A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaf based on biotechnology

Abstract

The application discloses a preparation method of reconstituted tobacco leaf based on biotechnology, which comprises the following steps: (1) crushing tobacco leaf, tobacco dust or tobacco stem to obtain tobacco powder; (2) adding water to the tobacco powder first, then adding microorganisms or enzymes, and carrying out biotechnological treatment under certain conditions; and (3) adding a smoking agent, an adhesive, water and cellulose to the tobacco powder after the biotechnological treatment, mixing uniformly, and preparing reconstituted tobacco leaf. In the preparation process of the reconstituted tobacco leaf, the process characteristics of the reconstituted tobacco leaf processing process can be fully combined, the tobacco powder is treated by using biotechnology, internal chemical component transformation is promoted, solid-liquid separation and coating processes are not needed, and the reconstituted tobacco leaf is beneficial to technical popularization and application. The prepared reconstituted tobacco leaf is applied to tobacco products, and compared with the reconstituted tobacco leaf prepared by using the prior art, aroma quality and aroma quantity are obviously improved, tobacco characteristic flavor is more prominent, and irritancy and offensive odor are obviously reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tobacco technology, and in particular to a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology. Background Technology

[0002] Reconstituted tobacco refers to a recycled product made from tobacco stems, dust, and shredded tobacco leaves, produced in sheet or filament form. Used as a cigarette filler, it maximizes the conservation of raw tobacco materials and effectively reduces cigarette costs. Reconstituted tobacco is characterized by high filler value, good combustibility, stable and controllable physicochemical properties, and low release of harmful substances. Its use in cigarette products is substantial, significantly impacting their sensory quality. However, reconstituted tobacco currently generally suffers from weak characteristic aroma, insufficient aroma quantity, and poor harmony. Therefore, improving the sensory quality of reconstituted tobacco is a common problem that urgently needs to be solved by all cigarette manufacturers.

[0003] Currently, significant research has been achieved in utilizing biotechnology to improve the quality of reconstituted tobacco leaves, promote the coordinated transformation of internal chemical components, increase the types and content of substances beneficial to sensory quality, and reduce the types and content of substances detrimental to sensory quality. Patent CN201611178971 describes adding Bacillus cereus to soaked tobacco raw materials, separating the extract and insoluble matter after the reaction, concentrating the extract through vacuum rotary evaporation, and using papermaking technology to form substrates. The concentrate is then coated onto the substrates and dried to obtain reconstituted tobacco leaves. During fermentation, the Maillard reaction occurs, producing aroma. Patent CN201610781986 describes a process in which Bacillus methylotrophicus (VJ4-1), Penicillium ferulic acid esterase, xylanase, glucose oxidase, catalase, and phenol oxidase complex enzymes are used to treat the aqueous solution of reconstituted tobacco raw materials during the processing of reconstituted tobacco. The bioconversion liquid is then separated into liquid and residue by centrifugation with a spiral centrifuge to obtain a concentrated liquid. The concentrated liquid is sprayed onto tobacco substrate and rolled into reconstituted tobacco with improved aroma and quality. This process reduces the irritation and grassy smell of the reconstituted tobacco, resulting in a pleasant aroma with a slight milky fragrance, thus improving the sensory quality of the reconstituted tobacco. Patent CN201610782009 describes a process in which *Enterobacter mori* VL4-3, *Butyric acid bacillus* ferulic acid esterase, lignin peroxidase (Lip), and manganese peroxidase (MnP) are used to treat an aqueous solution of reconstituted tobacco raw materials during the processing of reconstituted tobacco. The biotransformation liquid is then centrifuged using a screw centrifuge to separate the liquid from the residue, yielding a concentrated liquid. This concentrated liquid is then sprayed onto tobacco substrate sheets and rolled into reconstituted tobacco with improved aroma quality. Patent CN201310142833 describes a process in which a compound preparation of amylase, endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase is added to the tobacco raw materials during the extraction stage. This process separates the soluble and insoluble tobacco components of the bio-enzymatically degraded tobacco raw materials into solid and liquid components. The concentrated liquid is then formulated into a coating solution and coated onto the reconstituted tobacco paper substrate at a coating weight of 38%, improving the smoking quality of reconstituted tobacco produced by the papermaking method.

[0004] However, the aforementioned technologies require solid-liquid separation and coating processes, making their widespread application difficult. Therefore, developing a biotechnology-based method for preparing reconstituted tobacco that eliminates the need for solid-liquid separation and coating processes is a highly innovative and promising research direction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology, which aims to improve the quality of reconstituted tobacco leaves through biotechnology, so as to make their application in tobacco products more widespread and effective.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology includes the following steps:

[0008] (1) Pulverize tobacco leaves, tobacco dust or tobacco stems to obtain tobacco powder;

[0009] (2) After inactivating the tobacco powder, add water first, then add microorganisms or enzymes, and carry out biotechnology treatment under certain conditions;

[0010] (3) Add a smoking agent, binder, water, and cellulose to the biotechnologically treated tobacco powder and mix well to produce reconstituted tobacco leaves. The mass ratio of the smoking agent to the tobacco powder is 0.1:1 to 0.3:1, the mass ratio of the binder to the tobacco powder is 0.001:1 to 0.05:1, and the mass ratio of the cellulose to the tobacco powder is 10. -3 :1~10 -1 :1.

[0011] Preferably, in step (1), the particle size of the tobacco powder is 50 to 400 mesh.

[0012] Preferably, step (2) specifically includes:

[0013] (21) First, inactivate the tobacco powder. The inactivation conditions are 90-130℃ and the inactivation time is 0.1-1h.

[0014] (22) Add water to the tobacco powder, with the mass ratio of water to tobacco powder being 1:1 to 6:1;

[0015] (23) Then microorganisms or enzymes are added for biotechnology treatment, with the mass ratio of microorganisms or enzymes to tobacco powder being 10:1. -4 :1~10 -1 :1;

[0016] (24) The biotechnology treatment temperature is 30-50℃ and the treatment time is 0.1-72h.

[0017] Preferably, in step (2), the microorganism is one or more of the following: flavor-enhancing microorganisms, impurity-removing microorganisms, thorn-reducing microorganisms, and harm-reducing microorganisms.

[0018] Preferably, in step (2), the microorganism is Shinella sp. FLN14, which is deposited at the China Center for Type Culture Collection, with accession number CCTCC NO: M 2022845.

[0019] Preferably, in step (2), the enzyme is one or more of the following: carotenoid degrading enzyme, protease, peptidase, amylase, cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase, lignin degrading enzyme, nicotine degrading enzyme, saccharifying enzyme, oxidoreductase, and dextrin degrading enzyme.

[0020] Preferably, in step (3), the smoking agent is one or more of glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, sorbitol, isosorbide, xylitol, and erythritol, and the mass ratio of the smoking agent to the smoke powder is 0.1:1 to 0.3:1.

[0021] Preferably, in step (3), the adhesive is one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch, gellan gum, agar powder, carrageenan, and gum arabic, and the mass ratio of the adhesive to the smoke powder is (0.001-0.05):1.

[0022] Preferably, in step (3), the cellulose is one or more of wood pulp fiber, hemp pulp fiber, straw pulp fiber, and nanocellulose, and the mass ratio of the cellulose to the tobacco powder is 10. -3 :1~10 -1 :1.

[0023] A heated cigarette comprising reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared by the above-described method.

[0024] The application of Shinella sp. FLN14 in reconstituted tobacco is characterized by the fact that the strain is preserved at the China Center for Type Culture Collection, with accession number CCTCC NO: M2022845.

[0025] The above-described technical solution of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] (1) This method first uses microorganisms or enzymes to treat tobacco powder, and then adds smoking agents, binders, water and cellulose to make reconstituted tobacco leaves. This process is reported for the first time. It does not require solid-liquid separation, concentration, coating and other processes. It is suitable for the processing technology of reconstituted tobacco leaves by roller pressing and thick slurry method, which is conducive to the promotion and application of the technology.

[0027] (2) This method uses microorganisms or enzymes to treat tobacco powder. The biological process is thorough and uniform, the material has good uniformity, and the resulting thin sheets have uniform and stable sensory quality. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 This is the mixture before coating.

[0030] Figure 2 The process of coating materials to resemble reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0031] Figure 3 The reconstituted tobacco sample obtained.

[0032] Figure 4 The reconstituted tobacco leaf sample was shredded. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified, all experimental materials below were obtained from commercially available sources or other commercial channels.

[0035] Strain information:

[0036] Shinella sp. FLN14, with accession number CCTCC NO: M2022845, deposited on June 9, 2022, at the China Center for Type Culture Collection, located at Wuhan University, China.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology includes the following steps:

[0039] Take 50g of tobacco leaves, grind them using a ball mill, pass them through a 50-mesh sieve, put them into a 1000ml Erlenmeyer flask, add 50g of water to the flask, mix thoroughly, and sterilize at 120℃ for 0.2h.

[0040] Inoculate 10% of the tobacco powder with the spur-reducing microorganism *Synthia spp.* FLN14 and treat at 40°C for 48 h.

[0041] After processing, the material was transferred out of the Erlenmeyer flask, and 5g of glycerin, 0.05g of wood pulp fiber, and 0.05g of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose were added sequentially to obtain a mixture (e.g., Figure 1 ).

[0042] Using a coating machine to process materials into reconstituted tobacco leaves (such as...) Figure 2 , Figure 3 After the reconstituted tobacco leaves are cut into shreds using a shredder (such as...), Figure 4 It is used to make heated cigarette products.

[0043] The preparation process for the control sample was the same as above, except that it was not inoculated with *Synthia schenckii* FLN14, but instead, water of equal mass to the bacterial agent was added, and subsequent treatment was carried out using the same method. The sensory quality of the reconstituted tobacco leaves was evaluated, and the scoring results are shown in Table 1.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology includes the following steps:

[0046] Take 50g of tobacco powder, grind it using a ball mill, pass it through a 100-mesh sieve, put it into a 1000ml Erlenmeyer flask, add 50g of water to the flask, mix thoroughly, and sterilize at 90℃ for 1.0h.

[0047] Flavor-enhancing microorganisms were inoculated at 1% of the weight of tobacco powder and treated at 35°C for 60 hours.

[0048] After processing, the material was transferred out of the Erlenmeyer flask, and 5g of 1,2-propanediol, 5g of nanocellulose, and 0.25g of agar powder were added in sequence to obtain a mixture.

[0049] The material is processed into reconstituted tobacco leaves using a coating machine, and then the reconstituted tobacco leaves are cut into shreds using a shredder to produce heated cigarette products.

[0050] The preparation process for the control sample was the same as above, except that it was not inoculated with aroma-enhancing microorganisms. Instead, an equal mass of water as the inoculant was added, and subsequent treatment was carried out using the same method. The sensory quality of the reconstituted tobacco leaves was evaluated, and the scoring results are shown in Table 1.

[0051] Example 3

[0052] A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology includes the following steps:

[0053] Take 50g of tobacco stems, grind them using a ball mill, pass them through a 200-mesh sieve, put them into a 1000ml Erlenmeyer flask, add 150g of water to the flask, mix thoroughly, and sterilize at 130℃ for 0.1h.

[0054] Add lignin-degrading enzyme at 0.1% of the tobacco powder mass and treat at 30℃ for 72 hours.

[0055] After processing, the material was transferred out of the Erlenmeyer flask, and 10g of sorbitol, 0.25g of hemp pulp fiber, and 1.0g of carrageenan were added in sequence to obtain a mixture.

[0056] The material is processed into reconstituted tobacco leaves using a coating machine, and then the reconstituted tobacco leaves are cut into shreds using a shredder to produce heated cigarette products.

[0057] The preparation process for the control sample was the same as above, except that lignin-degrading enzymes were not added, and subsequent treatment was carried out using the same method. The sensory quality of the reconstituted tobacco leaves was evaluated, and the scoring results are shown in Table 1.

[0058] Example 4

[0059] A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology includes the following steps:

[0060] Take 50g of tobacco leaves, grind them using a ball mill, pass them through a 300-mesh sieve, put them into a 1000ml Erlenmeyer flask, add 250g of water to the flask, mix thoroughly, and sterilize at 100℃ for 0.3h.

[0061] Carotenoid degrading enzyme was added at 0.1% of the tobacco powder mass and treated at 45℃ for 36 hours.

[0062] After processing, the material was transferred out of the Erlenmeyer flask, and 10g xylitol, 0.5g straw pulp fiber, and 0.15g gum arabic were added in sequence to obtain a mixture.

[0063] The material is processed into reconstituted tobacco leaves using a coating machine, and then the reconstituted tobacco leaves are cut into shreds using a shredder to produce heated cigarette products.

[0064] The preparation process for the control sample was the same as above, except that no carotenoid-degrading enzyme was added, and subsequent treatment was carried out using the same method. The sensory quality of the reconstituted tobacco leaves was evaluated, and the scoring results are shown in Table 1.

[0065] Example 5

[0066] A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology includes the following steps:

[0067] Take 50g of tobacco stems, grind them using a ball mill, pass them through a 400-mesh sieve, put them into a 1000ml Erlenmeyer flask, add 300g of water to the flask, mix thoroughly, and sterilize at 110℃ for 0.5h.

[0068] Cellulase was added at 0.3% of the weight of tobacco powder and treated at 50°C for 0.1 h.

[0069] After processing, the material was transferred out of the Erlenmeyer flask, and 15g of erythritol, 5g of nanocellulose, and 2.5g of sodium carboxymethyl starch were added in sequence to obtain a mixture.

[0070] The material is processed into reconstituted tobacco leaves using a coating machine, and then the reconstituted tobacco leaves are cut into shreds using a shredder to produce heated cigarette products.

[0071] The preparation process for the control sample was the same as above, except that cellulase was not added, and subsequent processing was carried out using the same method. The sensory quality of the reconstituted tobacco leaves was evaluated, and the scoring results are shown in Table 1.

[0072] Table 1. Analysis of aroma components in the aerosol of heated cigarette smoke from reconstituted tobacco leaves in different embodiments.

[0073]

[0074]

[0075] The aroma components of the heated cigarettes prepared in Examples 1-5 were analyzed using aerosol analysis, and the results are shown in Table 1. It can be seen that compared with the control sample, the content of aroma components such as ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, esters, and nitrogen-containing compounds was increased to varying degrees after the tobacco powder was treated using biotechnology, which has a positive effect on improving the sensory quality of heated cigarettes. The degree of increase in aroma component content in the aerosol varied depending on the biotechnology used.

[0076] Table 2 Sensory evaluation results of reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared in different embodiments

[0077] serial number flue gas temperature smoke volume fragrance energy Irritating comfort Uniformity Total Score Example 1 12.5 12.5 23.6 7.9 8.3 12.6 8.2 85.6 Example 1 Comparison 12.6 12.5 21.7 7.9 8.6 11.9 8.3 83.5 Example 2 12.4 12.5 23.6 7.8 8.4 12.7 8.3 85.7 Example 2 Comparison 12.4 12.6 21.4 7.9 8.5 11.9 8.2 82.9 Example 3 12.5 12.6 21.4 7.8 7.9 11.3 8.3 81.8 Example 3 (Comparative Study) 12.5 12.5 20.3 7.9 7.1 10.8 8.2 79.3 Example 4 12.5 12.6 24.0 7.8 8.4 12.5 8.3 86.1 Example 4 (Comparative) 12.4 12.6 21.6 7.9 8.7 11.8 8.3 83.3 Example 5 12.4 12.5 21.7 7.9 7.8 11.3 8.3 81.9 Example 5 (Comparative Study) 12.4 12.6 20.4 7.9 7.2 10.7 8.2 79.4

[0078] As shown in Table 2, compared with the control sample, the five groups of heated cigarettes prepared by Examples 1 to 5 showed significant improvements in three indicators: aroma, irritation, and comfort. The comparison results of different examples show that the degree of improvement of the above indicators varies with the application of different biological treatment methods. In addition, there were no significant changes in four indicators: smoke temperature, smoke volume, strength, and uniformity.

[0079] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various different choices and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Pulverize tobacco leaves, tobacco dust or tobacco stems to obtain tobacco powder; (2) After the tobacco powder is inactivated, water is added first, and then microorganisms are added. Under certain conditions, biotechnology treatment is carried out. The microorganism is Shinella sp.FLN14, which is deposited at the China Center for Type Culture Collection, with accession number CCTCC NO: M 2022845. (3) Add a smoking agent, binder, water, and cellulose to the biotechnologically treated tobacco powder and mix well to produce reconstituted tobacco leaves. The mass ratio of the smoking agent to the tobacco powder is 0.1:1 to 0.3:1, the mass ratio of the binder to the tobacco powder is 0.001:1 to 0.05:1, and the mass ratio of the cellulose to the tobacco powder is 10. -3 :1~10 -1 :

1.

2. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (1), the particle size of the tobacco powder is 50 to 400 mesh.

3. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step (2) specifically involves: (21) First, inactivate the tobacco powder. The inactivation conditions are 90-130℃ and the inactivation time is 0.1-1h. (22) Add water to the tobacco powder, with the mass ratio of water to tobacco powder being 1:1 to 6:1; (23) Then microorganisms or enzymes are added for biotechnology treatment, with the mass ratio of microorganisms or enzymes to tobacco powder being 10:

1. -4 :1~10 -1 :1; (24) The biotechnology treatment temperature is 30-50℃ and the treatment time is 0.1-72h.

4. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the smoke-generating agent is one or more of glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-propanediol, sorbitol, isosorbide, xylitol, and erythritol.

5. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the adhesive is one or more of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch, gellan gum, agar powder, carrageenan, and gum arabic.

6. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves based on biotechnology according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the cellulose is one or more of wood pulp fiber, hemp pulp fiber, straw pulp fiber, and nanocellulose.

7. A heated cigarette, characterized in that, Reconstituted tobacco leaves obtained by any of the preparation methods described in claims 1-6.

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