A tobacco extract, its preparation and use

Abstract

This invention discloses a tobacco extract, its preparation method, and its application, belonging to the field of tobacco flavoring technology. The preparation method includes: mixing water, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glycerol into a quaternary composite solution, adding tobacco raw materials, glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine, and mixing thoroughly; obtaining a centrifuged clear liquid after extraction, which is then sequentially separated through a ceramic membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, and a nanofiltration membrane; adding an organic acid to the membrane separation product, which is the tobacco extract. It can be used as a flavor enhancer in traditional cigarettes, significantly improving the richness, aroma, and satisfaction of the smoke; it can also be used directly as a base liquid for atomizing new tobacco products, without the need for adding large amounts of additional atomizing agents, producing sufficient and sustained smoke, with prominent tobacco aroma characteristics, a clean and comfortable aftertaste, and no irritation or sweetness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tobacco flavoring technology, specifically relating to a tobacco extract, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and is not necessarily to be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] In the field of tobacco flavoring, tobacco extracts, as the only flavoring material derived from tobacco itself that can effectively supplement and enhance the natural aroma of tobacco, have better harmony with cigarettes and occupy a core position in tobacco flavoring. Traditional tobacco extracts are usually prepared using the maceration method, with water and ethanol as solvents, and are obtained through processes such as extraction, purification, and concentration. However, the extracts obtained by this method have complex compositions, containing a large number of macromolecules (such as proteins, starch, and pectin), resulting in poor sensory quality and limited flavor-enhancing effects. To improve these problems, existing technologies often employ methods such as organic solvent extraction (e.g., petroleum ether), supercritical CO2 extraction, or molecular distillation to further refine the natural aroma substances of tobacco to obtain tobacco extracts with fewer impurities and higher quality. However, these refining methods have certain shortcomings in practical applications, mainly manifested in: high investment and operating costs for supercritical extraction and molecular distillation equipment, and complex process flows; the use of organic solvents (such as alcohol and petroleum ether) poses safety hazards and may introduce aroma interference, hindering their promotion and industrial application in cigarette flavoring.

[0004] On the other hand, in novel tobacco products, the aroma of tobacco or cigarettes is typically released by heating and atomizing tobacco or e-liquid. The atomizing agent, as a crucial component of these products, is currently mainly composed of water, propylene glycol, and glycerin. Such atomizing agents not only help improve the moisture retention and processing resistance of cigarettes but also significantly promote the effective release of nicotine and aroma substances at lower temperatures, thereby enhancing the smoking experience. However, when used in large quantities, existing atomizing agents may irritate the respiratory mucosa, cause throat dryness, and easily produce unpleasant sensory experiences such as a cloying sweetness, affecting the overall consumer experience of novel tobacco products.

[0005] In recent years, research on the application of polyols in tobacco processing has made some progress. Studies have shown that polyols can not only be used as solvents to extract aroma components from tobacco, but also participate in the Maillard reaction as reaction media under specific conditions, promoting the formation of characteristic components of roasted and caramelized aromas. However, existing technologies mostly use polyols alone, failing to leverage the synergistic effects between different polyols and water to simultaneously achieve efficient extraction and reaction enhancement. Furthermore, no method has been found to simultaneously prepare tobacco extracts that possess both cigarette aroma-enhancing and atomizing base liquid functions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a tobacco extract, its preparation method, and its applications. This invention constructs a quaternary composite extraction system of water-propylene glycol-glycerol-triethylene glycol, and introduces glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine as exogenous amino acids. A pressure-assisted method is used within a medium temperature range of 70-100℃ to synergistically leverage the extraction function of the composite solvent and the Maillard reaction-promoting function mediated by amino acids. This simultaneously achieves efficient extraction of endogenous aroma components and enhanced regulation of the Maillard reaction. Furthermore, multi-stage membrane separation enables precise molecular-level fractionation, effectively removing components detrimental to sensory quality. The pH of the tobacco extract is adjusted to 5.5-6.6 by adding organic acids, further optimizing the sensory quality of the product. This results in a tobacco extract that can be used as an additive in traditional cigarettes and as a vaporizing agent in novel tobacco products.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, a method for preparing a tobacco extract includes the following steps: S1. Mix water, propylene glycol, glycerol and triethylene glycol in a mass ratio of (1~3):(2~4):(2~4):(1~3) to obtain a quaternary compound extraction system. Add 2~10 times the mass of the quaternary compound extraction system to the tobacco raw material, and add 2%~8% of the mass of the tobacco raw material of added amino acids. The added amino acids are glycine, glutamic acid and alanine in a mass ratio of (0.5~1.5):(0.5~1.5):(0.5~1.5), and mix evenly. S2. Extract for 5-30 minutes at a temperature of 70-100℃ and an extraction pressure of 0.1-1.5 MPa to obtain the extract. S3. After centrifuging the extract, pass it sequentially through a 100-300 nm ceramic membrane for separation and a 40-60 kDa ultrafiltration membrane for separation. After adjusting the pH to alkaline, perform 300-500 Da nanofiltration to obtain the membrane separation product. S4. Adjust the pH of the membrane separation product to 5.5~6.6, which is the tobacco extract.

[0008] Secondly, the tobacco extract prepared by the above-mentioned method.

[0009] Thirdly, an atomizing agent comprising the aforementioned tobacco extract.

[0010] Fourthly, the application of the aforementioned tobacco extracts in traditional cigarettes or in novel tobacco products.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention constructs a quaternary composite extraction solvent consisting of water, propylene glycol, glycerol, and triethylene glycol. The four components exert a synergistic effect under medium temperature and high pressure conditions. Water provides a polar dissolution environment, propylene glycol provides fluidity to promote mass transfer, glycerol provides excellent reaction medium performance and smoke volume, and triethylene glycol regulates the polarity of the system and improves the aftertaste. The four components work together to achieve the best balance between extraction efficiency, reaction promotion, and membrane separation adaptability.

[0012] 2. The quaternary complex solvent synergistically performs dual functions under medium temperature and pressure conditions of 70~100℃: as an extraction solvent, it utilizes the complementary polarities of the four solvents to efficiently extract endogenous aroma components; as a reaction medium, it synergistically promotes the Maillard reaction with exogenous amino acids, promoting the generation of characteristic aroma components such as pyrazines (baked aroma) and furans (caramel sweet aroma), resulting in a rich and harmonious aroma.

[0013] 3. A multi-stage membrane separation system consisting of centrifugation, ceramic membrane, ultrafiltration membrane, and nanofiltration membrane was constructed, achieving gradient purification from coarse separation to fine adjustment, effectively removing undesirable sensory components from traditional tobacco extracts that cause oral irritation and oral residue.

[0014] 4. The obtained tobacco extract can be used as a flavor enhancer for traditional cigarettes (addition amount 0.01%~0.5%), significantly improving the richness, aroma and satisfaction of the smoke; it can also be used directly as the atomizing base liquid for new tobacco products without the need to add a large amount of atomizing agent. The smoke volume is sufficient and has good continuity, the original tobacco aroma is obvious, and the aftertaste is clean and comfortable, without irritation or sweetness.

[0015] 5. The preparation method of the present invention does not use alcohol or other hazardous organic solvents, has high safety, mild process conditions, and simple operation; it can also serve as a way to reuse waste tobacco resources, making it suitable for industrial production and promotion. Detailed Implementation

[0016] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0017] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a method for preparing a tobacco extract, comprising the following steps: S1. Mix water, propylene glycol, glycerol, and triethylene glycol in a mass ratio of (1~3):(2~4):(2~4):(1~3) to form a quaternary compound extraction system. Add 2~10 times the mass of the quaternary compound extraction system to the tobacco raw material, and add 2%~8% of the mass of the tobacco raw material of added amino acids. The added amino acids are glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine in a mass ratio of (0.5~1.5):(0.5~1.5):(0.5~1.5), and mix evenly. S2. Extract under pressure at 70~100℃ and 0.1~1.5MPa for 5~30min to obtain the extract; S3. After centrifuging the extract to obtain a supernatant, pass it sequentially through a 100-300 nm ceramic membrane and a 40-60 kDa ultrafiltration membrane to obtain an ultrafiltration permeate. Adjust the pH of the ultrafiltration permeate to 8.0-10.0 and then perform nanofiltration membrane separation. The residual molecular weight of the nanofiltration membrane is 300-500 Da. Collect the permeate to obtain the membrane separation product. S4. Add organic acid to the membrane separation product, adjust the pH value to 5.5~6.6, stir evenly, and the tobacco extract is obtained.

[0019] Optionally, in S1, the quaternary composite solution contains water at a mass of 10%–30%, propylene glycol at a mass of 20%–40%, glycerol at a mass of 20%–40%, and triethylene glycol at a mass of 10%–30%. Preferably, the mass ratio of water, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glycerol is 2:3:2:3. This quaternary composite extraction system has dual functions, including: serving as an extraction solvent to extract endogenous aroma components from tobacco, and simultaneously serving as a reaction medium to promote the Maillard reaction between sugars and exogenous amino acids in tobacco; it can also be polarized. The optimal balance is achieved between control, fluidity, smoke volume, and the synergistic effect of dual functions. The composite solvent combines the functions of extraction solvent and reaction medium, and its good fluidity reduces the difficulty of subsequent membrane separation. The polarity of triethylene glycol has a good affinity for nicotine-like substances, but its ability to dissolve impurities such as waxes with larger molecular weights and some proteins is weak. This selective dissolution forms a synergistic effect with subsequent membrane separation, reducing the membrane fouling load. The introduction of water further reduces the viscosity of the system and enhances the extraction ability of Maillard reaction precursors such as sugars and amino acids.

[0020] Optionally, in S1, the amount of added amino acids is 4% to 6% of the mass of the tobacco raw material.

[0021] Optionally, in S1, the mass ratio of glycine, glutamic acid and alanine is preferably 1:1:1.

[0022] Optionally, in S2, tobacco raw materials and quaternary composite solution are added to a high-pressure extraction container, vacuumed, and then pressurized with nitrogen to the set extraction pressure for pressurized assisted extraction. Optionally, the extraction temperature in S2 is 70~100℃, preferably 85℃~95℃, the extraction pressure is 0.1~1.5MPa, preferably 0.4~1.0MPa, and the extraction time is 5~30min, preferably 10~20min. This temperature range can realize the integration of extraction and reaction, and the Maillard reaction occurs simultaneously during the extraction process. High pressure and temperature are used to destroy the cell wall structure of the material, improve the diffusion coefficient and mass transfer effect of the solute in the solvent, and make the extraction process faster and more complete. At the same time, it serves as a reaction medium to promote the Maillard reaction between endogenous sugars and exogenous amino acids in tobacco. The medium temperature range also avoids excessive high-temperature pyrolysis and the generation of unpleasant odors.

[0023] Optionally, in S2, the tobacco raw material includes flue-cured or sun-cured tobacco; optionally, the tobacco raw material includes burley tobacco or aromatic tobacco; the tobacco raw material is in the form of one or more of tobacco flakes, tobacco sticks, and tobacco dust; and can serve as a means of reusing waste tobacco resources.

[0024] Optionally, in S3, the centrifugation method includes: centrifuging at a speed of 6000~10000 r / min and a feed rate of 10~20 L / min to obtain centrifuged liquid; and using a tubular centrifuge or a disc centrifuge for continuous centrifugation. This step can effectively remove large particulate residues, fine suspended solids and macromolecular aggregates from the extract, and reduce membrane fouling load.

[0025] Optionally, in S3, the infeed pressure of the ceramic membrane separation is 0.1~0.3MPa, and the operating temperature is 40℃~50℃; the ultrafiltration membrane used in the ultrafiltration membrane separation method includes one of organic tubular membrane and hollow fiber membrane; preferably, a membrane module with a high-spacing mesh and wide flow channel design is adopted.

[0026] Optionally, in S3, after adjusting the pH to 8.0~10.0, the inlet pressure of the nanofiltration membrane is 0.6~1.0MPa, and the operating temperature is 40~50℃; before nanofiltration membrane separation, the pH is adjusted using food-grade alkaline solution, and the nanofiltration membrane used in the nanofiltration membrane separation method includes one of ceramic membrane and organic tubular membrane.

[0027] Optionally, in S4, the organic acid includes one or more of citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, preferably citric acid.

[0028] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a tobacco extract prepared by the above-described method.

[0029] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an atomizing agent comprising the above-mentioned tobacco extract; the atomizing agent can be directly used in heated tobacco products or electronic cigarettes without the need to add a large amount of additional atomizing agent, and through polarity regulation, flowability, and vapor volume regulation, as an atomizing agent, it will not cause adverse reactions such as respiratory mucosal irritation or sweetness.

[0030] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide the application of the above-described tobacco extract in conventional cigarettes or in novel tobacco products.

[0031] Optionally, in traditional cigarettes, the amount of tobacco extract added is 0.05% to 0.2% of the tobacco leaf mass; it is applied to the cigarette tobacco or sheet by spraying or adding.

[0032] Optionally, the novel tobacco product includes one of heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0034] Example 1 A tobacco extract, prepared by the following method.

[0035] S1. Mix water, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glycerin in a mass ratio of 2:3:2:3 to obtain a quaternary composite solvent. Take 15 kg of flue-cured tobacco dust and put it into a high-pressure extraction vessel. Add 6% of the mass of the tobacco raw material (flue-cured tobacco dust) of an amino acid mixture (glycine:glutamic acid:alanine in a mass ratio of 1:1:1). After stirring and dissolving, pass 60 kg of polyol solution into the high-pressure extraction vessel and heat it to 85°C. S2, mixed with a quaternary composite solvent, kept at 85°C, vacuumed and pressurized with nitrogen to 0.4 MPa, and pressurized for 15 min to assist extraction; to obtain the extract; S3. Centrifuge the extract using a tubular centrifuge at a feed rate of 10 L / min and a centrifugation speed of 8000 r / min to obtain a supernatant. Separate the supernatant through a 200 nm ceramic membrane at an inlet pressure of 0.18 MPa and a feed temperature of 45 ± 5 °C using cross-flow filtration. Collect the permeate to obtain the primary membrane filtrate. Filter the primary membrane filtrate through a 50 kDa organic tubular membrane at an inlet pressure of 0.25 MPa to obtain the ultrafiltration permeate. Adjust the pH of the ultrafiltration permeate to 9.0 with food-grade potassium hydroxide solution, and then perform nanofiltration using a 400 Da nanofiltration membrane at an inlet pressure of 0.8 MPa and a feed temperature of 47.5 ± 2.5 °C to obtain the nanofiltration permeate, which is the membrane separation product. S4. Add citric acid to the membrane separation product, adjust the pH to 6.0, and stir evenly to obtain the tobacco extract obtained in this embodiment.

[0036] Example 2 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1 is as follows: in S2, a mixture of burley tobacco / fluffy tobacco is used as the tobacco raw material, and the pressure extraction time is 10 min, while the other preparation methods are the same as those in Example 1.

[0037] Example 3 The preparation method of a tobacco extract differs from that of Example 1 in that: in S2, flue-cured tobacco dust is used as the tobacco raw material, and an amino acid mixture (glycine:glutamic acid:alanine mass ratio of 1:1:1) of 8% by weight of the tobacco raw material is added. The extraction temperature is 90℃, the extraction pressure is 0.6 MPa, and the pressure extraction time is 12 min. Other preparation methods are the same as those in Example 1.

[0038] Example 4 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from Example 1, is as follows: In S1, the mass percentages of the components in the composite solution prepared from water, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glycerol are: water 10%, propylene glycol 20%, glycerol 40%, and triethylene glycol 30%. The amount of added amino acids is 2% of the mass of the tobacco raw material, and the mass ratio of glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine is 0.5:0.5:1.5. In S2, the extraction pressure is 1.5 MPa, and the extraction time is 5 min. Other preparation methods are the same as in Example 1.

[0039] Example 5 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from Example 1, is as follows: In S1, the composite solution prepared from water, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glycerol contains 30% water, 40% propylene glycol, 20% glycerol, and 10% triethylene glycol; the amount of added amino acids is 4% of the mass of the tobacco raw material, and the mass ratio of glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine is 1.5:1.5:0.5; in S2, the extraction pressure is 0.2 MPa, and the extraction time is 30 min. Other preparation methods are the same as in Example 1.

[0040] Comparative Example 1 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1 is as follows: in S1, water, propylene glycol, glycerol and triethylene glycol are mixed in a mass ratio of 1:3:5:2 to construct a quaternary composite solvent, and the other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0041] Comparative Example 2 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1 is as follows: in S2, the vacuuming and nitrogen filling operation is not used, and air is filled to the set pressure. The other preparation methods are the same as those in Example 1.

[0042] Comparative Example 3 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1, is as follows: in S2, the extraction temperature is 60°C, the extraction pressure is 0.2 MPa, and the extraction time is 10 min. Other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0043] Comparative Example 4 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1, is as follows: in S2, the extraction temperature is 120°C, the extraction pressure is autogenous pressure, and the extraction time is 30 min. Other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Comparative Example 5 A tobacco extract was prepared in a manner different from that in Example 1: the solvent in S1 was a mixture of propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glycerol (mass ratio 3:2:3), without the addition of water. Because the anhydrous ternary system has a high viscosity, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration processes cannot be performed after ceramic membrane separation. Therefore, the primary membrane filtrate was used as the tobacco extract, and the other preparation methods were the same as in Example 1.

[0045] The other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0046] Comparative Example 6 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1, is as follows: in step S3, pH adjustment (the feed solution pH is approximately 6.5) is not performed before nanofiltration membrane separation, and membrane separation is performed directly. The other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0047] Comparative Example 7 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1 is as follows: in S3, after separation by ceramic membrane, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration are not used, and the primary membrane filtrate is used as the tobacco extract. The other preparation methods are the same as those in Example 1.

[0048] Comparative Example 8 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1 is that glycine, glutamic acid and alanine are not added in S1, while the other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0049] Comparative Example 9 A tobacco extract, the preparation method of which differs from that of Example 1 is as follows: the solvent used in S1 is a ternary composite solvent constructed by mixing propylene glycol, glycerol, triethylene glycol and other components in a mass ratio of 3:5:2, without adding water, glycine, glutamic acid and alanine, and without ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, while the other preparation methods are the same as those in Example 1.

[0050] Comparative Example 10 The preparation method of a tobacco extract differs from that of Example 1 in that: the extraction temperature in S2 is 60°C, the extraction pressure is 0.2 MPa, and the extraction time is 10 min; and in S3, after separation by the ceramic membrane, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration are not performed, while other steps are the same as in Example 1.

[0051] Application Example 1: GC-MS Analysis of Chemical Components in Tobacco Extracts To verify the generation of aroma components in the tobacco extracts prepared by the method of the present invention, the chemical composition of the tobacco extracts obtained in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis results of Examples 1 to 3 are shown in Table 1, and the analysis results of Comparative Examples 1 to 8 are shown in Table 2.

[0052] Detection method: HP-5MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm), temperature program: 50 °C for 2 min, then ramped at 5 °C / min to 280 °C and held for 10 min. Injector temperature: 250 °C, carrier gas: helium (1.0 mL / min), split ratio: 20:1. Mass spectrometry conditions: EI ionization source: 70 eV, scan range: 35–450 amu. Compound identification was performed using NIST library search combined with retention index, and relative abundance was calculated using peak area normalization.

[0053] Table 1. GC-MS analysis results of the main aroma components in the examples (relative content %)

[0054] Table 2. GC-MS analysis results of the main aroma components in the comparative example (relative content %)

[0055] Note: The trace marker content in the table is <0.05%.

[0056] Results Analysis: In Example 1, while successfully triggering the Maillard reaction and generating characteristic aroma components such as pyrazines (1.24%) and furans (0.35%), the endogenous tobacco characteristic components (1.87%) remained at a high level. The content of endogenous characteristic components (1.82%) in Comparative Example 8 (quaternary system + no exogenous amino acids) was basically the same as in Example 1, indicating that the quaternary composite solvent was effective in extracting endogenous aroma components; however, no pyrazine products were detected in Comparative Example 8, and the contents of furans and DDMP were extremely low, indicating that relying solely on endogenous tobacco amino acids in a quaternary system medium is insufficient to effectively trigger the Maillard reaction; and even with the addition of exogenous amino acids, the Maillard product content level of Example 1 could not be achieved using non-optimal solvent ratios (Comparative Example 1) or low-temperature extraction (Comparative Example 3), indicating that the reaction medium's effectiveness was limited. Limited by the limitations; In Example 1, under the preferred combination of a quaternary system and specific amino acids, the extraction function of the quaternary solvent ensures the efficient dissolution and mixing of the reaction precursors (sugars, amino acids), providing recombinant raw materials for the Maillard reaction. At the same time, its reaction medium function provides the best polar environment and mass transfer motive force for the Maillard reaction. The two synergistically catalyze the reaction, resulting in a significantly higher content of characteristic aroma components (pyrazines, furans, and DDMP, etc.) than the levels that could be achieved by changing any factor alone. This demonstrates that the two have a significant synergistic effect in promoting the generation of characteristic aroma components.

[0057] Application Example 2: Component Migration Analysis in Membrane Separation Processes To verify the precise separation effect of the multi-stage membrane separation system, the composition of the feed liquid before and after each stage of membrane separation during the preparation process of Example 1 was analyzed, and the results are shown in Table 3.

[0058] Table 3. Changes in the content and removal rate of major components in the multi-stage membrane separation process.

[0059] Results Analysis: The combined use of ceramic and ultrafiltration membranes achieved a removal rate of over 99% for large molecular impurities affecting sensory quality, such as proteins and pectin, while also creating favorable conditions for subsequent nanofiltration separation. The nanofiltration membrane, combined with pH control (pH 9.0), utilizes the Donnan effect to repel similarly negatively charged dissociated long-chain fatty acid molecules from its negatively charged membrane surface, synergistically leveraging size exclusion to achieve highly efficient retention of palmitic acid (256 Da), stearic acid (284 Da), and linoleic acid (280 Da), with removal rates exceeding 91%. These fatty acids are among the main components in traditional tobacco extracts that cause oral residue and affect oral comfort; their efficient removal lays the foundation for the excellent aftertaste performance of this product.

[0060] Application Example 3: Traditional Cigarette Smoking Test The tobacco extracts from Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-10 were sprayed onto blank cigarette tobacco at a dosage of 0.1%. After being rolled into cigarettes, they were subjected to sensory evaluation by eight professional smokers. The evaluation method followed these requirements: (1) GB5606.4-2005 "Sensory Technical Requirements for Cigarettes"; (2) Thirteen-item evaluation method: The thirteen-item evaluation method includes aroma quality, aroma quantity, impurities, concentration, richness, permeability, harmony, strength, irritation, softness, delicacy, residue, and sweetness. Each item has a full score of 5 points and a minimum score of -5 points. The average score is calculated based on the scoring. The evaluation results are shown in Table 4.

[0061] Table 4 Sensory Evaluation Results of Traditional Cigarettes

[0062] Results Analysis: The tobacco extract of Example 1 can enhance the aroma, making the smoke full and rich, increasing the amount of smoke, and the aroma texture is delicate with a clean and comfortable aftertaste; Comparative Example 2 (air pressurization) may lead to oxidation, causing a decline in aroma quality, poor harmony, and an increase in off-odors; Comparative Example 4, although a Maillard reaction product, has a noticeable burnt smell at high temperatures, which also indicates that excessively high temperatures will produce unpleasant odors and are detrimental to sensory quality; In terms of aroma quantity, the improvement of Example 1 (2.0) compared to Comparative Example 9 (0.83) is significantly higher than the sum of the improvement of Comparative Example 1 (1.0) and Comparative Example 8 (1.2) compared to Comparative Example 9. Similar patterns exist in aroma quality and harmony indicators, which provides data support for the fact that the combination of the quaternary composite solvent and exogenous amino acids in this invention produces a gain effect that exceeds the simple superposition of individual elements. Similarly, in terms of irritation index, the improvement of Example 1 (1.5) compared to Comparative Example 10 (-1.2) was significantly higher than the sum of the improvements of Comparative Example 3 (0.0) and Comparative Example 7 (-0.5) compared to Comparative Example 10 (-1.2); a similar pattern was observed in the residue index, indicating that the combined application of the medium-temperature pressure extraction process and the multi-stage membrane separation process has a synergistic effect in improving the irritation and residue of flue gas.

[0063] Application Example 4 The tobacco extracts from Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-8 were directly used as atomizing liquids and filled into cartridges of heated tobacco devices. Ten professional tasters conducted sensory evaluations. The evaluation method followed the sensory evaluation index system for heated tobacco determined in GB 5606.4-2005 "Cigarettes Part 4: Sensory Technical Requirements" and "Screening and Weighting of Sensory Evaluation Indicators for Heated Cigarettes Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process," using a 9-point scale (1-9 points, with higher scores indicating better quality). The detailed scoring criteria for each indicator are shown in Table 5-1, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 5-2.

[0064] Table 5-1 Detailed Scoring Criteria for Indicators

[0065] Table 5-2 Sensory evaluation results of heated cigarettes.

[0066] Note: Weighted composite score = Σ (score of each indicator × corresponding weight), with the weights allocated as follows: smoke state 30%, aroma characteristics 25%, harmony 10%, strength 10%, irritation 10%, and aftertaste 15%.

[0067] The results showed that Examples 1 to 3 had the highest weighted comprehensive scores, and their core indicators such as smoke state, aroma characteristics, and aftertaste were significantly better than those of the other pairs. They produced sufficient and persistent smoke, clean and comfortable aftertaste, obvious aroma characteristics, strong satisfaction, and no cloying sweetness, with excellent sensory characteristics.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of preparing a tobacco extract, characterized by, Includes the following steps: S1. Mix water, propylene glycol, glycerol and triethylene glycol in a mass ratio of (1~3):(2~4):(2~4):(1~3) to obtain a quaternary compound extraction system. Add 2~10 times the mass of the quaternary compound extraction system to the tobacco raw material, and add 2%~8% of the mass of the tobacco raw material of added amino acids. The added amino acids are glycine, glutamic acid and alanine in a mass ratio of (0.5~1.5):(0.5~1.5):(0.5~1.5), and mix evenly. S2. Add 2-10 times the mass of tobacco raw material to a quaternary compound extraction system and extract for 5-30 minutes at a temperature of 70-100℃ and an extraction pressure of 0.1-1.5 MPa to obtain the extract. S3. After centrifuging the extract, pass it sequentially through a 100-300 nm ceramic membrane for separation and a 40-60 kDa ultrafiltration membrane for separation. After adjusting the pH to alkaline, perform 300-500 Da nanofiltration to obtain the membrane separation product. S4. Adjust the pH of the membrane separation product to 5.5~6.6, which is the tobacco extract.

2. The method for preparing the tobacco extract as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In S1, the quaternary composite solution contains water at a mass of 10% to 30%, propylene glycol at a mass of 20% to 40%, glycerol at a mass of 20% to 40%, and triethylene glycol at a mass of 10% to 30%. Preferably, the mass ratio of water, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and glycerol is 2:3:2:

3.

3. The method for preparing the tobacco extract as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The amount of added amino acids is 4% to 6% of the mass of the tobacco raw materials; Alternatively, the mass ratio of glycine, glutamic acid and alanine is preferably 1:1:

1.

4. The method for preparing the tobacco extract as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In S2, tobacco raw materials and quaternary composite solution are added to a high-pressure extraction container, vacuumed, and then pressurized with nitrogen to the set extraction pressure for pressurized assisted extraction. Alternatively, the extraction temperature is 70~100℃, preferably 85℃~95℃; the extraction pressure is 0.1~1.5MPa, preferably 0.4~1.0MPa; and the extraction time is 5~30min, preferably 10~20min.

5. The method for preparing the tobacco extract as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Tobacco raw materials include flue-cured or sun-cured tobacco; Alternatively, the tobacco raw materials may include Burley tobacco or aromatic tobacco; Alternatively, the tobacco raw materials may be in the form of one or more of the following: tobacco leaves, tobacco sticks, or tobacco dust.

6. The method for preparing the tobacco extract as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In S3, the centrifugation method includes: a centrifugation speed of 6000~10000 r / min, a feed rate of 10~20 L / min, and obtaining centrifuged liquid; Alternatively, the infeed pressure of the ceramic membrane separator is 0.1~0.3MPa, and the operating temperature is 40℃~50℃; Alternatively, adjust the pH to 8.0~10.0 and then perform nanofiltration. The inlet pressure of the nanofiltration membrane is 0.6~1.0 MPa, and the operating temperature is 40~50℃.

7. The production method according to claim 1, wherein In S4, the organic acid is one or more of citric acid, malic acid, or tartaric acid; the pH of the system after adjustment is 6.0~6.

2.

8. A tobacco extract prepared by a method according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. An atomizing agent comprising the tobacco extract as described in claim 8.

10. Use of a tobacco extract as claimed in claim 8 in traditional cigarettes or in new types of tobacco products.

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