected from chlorofluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, and compressed gases. When the mold inhibitor is a spray, the adjuvants include a surfactant, used to uniformly disperse the components to form a suspension or emulsion.

[0047] The active ingredient of the clove compound essential oil mentioned above as a mold inhibitor is a plant essential oil, which is a natural mold inhibitor. The synergistic effect between the clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil has a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus montevidensis and common mold-causing fungi in tobacco leaves. It can also highlight the spicy characteristics and harmonize with the natural aroma of tobacco in heated cigarette smoke.

[0048] A second aspect of the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned mold inhibitor in preventing and controlling at least one of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus montana, so that the mold inhibitor can be used to prevent and control mold contamination of dried fruits, feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco products, wood, clothing, shoes, electronic products, indoor furniture, interior decoration of vehicles and other objects.

[0049] Preferably, the application of the above-mentioned mold inhibitor in the prevention and control of mixed molds in tobacco includes Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus montmorillonite.

[0050] A third aspect of the present invention provides the application of the aforementioned mold inhibitor in the inhibition of mold and enhancement of aroma in tobacco reconstituted raw materials. The mold inhibitor has a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on common mold-causing fungi in tobacco leaves, and can be used as a tobacco mold inhibitor to prevent mold growth in tobacco reconstituted raw materials. It also harmonizes with the natural aroma of heated cigarette smoke, thereby achieving the effect of inhibiting mold and enhancing aroma in tobacco reconstituted raw materials.

[0051] A fourth aspect of this invention provides a flavor-enhancing tobacco reconstituted raw material. The raw material comprises the aforementioned mold inhibitor and a non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material. The concentration of clove compound essential oil in the mold inhibitor is 1%-10%, such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc. The amount of the mold inhibitor added is 3%-10% of the mass of the tobacco raw material in the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material, such as 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc. The non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material may include modules such as tobacco matrix, atomizing agent, and added fibers.

[0052] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material, comprising: applying the mold inhibitor to a non-antifungal recombinant raw material for antifungal treatment. This preparation method mainly involves applying the inhibitor to existing recombinant raw materials prepared by different methods at different production stages using different approaches. During the preparation of the antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material, the clove compound essential oil can be directly mixed with other components of the non-antifungal recombinant raw material; alternatively, it can be mixed with adjuvants to form various dosage forms before being mixed with other components of the non-antifungal recombinant raw material.

[0053] In one embodiment, the preparation method includes: uniformly spraying the mold inhibitor onto the surface of the added fiber at a ratio of 3%-10% of the weight of the non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco leaf, and then refrigerating the treated added fiber in an environment with a temperature of 5-8℃ for 2-10 hours for absorption. The concentration of clove compound essential oil in the mold inhibitor is 1%-10%, and the added fiber is a variety of fibers such as plant fiber, cellulose nanofiber, and bacterial fiber.

[0054] In another embodiment, the preparation method includes: first, before molding the antifungal and flavor-enhancing reconstituted raw material, uniformly applying the mold inhibitor at a ratio of 3%-10% of the total mass of the non-antifungal reconstituted raw material; then, heating and drying to form the material during subsequent molding processes; wherein the concentration of clove compound essential oil in the mold inhibitor is 1%-10%, and the non-antifungal reconstituted raw material includes non-mold-prone reconstituted tobacco leaves, non-antifungal reconstituted granules, or natural tobacco leaves. The application method includes spraying or brushing. That is, this embodiment is equivalent to adding the mold inhibitor to an intermediate preparation process before the molding process of existing reconstituted raw material preparation steps.

[0055] Furthermore, the preparation method may further include: first, thoroughly mixing all materials to form a heated cigarette sheet slurry; then, using papermaking, rolling, slurry, or wet granulation methods to prepare heated cigarette reconstituted tobacco leaves or granules. Specifically, the materials processed in the above two embodiments are first thoroughly mixed with the corresponding wet materials in the molding process to form a heated cigarette sheet slurry; then, heated cigarette reconstituted tobacco leaves or granules are prepared using papermaking, rolling, slurry, or wet granulation methods.

[0056] In another embodiment, the preparation method includes: first, in the raw material preparation step, adding the mold inhibitor at a ratio of 3%-10% of the mass of the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material, and uniformly stirring it with other raw materials; then preparing the mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted raw material using papermaking, rolling, slurry, or wet granulation methods, wherein the concentration of clove compound essential oil in the mold inhibitor is 1%-10%, and the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material is non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco or non-mold-resistant reconstituted granules. That is, this embodiment is equivalent to adding the mold inhibitor during the raw material preparation stage in existing methods for preparing reconstituted raw materials.

[0057] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a tobacco product comprising the aforementioned mold inhibitor, such as tobacco sheets or heated cigarettes. Preferably, the tobacco product is a heated cigarette product comprising the aforementioned mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing tobacco reconstituted raw material.

[0058] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0059] Example 1

[0060] This embodiment provides a mold-inhibiting emulsion, which is prepared by adding clove bud essential oil at a mass percentage of 5% to a 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution and stirring and mixing evenly at 25°C.

[0061] This embodiment also provides a mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaf prepared using the above-mentioned mold-inhibiting emulsion and its preparation method. The mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaf is mainly prepared using the thick slurry method, and the specific preparation method includes:

[0062] The above-mentioned mildew-inhibiting emulsion provided in this embodiment is sprayed in a mist onto the surface of the added fiber of the reconstituted tobacco leaf at a ratio of 8% of the weight of the non-mildew-resistant reconstituted tobacco leaf. The treated added fiber of the reconstituted tobacco leaf is then placed in a refrigerated storage at a temperature of 5°C for 4 hours to absorb the mildew, thereby obtaining the mildew-inhibiting added fiber of the reconstituted tobacco leaf. In this embodiment, the added fiber is coniferous wood fiber.

[0063] The mold-inhibiting and flavor-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaves, with added fibers and mixed wet materials during the sheet forming process, are thoroughly stirred and mixed evenly. The wet material components and proportions are tobacco powder: glycerin: added fibers: xanthan gum in the ratio of 100:20:3:3, and the total solid content is 20%. The mold-inhibiting and flavor-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaves can be obtained by preparing heated cigarette reconstituted tobacco leaves using the thick slurry method.

[0064] The above-mentioned anti-mold and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaves provided in this embodiment were stored under normal storage conditions (23±1℃ and 50±2% relative humidity) for one month, and no mold growth was observed on the surface of the tobacco leaves.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] This embodiment provides a mold-inhibiting emulsion, which is prepared by compounding clove bud essential oil and cinnamon essential oil in a ratio of 2:1 (10:5) to obtain clove compound essential oil; the clove compound essential oil is added to a 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution at a mass percentage of 5%, and stirred and mixed evenly at 25°C.

[0067] This embodiment also provides a mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaf prepared using the above-mentioned mold-inhibiting emulsion and its preparation method. The mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaf is mainly prepared using the thick slurry method, and the specific preparation method includes:

[0068] In the process of preparing the thick slurry method for heating and reconstituted tobacco leaves, the mixed wet material components and proportions are tobacco powder: glycerin: softwood fiber: xanthan gum in a ratio of 100:20:3:3, with a total solid content of 20%. During the 2 / 3 stage of sheet heating and forming, the mold-inhibiting emulsion provided in this embodiment is sprayed onto the sheet surface in a mist at a ratio of 5% of the weight of the non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco leaves. Then, drying is continued in the heating section during the forming process to obtain the mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0069] The mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaves provided in this embodiment were stored under normal storage conditions for one month, and no mold growth was observed on the surface of the tobacco leaves.

[0070] Example 3

[0071] This embodiment provides a mold-inhibiting emulsion, which is prepared by compounding clove bud essential oil and star anise essential oil in a ratio of 5:2 (10:4). The clove compound essential oil is then added to a 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution at a mass percentage of 8% and stirred and mixed evenly at 25°C.

[0072] This embodiment also provides a mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing recombinant granule prepared using the above-mentioned mold-inhibiting emulsion and its preparation method. The mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing recombinant granule is mainly prepared using a wet granulation method, specifically including:

[0073] First, the mildew-inhibiting emulsion provided in this embodiment is sprayed onto the surface of the particles in a mist at a ratio of 3% of the non-mildew-inhibiting recombinant mass. The components and proportions added during particle preparation are tobacco powder: propylene glycol: glycerol: coniferous fiber in a ratio of 100:15:5:1, with a total solid content of 60%. Then, the particles are dried in the heating section during the molding process to obtain the mildew-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing recombinant particles.

[0074] The above-mentioned antifungal and fragrance-enhancing recombinant granules provided in this embodiment were stored under normal storage conditions for one month, and no mold growth was observed on the surface of the granules.

[0075] Example 4

[0076] This embodiment provides a mold-inhibiting emulsion, which is prepared by compounding clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil in a ratio of 10:3:5; the clove compound essential oil is added to a 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution at a mass percentage of 1% and stirred and mixed evenly at 25°C.

[0077] This embodiment also provides a mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaf prepared using the above-mentioned mold-inhibiting emulsion and its preparation method. The mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaf is mainly prepared using a papermaking method, specifically including:

[0078] First, the mold-inhibiting emulsion provided in this embodiment is mixed evenly with the papermaking reconstituted tobacco raw material—tobacco extract—at a ratio of 10% of the mass of the reconstituted tobacco raw material to obtain the mold-inhibiting extract, wherein the concentration of tobacco powder in the extract is 15%.

[0079] The antifungal extract was poured into a non-contact coating machine for reconstituted tobacco leaves and coated with 70% of the material. The base paper was prepared by mixing bleached sulfate softwood pulp and bleached sulfate hardwood pulp in a 7:3 ratio, and the paper was then prepared using a paper machine with a basis weight of (50±2) g·m³. -2 The base paper is coated with extract by spraying it onto the sheet through a curtain head. After drying, the antifungal and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaf is obtained.

[0080] After storing the mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted tobacco leaves provided in this embodiment and the corresponding blank control group non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco leaves under normal storage conditions for one month, the surface mold growth was as follows: Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 The results showed that the reconstituted tobacco leaves (a) with added mold inhibitors did not exhibit mold characteristics, while the reconstituted tobacco leaves (b) of the blank control group showed significant mold.

[0081] Recombinant raw material antifungal test

[0082] Examples 1-4 show the following tests on the mold growth effects of the antifungal and flavor-enhancing recombinant raw materials at different moisture contents:

[0083] Unmolished mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted raw materials or corresponding non-mold-inhibiting reconstituted raw materials (blank control group) were placed in a sterilized artificial climate chamber. Different temperature and humidity conditions were set, and the mold growth time of the corresponding reconstituted raw materials was measured. The temperature of the climate chamber was set to 25℃ and 35℃, and the relative humidity was set to 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%, respectively. After each group of reconstituted raw materials was stored under specific temperature and humidity conditions for 2 days, the moisture content of the tobacco leaves was measured, the mold growth of the reconstituted raw materials was observed and recorded, and samples were taken periodically for dilution.

[0084] Recombinant raw material samples of similar size and shape were selected, and their moisture content was adjusted to 11%, 16%, 21%, 26%, and 31% respectively. These samples were then sealed in clean, sealed bags to allow for full moisture absorption, labeled, and placed in a constant temperature and humidity incubator at (28±1)℃ and (75±1)% relative humidity for 30 consecutive days. The incubation period for mold growth and the degree of mold growth in the tobacco leaves were observed and recorded. This process was repeated three times, and the results are shown in Table 5. The standards for investigating the mold growth grade of tobacco leaves were formulated with reference to the literature "Construction of Predictive Model for Equilibrium Moisture Content of Cured Tobacco Leaves of Yunyan 87 and Analysis of Mold Growth Patterns," as shown in Table 4.

[0085] Table 4 Standards for Mold Grades in Tobacco Leaves

[0086] Mold level symbol Description of moldy state Mold 0 — No mold growth was observed (no mycelium, colonies, or clumps were visible). Mold 1 + The mold spots are sparsely distributed, and the maximum amount of mold does not exceed 5% of the total surface area of ​​the tobacco leaf. Mold 2 ++ Mold distribution covers 5% to 20% of the total surface area. Mold 3 +++ Molds cover 20% to 50% of the total surface area. Mold 4 ++++ Mold covers more than 50% of the total surface area, or the entire surface is covered with hyphae.

[0087] Table 5. Mold growth results of the antifungal and flavor-enhancing recombinant raw materials at different moisture contents.

[0088]

[0089]

[0090]

[0091] As shown in Table 5, the mold inhibitor provided in this embodiment of the invention can effectively improve the anti-mold effect of reconstituted raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco leaves and reconstituted granules with different moisture contents, even under relatively high temperature and high humidity.

[0092] Sensory evaluation

[0093] Referring to the aforementioned method, the sensory evaluation results of the antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw materials provided in Examples 1-4 of the present invention are shown in Table 5.

[0094] Table 5 Sensory Quality Scoring Table for Antifungal and Flavor-Enhancing Reconstituted Raw Materials

[0095]

[0096]

[0097] In summary, the mold inhibitor provided by this invention and its application in tobacco reconstituted raw materials can effectively reduce the risk of mold growth during the storage of heated cigarette core materials, have good anti-mold effects, and have prominent spicy aroma characteristics, while harmonizing with the natural aroma of heated cigarette smoke. In addition, the mold inhibitor provided by this invention, as a tobacco anti-mold additive, has simple, diverse, and controllable application methods, high integration with the core material preparation process, and significant effect in inhibiting mold growth.

[0098] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A mold inhibitor, characterized in that: It includes clove compound essential oil, which is mainly composed of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil, and the mass ratio of clove bud essential oil, star anise essential oil and cinnamon essential oil is 10 : (0-4) : (0-6).

2. The mold inhibitor according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an adjuvant that is uniformly mixed with the clove compound essential oil, and the clove compound essential oil has a mass percentage concentration of 1%-10%.

3. The use of the mold inhibitor according to claim 1 or 2 in the prevention and control of at least one of the molds, namely Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus montana.

4. The application of the mold inhibitor according to claim 1 or 2 in tobacco reconstituted raw materials, wherein, The tobacco reconstituted raw materials include reconstituted tobacco leaves, reconstituted pellets, or natural tobacco leaves.

5. A reconstituted tobacco raw material for inhibiting mold and enhancing aroma, characterized in that: Its preparation raw materials include the mold inhibitor and non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw materials as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw materials include non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco leaves, non-mold-resistant reconstituted granules, or natural tobacco leaves.

6. The antifungal and aroma-enhancing tobacco reconstituted raw material according to claim 5, characterized in that: The amount of the mold inhibitor added is 3%-10% of the total mass of the non-mold-resistant recombinant raw material.

7. A method for preparing the antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material according to claim 5, comprising: The mold inhibitor described in claim 1 or 2 is applied to the non-mold-resistant recombinant raw material for mold suppression treatment.

8. The method for preparing the antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material according to claim 7, characterized in that: The process involves uniformly spraying the mold inhibitor onto the surface of the added fiber at a ratio of 3%-10% of the weight of the non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco leaves, and then refrigerating the treated added fiber in an environment with a temperature of 5-8℃ for 2-10 hours for absorption.

9. The method for preparing the antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material according to claim 7, characterized in that: The process includes applying the mold inhibitor evenly at a ratio of 3%-10% of the total mass of the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material before molding the mold-inhibiting and flavor-enhancing reconstituted raw material; then heating and drying the raw material during the subsequent molding process; wherein the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material includes non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco leaves, non-mold-resistant reconstituted granules, or natural tobacco leaves.

10. The method for preparing the antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The process involves first thoroughly mixing all materials to form a heated cigarette sheet slurry; then using papermaking, rolling, slurry, or wet granulation methods to prepare reconstituted tobacco leaves or granules for heated cigarettes.

11. The method for preparing the antifungal and aroma-enhancing recombinant raw material according to claim 7, characterized in that: The process includes first adding the mold inhibitor at a ratio of 3%-10% of the mass of the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material during the raw material preparation step, and then uniformly mixing it with other raw materials; and then preparing the mold-inhibiting and aroma-enhancing reconstituted raw material using papermaking, rolling, slurry, or wet granulation methods, wherein the non-mold-resistant reconstituted raw material is non-mold-resistant reconstituted tobacco or non-mold-resistant reconstituted granules.

12. A tobacco product, characterized in that: Includes the mold inhibitor as described in claim 1 or 2.

13. The tobacco product according to claim 12, characterized in that: Includes the antifungal and flavor-enhancing tobacco reconstituted raw material as described in claim 5 or 6.

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