A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaf, reconstituted tobacco leaf and a cigarette

Abstract

The patent discloses a preparation method of reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted tobacco and cigarettes, comprising the following steps: mixing tobacco raw materials with electrospun nanofibers after pretreatment to obtain a mixture; adding composite enzymes for enzymolysis to obtain an enzymolysis product; adding composite bacteria for fermentation to obtain a fermentation product; and finally adding a binder, uniformly mixing and post-treating to obtain reconstituted tobacco. The patent uses the high specific surface area of electrospun nanofibers to adsorb and lock aroma, and through the synergistic effect of composite enzymolysis and composite bacteria fermentation, macromolecular substances are converted into glucose, galactose and aroma precursor substances, which significantly reduces harmful substances such as nicotine and nitrosamine, improves the retention rate of flavor substances, optimizes the structure of existing reconstituted tobacco, strengthens the aroma, reduces harm and increases efficiency, realizes the high-value utilization of tobacco raw materials, and significantly improves the stability of chemical indicators in reconstituted tobacco and the sensory quality of cigarettes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent belongs to the field of reconstituted tobacco technology, specifically relating to a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and cigarettes. Background Technology

[0002] Reconstituted tobacco, also known as tobacco sheet or reconstituted tobacco, is an important raw material for cigarettes. There are four main methods for manufacturing reconstituted tobacco, depending on the processing technology: roll pressing, slurry pressing, wet papermaking, and dry papermaking. Currently, the problems with these four types of reconstituted tobacco in production and use mainly include four aspects: (1) Poor structural performance: Traditional methods use ordinary fibers as carriers, which have small specific surface area and low porosity, resulting in loose structure of reconstituted tobacco after molding, easy shedding of ash, and uneven combustion; (2) Insufficient aroma retention: Volatile aroma components in the raw materials are easily lost during processing, and the adsorption capacity of ordinary carriers is limited, resulting in a weak aroma and monotonous taste in the finished product; (3) Incomplete degradation of harmful substances: Single enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation technology is difficult to fully decompose harmful substances such as nicotine and nitrosamines in tobacco leaves, and the safety performance needs to be improved; (4) Low utilization rate of raw materials: Large molecules such as cellulose and pectin in tobacco waste cannot be effectively converted, which not only wastes resources but also affects the taste and combustion performance of the product.

[0003] For example, patent document CN118216698A discloses a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco modified with ethylated nanocellulose and the reconstituted tobacco itself. The method involves purifying and pretreating pulp fibers using a eutectic solvent, followed by alkalization and etherification reactions to obtain modified ethylated nanocellulose. This modified nanocellulose is then dispersed and applied to the interior or surface of the reconstituted tobacco to obtain the ethylated nanocellulose-modified reconstituted tobacco. While this method can significantly improve the hydrophobicity, surface strength, and tensile strength of the reconstituted tobacco, it still cannot solve the problems of insufficient aroma retention, monotonous taste, and incomplete degradation of harmful substances such as nicotine and nitrosamines in the reconstituted tobacco.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves. This method utilizes the high specific surface area of ​​nanofibers to adsorb and lock in aroma, and uses enzymatic fermentation to synergistically degrade harmful substances while transforming macromolecular substances. This results in optimized structure, enhanced aroma, reduced harm and increased efficiency of reconstituted tobacco leaves, as well as high-value utilization of tobacco raw materials. It also improves the stability of chemical indicators in reconstituted tobacco leaves and the sensory quality of cigarettes, making them suitable for the needs of continuous operation in modern factories. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this patent is to provide a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco leaves, and cigarettes. By utilizing the high specific surface area of ​​electrospun nanofibers to adsorb and lock in aroma, and through enzymatic fermentation to synergistically degrade harmful substances while transforming macromolecular substances, the reconstituted tobacco leaves achieve structural optimization, aroma enhancement, harm reduction and efficiency improvement, and high-value utilization of tobacco raw materials. This also improves the stability of chemical indicators in reconstituted tobacco leaves and the sensory quality of cigarettes, making them suitable for the needs of continuous operation in modern factories.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this patent provides the following technical solution: A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves includes the following steps: Step A: Pre-treat the tobacco raw material to obtain pre-treated tobacco raw material, and mix the pre-treated tobacco raw material with electrospun nanofibers to obtain a mixture; Step B: Add a compound enzyme to the mixture for enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain the enzymatic hydrolysis product; Step C: Add compound bacteria to the enzymatic hydrolysis product for fermentation to obtain fermentation product, then add binder to the fermentation product, stir evenly, and then perform post-treatment to obtain reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0007] Furthermore, in step A, the tobacco raw materials include one or more combinations of tobacco stems, tobacco dust, or fragments, and the tobacco raw materials are pulverized to 80-100 mesh.

[0008] Furthermore, the moisture content of the pretreated tobacco raw materials is 50-60%.

[0009] Furthermore, the mass ratio of pretreated tobacco raw materials to electrospun nanofibers is (0.2~0.3):1.0, (0.3~0.4):1.0, or (0.4~0.5):1.0.

[0010] The electrospun nanofibers are prepared from the spinning solution using a spinning machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the spinning solution includes tobacco pectin, cellulose, and chitosan.

[0012] Furthermore, tobacco pectin, cellulose, and chitosan are mixed in a mass ratio of 5:3:2 to obtain a mixture.

[0013] Furthermore, tobacco pectin includes one or more combinations of rhamnose, arabinose, or galactose; and cellulose includes one or more combinations of coniferous fiber, broadleaf fiber, and tobacco dust.

[0014] Furthermore, the spinning solution also includes spinning auxiliaries.

[0015] Furthermore, the amount of spinning aid added is 10-15% of the mass of the mixture.

[0016] Furthermore, spinning auxiliaries include one or more combinations of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, polylactic acid, or polyethylene oxide.

[0017] Furthermore, the spinning conditions of the spinning machine are as follows: the voltage is adjusted to 15~20 kV, the receiving distance is 15~20 cm, the spinning solution flow rate is 0.5~1.0 mL / h, the ambient temperature is 25~30℃, and the humidity is 40~60℃; a layer of material is covered on the electrospinning plane receiver to collect the electrospinned nanofibers; after collection, the nanofibers are dried and fixed in an oven at 60℃ for 10 min to obtain dried electrospinned nanofibers.

[0018] Furthermore, the dried electrospun nanofibers have a diameter of 100–500 nm and a specific surface area ≥30 m². 2 / g, porosity ≥80%.

[0019] Furthermore, in step B, the amount of compound enzyme added is 0.5~0.6%, 0.6~0.8% or 0.8~1.0% of the mass of the mixture.

[0020] Furthermore, the complex enzyme is composed of cellulase, pectinase and hemicellulase in a mass ratio of 2:1:1, so that the total enzyme activity of the complex enzyme is 5000~8000 U / g.

[0021] Alternatively, the complex enzyme is composed of cellulase, pectinase, hemicellulase, neutral protease, and polyphenol oxidase in a mass ratio of 1:1:1:1:1, with each single enzyme having an activity of 1000~1600 U / g, so that the total enzyme activity of the complex enzyme is 5000~8000 U / g.

[0022] Furthermore, the enzymatic hydrolysis conditions are as follows: constant temperature enzymatic hydrolysis at 45~55℃ for 2~4 h, with stirring every 30 min during the period, stirring speed of 50~80 r / min, and stirring time of 1~3 min; so that the complex enzyme degrades the cellulose and pectin in the mixture into glucose and galactose, and destroys the cell wall structure in the tobacco raw material, releasing internal aroma precursor substances.

[0023] Furthermore, in step C, the amount of compound bacteria added is 1.0~1.3%, 1.3~1.6% or 1.6~2.0% of the mass of the enzymatic hydrolysis product.

[0024] Furthermore, the compound bacteria include Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum, with a mass ratio of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Lactobacillus plantarum of (1~3):(1~2).

[0025] The choice of compound bacteria includes Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum, and the mass ratio of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Lactobacillus plantarum can be 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, or 3:2.

[0026] Furthermore, the fermentation conditions are as follows: ferment at a temperature of 30~35℃ for 6~8 hours, and control the oxygen content at 5~10%.

[0027] Furthermore, the amount of binder added is 2.0 to 4.0% of the mass of the fermentation product.

[0028] Furthermore, the binder includes one or more combinations of carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, pectin, chitosan, hydroxypropyl starch, or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0029] Furthermore, the stirring conditions are 200~800 r / min for 15~30 min.

[0030] Further post-processing includes compression molding and drying. The drying process is a staged drying process, which includes a first stage of low-temperature drying and a second stage of high-temperature setting.

[0031] Furthermore, the first stage of low-temperature drying is carried out at a temperature of 40~50℃ for 20~30 min; the second stage of high-temperature setting is carried out at a temperature of 70~80℃ for 10~15 min.

[0032] Furthermore, the thickness of the reconstituted tobacco leaf is 0.1~0.5 mm, 0.5~1.0 mm, or 1.0~2.0 mm.

[0033] Furthermore, the cellulose degradation rate of the reconstituted tobacco leaves is ≥50%, the pectin degradation rate of the second mixture is ≥60%, the total amount of glucose and galactose produced is ≥270 mg / g, and the relative value of aroma precursor release is ≥4.5.

[0034] Furthermore, the nicotine degradation rate of reconstituted tobacco leaves is ≥35%, the nitrosamine degradation rate of reconstituted tobacco leaves is ≥45%, and the flavor substance enhancement rate of reconstituted tobacco leaves is ≥28%.

[0035] Another aspect of this patent provides a reconstituted tobacco leaf, which is prepared by a reconstituted tobacco leaf preparation method.

[0036] This patent also provides a cigarette comprising the aforementioned reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0037] Therefore, it can be concluded that this patent provides a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and cigarettes. By utilizing the high specific surface area of ​​electrospun nanofibers to adsorb and lock in aroma, and through the synergistic effect of compound enzymatic hydrolysis and compound bacterial fermentation, macromolecular substances are converted into glucose, galactose, and aroma precursors. This significantly reduces harmful substances such as nicotine and nitrosamines while significantly improving the retention rate of flavor substances. This makes the structure of existing reconstituted tobacco more optimized, the aroma more enhanced, and the harm reduced while increasing efficiency. It achieves high-value utilization of tobacco raw materials, improves the stability of chemical indicators in reconstituted tobacco and the sensory quality of cigarettes, making them suitable for the needs of continuous operation in modern factories. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The above content of this patent and the following detailed embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely examples of the claimed technical solution.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the preparation process of reconstituted tobacco leaves in a specific embodiment of this patent. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of this application is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this application and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, those skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this application.

[0041] In this specification and claims, several terms will be used, and unless otherwise indicated, these terms will be defined to have the following meanings: All figures used to represent component amounts, properties (e.g., weight-average molecular weight), reaction conditions, etc., should be considered to be modified in all cases by the terms "within the unavoidable margin of error" or "approximately". Therefore, the numerical values ​​presented herein are approximate and may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by this patent. The principle of equivalents, which is applied to a minimum and not intended to limit the scope of the claims, should be applied, for example, each value should be interpreted at least according to the reported significant digits and by applying conventional rounding techniques.

[0042] All other terms used herein for special definition are intended to have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, in particular meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the claims, specification and drawings of this patent, can directly and without doubt determine how the technical solution of this patent can be implemented.

[0043] Even if there are incomplete descriptions, omissions, or ambiguities in the grammar, words, punctuation, graphics, symbols, etc. of the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent, a person skilled in the art can still arrive at the only correct understanding by reading the claims, specification, and drawings as a whole without extensive reasoning or experimentation, and effectively exclude various incorrect interpretations that are not aimed at achieving the purpose of this patent.

[0044] The "range" disclosed herein is defined by a lower limit and an upper limit. A given range is defined by selecting a lower limit and an upper limit, which define the boundaries of a particular range. Ranges defined in this way can include or exclude endpoints and can be arbitrarily combined; that is, any lower limit can be combined with any upper limit to form a range. For example, if ranges of 60-120 and 80-110 are listed for a specific parameter, it is expected that ranges of 60-110 and 80-120 are also expected. Furthermore, if minimum range values ​​of 1 and 2 are listed, and if maximum range values ​​of 3, 4, and 5 are listed, then the following ranges are all expected: 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5. In this application, unless otherwise stated, the numerical range "ab" represents a shortened representation of any combination of real numbers between a and b, where a and b are real numbers. For example, the numerical range "0-5" indicates that all real numbers between "0-5" have been listed in this article; "0-5" is simply a shortened representation of these numerical combinations. Furthermore, when a parameter is stated as an integer ≥2, it is equivalent to disclosing that the parameter is, for example, an integer such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and preferred embodiments mentioned herein can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, all the technical features and preferred features mentioned herein can be combined to form new technical solutions.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, all steps mentioned herein may be performed sequentially or randomly, but are preferably performed sequentially. For example, the method includes steps (a) and (b), indicating that the method may include steps (a) and (b) performed sequentially, or it may include steps (b) and (a) performed sequentially. For example, the mention that the method may also include step (c) indicates that step (c) may be added to the method in any order; for example, the method may include steps (a), (b), and (c), or it may include steps (a), (c), and (b), or it may include steps (c), (a), and (b), etc.

[0048] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprising" and "including" as used herein can be open-ended or closed-ended. For example, "comprising" and "including" may mean that other components not listed may also be included, or that only the listed components may be included.

[0049] In the description of this article, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "above" and "below" include the number itself, and "several" in "one or more" means two or more.

[0050] In this description, unless otherwise stated, the term "or" is inclusive. For example, the phrase "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B". More specifically, the condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); or both A and B are true (or exist).

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, percentages (%) in this document refer to percentages by mass relative to the composition.

[0052] Unless otherwise stated herein, the sum of the contents of the components in the composition is 100%.

[0053] In this document, unless otherwise stated, “combination of” means a multi-component mixture of the elements, such as two, three, four, and up to the maximum possible multi-component mixture.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, the term "a" as used in this specification means "at least one".

[0055] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, 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. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0057] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the embodiments of the present invention are conventional methods, and the materials and reagents used in the following embodiments are commercially available unless otherwise specified.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, this patent provides a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and cigarettes, including the following steps: S1. Preparation of electrospun nanofibers, the specific steps are as follows: (1) Tobacco pectin (purchased from Yantai Andeli Pectin Co., Ltd.), cellulose (purchased from Xuzhou Liyuan Cellulose Technology Co., Ltd.) and chitosan (purchased from Jiangsu Aoxin Bioengineering Co., Ltd.) were mixed to obtain a mixture. Spinning aid was added to the mixture and then dissolved in an ethanol aqueous solution. After stirring evenly, a spinning solution was obtained.

[0059] The mixture comprises tobacco pectin, cellulose, and chitosan in a mass ratio of 5:3:2. Tobacco pectin includes one or more combinations of rhamnose, arabinose, or galactose; cellulose includes one or more combinations of coniferous wood fiber, broadleaf wood fiber, and tobacco dust.

[0060] The amount of spinning aid added is 10-15% of the mass of the mixture. The spinning aid (commercially available) includes one or more combinations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polylactic acid (PLA), or polyethylene oxide (PEO).

[0061] (2) An electrospinning machine (commercially available, purchased from Shenzhen Tongli Micro-Nano Technology Co., Ltd., model TL-OMNI) was used. The voltage of the electrospinning machine was adjusted to 15~20 kV, the receiving distance (the receiving distance is the distance between the needle of the syringe and the electrospinning receiver when the spinning solution is placed in the syringe and then connected to the electrospinning receiver) was 15~20 cm, the spinning solution flow rate was 0.5~1.0 mL / h, the ambient temperature was 25~30℃, and the humidity was 40~60℃. A layer of material was covered on the electrospinning plane receiver to collect the electrospinned nanofibers. After collection, the nanofibers were dried and fixed at 60℃ for 10 min in an oven (purchased from Shanghai Yiheng, model DHG-9030) to obtain the dried electrospinned nanofibers, which are the skeleton carriers.

[0062] The dried electrospun nanofibers have a diameter of 100–500 nm and a specific surface area ≥30 m². 2 / g, with a porosity ≥80%, it is subsequently used to adsorb enzymatic fermentation products and aroma components, while also serving as a support for the reconstituted tobacco leaf skeleton.

[0063] In some other specific embodiments, there is no special limitation on the model of the electrospinning machine, and any commercially available model can be selected. The electrospinning time is at least 10 minutes, for example, the spinning time is 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, 240 minutes or 360 minutes, etc.

[0064] In other specific embodiments, there are no particular limitations on the substrate covering the electrospinning planar receiver. Any substrate with a smooth, flat surface, conductive properties, and easy to cut the nanofiber membrane from, such as aluminum foil, can be used. After obtaining the substrate with the nanofiber membrane cut from it, the substrate is peeled off to obtain the electrospinned membrane. There are no particular limitations on the specific peeling method; any peeling method well-known to those skilled in the art can be used. The oven drying temperature can be selected from 40 to 65°C, for example, 50°C, 55°C, or 60°C; the drying time can be selected from 10 to 30 minutes, for example, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 25 minutes.

[0065] S2. Prepare the first mixture, the specific steps of which are shown below: (1) The tobacco raw material is crushed and soaked in hot water at 60~70℃ to remove some soluble impurities. After solid-liquid separation, the solids are retained and the water is drained to obtain pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0066] The tobacco raw materials include one or more combinations of tobacco stems, tobacco dust or fragments, and the tobacco raw materials are crushed to 80-100 mesh; the soaking time is 30-60 minutes, and the soaking time is shorter as the hot water temperature is higher; the moisture content of the pretreated tobacco raw materials is 50-60%.

[0067] (2) The skeleton carrier prepared in step S1 (3) above is mixed with the pretreated tobacco raw material in a mass ratio of (0.2~0.5):1.0 to ensure that the skeleton carrier is evenly dispersed in the pretreated tobacco raw material to obtain the first mixture, which provides sufficient reaction space for subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation.

[0068] S3. The specific steps of the enzymatic hydrolysis of the first mixture are as follows: (1) Cellulase (Wuhan Danyaxiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., item number: QWSM-XYBP-XYCJ-2025-046), pectinase (Wuhan Danyaxiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., item number: GJM-XYBP-XYCJ-2025-283), and hemicellulase (Wuhan Danyaxiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., item number: BQWSM-XYBP-XYCJ-2025-311) were mixed in a mass ratio of 2:1:1 to obtain a compound enzyme with a total enzyme activity of 5000~8000 U / g.

[0069] In some other specific embodiments, cellulase, pectinase, hemicellulase, neutral protease (Wuhan Danyaxiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., catalog number: ZXDBM-XYBP-XYCJ-2025-658), and polyphenol oxidase (Wuhan Danyaxiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., catalog number: DFYHM-XYBP-XYCJ-2025-082) can be compounded in a mass ratio of 1:1:1:1:1 to obtain a compound enzyme with a total enzyme activity of 5000~8000 U / g.

[0070] (2) Add the compound enzyme obtained in step (1) to the first mixture prepared in step S2. The mass of the compound enzyme added is 0.5-1.0% of the mass of the first mixture. Place it at a constant temperature of 45-55℃ for 2-4 h. Stir once every 30 min during the period. The stirring speed is 50-80 r / min and the stirring time is 1-3 min. The pH is adjusted to 4.5-5.5 through acid fermentation (acid fermentation: temperature affects microbial metabolism, enzyme activity and physicochemical reactions. The higher the temperature, the lower the pH) so that the compound enzyme can fully degrade the macromolecules such as cellulose and pectin in the first mixture, and then generate small molecules such as glucose and galactose to provide nutrition for microbial fermentation. At the same time, it destroys the cell wall structure in the tobacco raw material and releases the internal aroma precursor substances to obtain the enzymatic hydrolysis product, which is the second mixture.

[0071] S4. Fermentation of the second mixture, the specific steps are as follows: (1) Cool the second mixture to 30°C for later use. Mix brewer's yeast (commercially available) and lactobacillus plantarum (commercially available) in a mass ratio of (1~3):(1~2) to obtain a compound bacteria.

[0072] (2) Add the compound bacteria obtained in step (2) to the second mixture after cooling in step (1). The amount of compound bacteria added is 1.0~2.0% of the pretreated tobacco raw material after draining the water. Maintain 30~35℃ for microbial fermentation for 6~8 h. Control the oxygen content to 5~10% during fermentation to promote the generation of flavor substances and further degrade residual macromolecular harmful substances, forming a synergistic cycle of enzymatic energy supply and fermentation enhancement (adjusting the pH value to 6.0~6.5 through acid-producing fermentation) to obtain the fermentation product, which is the third mixture.

[0073] S5. Preparation of reconstituted tobacco leaves and cigarettes, the specific steps of which are as follows: (1) Add 2.0 to 4.0% by mass of binder to the third mixture obtained in step S4 above, stir evenly, and obtain the fourth mixture.

[0074] The binder includes one or more combinations of carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, pectin, chitosan, hydroxypropyl starch, or polyvinyl alcohol. The stirring time is 15-30 minutes, and the stirring speed is 200-800 rpm.

[0075] (2) The fourth mixture obtained in step (1) above is pressed into a sheet with a thickness of 0.1~2.0 mm using a roller forming machine (commercially available KT-2000). In some specific embodiments, there is no special limitation on the model of the roller forming machine, and any commercially available model can be selected.

[0076] (3) The sheet obtained in step (2) above is subjected to staged drying, which includes a first stage of low-temperature drying and a second stage of high-temperature setting. The temperature of the first stage of low-temperature drying is 40~50℃ and the time is 20~30 min. The temperature of the second stage of high-temperature setting is 70~80℃ and the time is 10~15 min. The dried sheet is the reconstituted tobacco leaf. The thickness of the reconstituted tobacco leaf is 0.1~0.5 mm, 0.5~1.0 mm or 1.0~2.0 mm.

[0077] (4) The reconstituted tobacco obtained in step (3) above is used as an aerosol generation matrix to prepare cigarettes. The aerosol generation matrix is ​​combined into a smoke-generating section in the form of a plug. The smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0078] Example 1

[0079] (1) Rhamnose, coniferous wood fiber and chitosan are mixed in a mass ratio of 5:3:2 to obtain a mixture.

[0080] (2) Add 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone by mass to the mixture and spin it using an electrospinning machine. Adjust the voltage of the electrospinning machine to 15 kV, the receiving distance to 15 cm, the spinning solution flow rate to 0.5 mL / h, the ambient temperature to 25℃, and the humidity to 40℃. Cover the electrospinning plane receiver with a layer of material to collect the electrospinned nanofibers. After collection, dry and fix them in an oven at 60℃ for 10 min to obtain the dried electrospinned nanofibers, which are the skeleton carriers.

[0081] (3) Crush the tobacco raw material to 80 mesh, soak it in hot water at 60℃ for 60 min, separate the solid and liquid, retain the solid and drain the water until the moisture content is 50%, and obtain the pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0082] (4) The skeleton carrier and the pretreated tobacco raw material are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 0.2:1.0 to obtain the first mixture.

[0083] (5) Cellulase, pectinase and hemicellulase are mixed in a mass ratio of 2:1:1 to obtain a compound enzyme with a total enzyme activity of 5000 U / g.

[0084] (6) Add 0.5% by mass of the compound enzyme to the first mixture, adjust the pH to 4.5~5.5, and place it at 45℃ for constant temperature enzymatic hydrolysis for 4 h. Stir once every 30 min during the process, with a stirring speed of 50 r / min and a stirring time of 3 min to obtain the second mixture.

[0085] (7) Cool the second mixture to 30°C for later use. Mix the brewing yeast and plant lactobacillus evenly in a mass ratio of 3:2 to obtain the compound bacteria.

[0086] (8) Add 1.0% by mass of compound bacteria to the second mixture obtained in step (7) after cooling, maintain 30℃ for 8 h of microbial fermentation, control the oxygen content to 5%, adjust the pH value of fermentation to 6.0, and obtain the third mixture after fermentation.

[0087] (9) Add 2.0% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose to the third mixture and stir for 30 min at 200 r / min to obtain the fourth mixture.

[0088] (10) The fourth mixture is pressed into a sheet with a thickness of 0.1 mm by a roller forming machine, and then dried at 40°C for 30 min and 70°C for 15 min to obtain reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0089] (11) The reconstituted tobacco obtained in step (10) above is used as an aerosol generation matrix to prepare cigarettes. The aerosol generation matrix is ​​combined into a smoke-generating section in the form of a plug. The smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0090] Example 2

[0091] (1) Rhamnose, tobacco powder and chitosan are mixed in a mass ratio of 5:3:2 to obtain a mixture.

[0092] (2) Add 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone by mass to the mixture and spin it using an electrospinning machine. Adjust the voltage of the electrospinning machine to 15 kV, the receiving distance to 15 cm, the spinning solution flow rate to 0.5 mL / h, the ambient temperature to 25℃, and the humidity to 40℃. Cover the electrospinning plane receiver with a layer of material to collect the electrospinned nanofibers. After collection, dry and fix them in an oven at 60℃ for 10 min to obtain the dried electrospinned nanofibers, which are the skeleton carriers.

[0093] (3) Crush the tobacco raw material to 80 mesh, soak it in hot water at 60℃ for 60 min, separate the solid and liquid, retain the solid and drain the water until the moisture content is 50%, and obtain the pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0094] (4) The skeleton carrier and the pretreated tobacco raw material are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 0.2:1.0 to obtain the first mixture.

[0095] (5) Cellulase, pectinase, hemicellulase, neutral protease and polyphenol oxidase are mixed in a mass ratio of 1:1:1:1:1 to obtain a compound enzyme with a total enzyme activity of 5000~8000 U / g. (6) 0.5% by mass of the compound enzyme is added to the first mixture, the pH is adjusted to 4.5~5.5, and the mixture is kept at 45℃ for 4 h for constant temperature enzymatic hydrolysis. During this period, the mixture is stirred once every 30 min at a speed of 50 r / min for 3 min to obtain the second mixture.

[0096] (7) Cool the second mixture to 30°C for later use. Mix the brewing yeast and plant lactobacillus evenly in a mass ratio of 3:2 to obtain the compound bacteria.

[0097] (8) Add 1.0% by mass of compound bacteria to the second mixture obtained in step (7) after cooling, maintain 30℃ for 8 h of microbial fermentation, control the oxygen content to 5%, adjust the pH value of fermentation to 6.0, and obtain the third mixture after fermentation.

[0098] (9) Add 2.0% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose to the third mixture and stir for 30 min at 200 r / min to obtain the fourth mixture.

[0099] (10) The fourth mixture is pressed into a sheet with a thickness of 0.1 mm by a roller forming machine, and then dried at 40°C for 30 min and 70°C for 15 min to obtain reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0100] (11) The reconstituted tobacco obtained in step (10) above is used as an aerosol generation matrix to prepare cigarettes. The aerosol generation matrix is ​​combined into a smoke-generating section in the form of a plug. The smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0101] Example 3

[0102] (1) Mix arabinose, hardwood fiber and chitosan in a mass ratio of 5:3:2 to obtain a mixture.

[0103] (2) Add 15% polyvinyl alcohol by mass to the mixture and spin it using an electrospinning machine. Adjust the voltage of the electrospinning machine to 20 kV, the receiving distance to 20 cm, the spinning solution flow rate to 1.0 mL / h, the ambient temperature to 30℃, and the humidity to 60℃. Cover the electrospinning plane receiver with a layer of material to collect the electrospinned nanofibers. After collection, dry and fix them in an oven at 60℃ for 10 min to obtain the dried electrospinned nanofibers, which are the skeleton carriers.

[0104] (3) The tobacco raw material is crushed to 100 mesh and soaked in hot water at 70°C for 30 min. After solid-liquid separation, the solids are retained and the water is drained until the moisture content is 60%, thus obtaining the pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0105] (4) The skeleton carrier and the pretreated tobacco raw material are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 0.5:1.0 to obtain the first mixture.

[0106] (5) Cellulase, pectinase and hemicellulase are mixed in a mass ratio of 2:1:1 to obtain a compound enzyme with a total enzyme activity of 8000 U / g.

[0107] (6) Add 1.0% by mass of the compound enzyme to the first mixture, adjust the pH to 4.5~5.5, and place it at 55℃ for 2 h of constant temperature enzymatic hydrolysis. Stir once every 30 min during the process, with a stirring speed of 80 r / min and a stirring time of 1 min to obtain the second mixture.

[0108] (7) Cool the second mixture to 35°C for later use. Mix the brewing yeast and plant lactobacillus evenly in a mass ratio of 1:1 to obtain the compound bacteria.

[0109] (8) Add 2.0% by mass of compound bacteria to the second mixture obtained in step (7) after cooling, maintain 35°C for 6 h of microbial fermentation, control the oxygen content to 10%, adjust the pH value of fermentation to 6.5, and obtain the third mixture after fermentation.

[0110] (9) Add 4.0% by mass of carboxymethyl cellulose to the third mixture and stir for 15 min at 800 r / min to obtain the fourth mixture.

[0111] (10) The fourth mixture is pressed into a sheet with a thickness of 1.0 mm by a roller forming machine, and then dried at 50°C for 20 min and 80°C for 10 min to obtain reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0112] (11) The reconstituted tobacco obtained in step (10) above is used as an aerosol generation matrix to prepare cigarettes. The aerosol generation matrix is ​​combined into a smoke-generating section in the form of a plug. The smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0113] Comparative Example 1

[0114] Compared with Example 1, the difference is that this comparative example uses ordinary fiber as a skeleton carrier to prepare reconstituted tobacco leaves, and uses the reconstituted tobacco leaves as an aerosol generation matrix to prepare cigarettes. The aerosol generation matrix is ​​combined in the form of plugs to form a smoke-generating section, and the smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0115] Comparative Example 2

[0116] Compared with Example 1, the difference is that the composite enzyme in this comparative example only uses cellulase and hemicellulase, without adding pectinase, to prepare reconstituted tobacco leaves. The reconstituted tobacco leaves are used as an aerosol generating matrix for the preparation of cigarettes. The aerosol generating matrix is ​​combined in the form of plugs to form a smoke-generating section. The smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0117] Comparative Example 3

[0118] Compared with Example 1, the difference is that the complex enzyme in this comparative example only uses a single pectinase and does not add cellulase and hemicellulase to prepare reconstituted tobacco leaves. The reconstituted tobacco leaves are used as an aerosol generation matrix for the preparation of cigarettes. The aerosol generation matrix is ​​combined in the form of plugs to form a smoke-generating section. The smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0119] Comparative Example 4

[0120] Compared with Example 1, the difference is that the second mixture in this comparative example was not further fermented by microorganisms to prepare reconstituted tobacco leaves. The reconstituted tobacco leaves were used as an aerosol generating matrix for the preparation of cigarettes. The aerosol generating matrix was combined into a smoke-generating section in the form of a plug. The smoke-generating section was connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0121] Comparative Example 5

[0122] Compared with Example 1, the difference is that this comparative example only uses a single brewing yeast for further microbial fermentation to prepare reconstituted tobacco leaves. The reconstituted tobacco leaves are used as an aerosol generation matrix for preparing cigarettes. The aerosol generation matrix is ​​combined in the form of plugs to form a smoke-generating section. The smoke-generating section is connected to a filter to form a cigarette.

[0123] Test Example 1: Physical Properties Test of Reconstituted Tobacco Leaves

[0124] The reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-5 were tested using existing instruments and equipment to determine physical properties such as fiber diameter, specific surface area, porosity, tensile strength, and ash shedding rate.

[0125] Since Example 2 and Example 1 have similar results, the results will be described using Example 1 as an example.

[0126] The physical property test results of the reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared in specific Examples 1, 3, and Comparative Examples 1-5 are shown in Table 1: Table 1. Test results of physical properties of reconstituted tobacco leaves in Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-5

[0127] Physical property testing showed that the reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared in the various embodiments had finer fiber diameters than those in the comparative examples, enabling the formation of a dense interwoven structure. Furthermore, the specific surface area and porosity were significantly higher than those in the comparative examples, allowing the tobacco raw material to be fully dispersed within the nanofibers. This facilitated efficient adsorption and locking of aroma components, preventing loss during processing, and significantly increased the contact area between the complex enzymes / bacteria and the tobacco raw material, providing ample reaction interface. Simultaneously, the reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared in the embodiments exhibited improved overall tensile strength and a significantly reduced ash shedding rate, with overall physical properties superior to comparative examples 1-5.

[0128] Test Example 2: Statistical Analysis of Cellulose and Pectin Degradation

[0129] To further illustrate the advantages of the preparation method described in the embodiments of this application, the degradation rates of cellulose, pectin, and other indicators were measured using the reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 2-3, respectively.

[0130] Using pretreated tobacco raw materials as a blank control, 12 independent samples were randomly selected from the same batch of reconstituted tobacco leaf samples prepared in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 2-3. Each sample was accurately weighed 1.000 g, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction was performed using methanol to obtain the extract. After filtering the extract through a 0.22 μm filter membrane, the contents of cellulose and pectin, the amount of glucose and galactose produced, and the amount of aroma precursors released (relative values) were determined using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC, commercially available) equipped with a UV detector.

[0131] The results showed that Examples 2 and 3 had similar results to Example 1. Therefore, the results of the content of each substance were statistically analyzed using the reconstituted tobacco leaves in Example 1 as an example.

[0132] The results are shown in Table 2. The reconstituted tobacco leaves of Example 1 can fully degrade macromolecules such as cellulose and pectin in tobacco raw materials. The degradation rate of cellulose is 50% or higher, and the degradation rate of pectin is 60% or higher, both significantly higher than those of Comparative Examples 2 and 3. The content of small molecules such as glucose and galactose generated by the reconstituted tobacco leaves of Example 1 is 6.9 times that of Comparative Example 2 and 25 times that of Comparative Example 3, providing sufficient small molecule substrates and raw materials for subsequent microbial fermentation. In addition, the reconstituted tobacco leaves of Example 1 also release internal aroma precursors, with a relative value of 4.9, which is significantly higher than that of Comparative Examples 2 and 3. The complex enzyme system can completely destroy the cell wall structure of the raw materials, allowing the internal aroma precursors to be fully released, laying the foundation for improving the aroma quality of the final product.

[0133] Table 2. Statistical table of cellulose and pectin degradation in reconstituted tobacco leaves of Examples 1 and Comparative Examples 2-3

[0134] Test Example 3: Determination of Nicotine, Nitrosamines and Flavor Compounds

[0135] To further illustrate the advantages of the preparation method described in the embodiments of this application, the nicotine degradation rate, nitrosamine degradation rate, and flavor enhancement rate were determined using the reconstituted tobacco leaves prepared in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 4-5, respectively.

[0136] Using pretreated tobacco raw materials as a blank control, 12 independent samples were randomly selected from the same batch of reconstituted tobacco leaf samples prepared in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 4-5. Each sample was accurately weighed (1.000 g), and ultrasonic-assisted extraction was performed using methanol, followed by filtration through a 0.22 μm filter membrane to obtain the extract.

[0137] The nicotine content was determined according to the tobacco industry standard YC / T 253-2020 (gas chromatography) and the nicotine degradation rate was calculated.

[0138] The nitrosamine content was determined according to the national standard GB / T 23228-2008 (gas chromatography-thermal analysis) and the nitrosamine degradation rate was calculated.

[0139] The content of flavor substances was determined according to the tobacco industry standard YC / T 405-2011 (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, based on traditional processes), and the enhancement rate of flavor substances was calculated.

[0140] The results showed that Examples 2 and 3 had similar results to Example 1. Therefore, the results were statistically analyzed using the reconstituted tobacco leaves in Example 1 as an example.

[0141] The results are shown in Table 3. In Example 1, the nicotine degradation rate of reconstituted tobacco was 35.2%, and the nitrosamine degradation rate was 45.6%, both significantly higher than those in Comparative Examples 4 and 5. Furthermore, the flavor enhancement rate was 28.7%, also significantly higher than that in Comparative Examples 4 and 5. This indicates that the efficient metabolism of the complex microbial community can produce flavor substances such as esters and secrete organic acids to regulate the pH of the system. This not only maintains enzyme activity but also enhances the degradation of harmful substances, forming a closed loop of "enzymatic energy supply - fermentation for harm reduction - flavor generation." This solves the problems of insufficient harm reduction and bland flavor in existing reconstituted tobacco technologies, achieving a dual breakthrough in both harm reduction and aroma enhancement.

[0142]

[0143] Note:" "This indicates that the indicators in Example 1 are significantly different from those in Comparative Examples 2 and 3."

[0144] Test Example 4: Taste Test

[0145] The heated cigarettes prepared in Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-5 were subjected to tasting experiments using the reference evaluation method, and the final data were recorded. Referring to GB5606.4-2005 "Sensory Technical Requirements for Cigarettes Part 4", YC / T 564-2018 "Sensory Evaluation Method for Chinese-Style Cigarettes Based on Consumer Experience", and YC / T 497-2014 "Sensory Evaluation Method for Chinese-Style Cigarette Style", and considering the smoke characteristics of aerosol-generated products, key evaluation indicators were formulated, sensory evaluations were conducted, and evaluation scores were recorded according to Table 7.

[0146] Specifically, a professional evaluation group of 7 or more people scored the samples based on characteristics such as aroma, smoke, aftertaste, irritation, strength, and uniformity (total score 100 points). Since Example 2 and Example 1 have similar results, Example 1 was used as an example for result statistics. The specific scoring statistics are shown in Table 4: Table 4. Statistical table of sensory evaluation scores of cigarettes in Examples 1, 3 and Comparative Examples 1-5

[0147] The evaluation results were obtained by 7 provincial-level taste testers, and the average value of the evaluation results was taken. According to the evaluation results, the cigarettes prepared in Examples 1 and 3 had higher overall sensory evaluation scores than the cigarettes prepared in Comparative Examples 1 to 5. This indicates that the cigarettes filled with reconstituted tobacco leaves obtained by the preparation process of this application as aerosol generation matrix have better consistency in the release of aroma substances before and after smoking, and can improve the retention rate of natural effective components and aroma substances in tobacco raw materials.

[0148] Therefore, it can be concluded that this patent provides a method for preparing reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and cigarettes. By utilizing the high specific surface area of ​​electrospun nanofibers to adsorb and lock in aroma, and through the synergistic effect of compound enzymatic hydrolysis and compound bacterial fermentation, macromolecular substances are converted into glucose, galactose, and aroma precursors. This significantly reduces harmful substances such as nicotine and nitrosamines while significantly improving the retention rate of flavor substances. This makes the structure of existing reconstituted tobacco more optimized, the aroma more enhanced, and the harm reduced while increasing efficiency. It achieves high-value utilization of tobacco raw materials, improves the stability of chemical indicators in reconstituted tobacco and the sensory quality of cigarettes, making them suitable for the needs of continuous operation in modern factories.

[0149] In the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments / specific implementations of this patent, various features of this patent are sometimes combined in a single embodiment / specific implementation or its figures and description, with the aim of simplifying the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various aspects of the invention. However, unless expressly stated otherwise or in obvious technical contradiction or exclusion, the descriptive method of this patent should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed features of the invention are more than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, the inventive aspect reflected in the claims lies in not all the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment / specific implementation. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, each claim existing independently as a separate embodiment / specific implementation of this patent.

[0150] The terms and expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Their use is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the shown and described features or portions thereof, but rather to facilitate the understanding that various modifications may be possible within the scope of this patent claim. Therefore, it should be understood that while this patent has been specifically disclosed through preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments, and optional features, variations or modifications of the concepts disclosed herein may be adopted by those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications are therefore considered to be within the scope of this patent as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments given in this specification are examples of useful embodiments of this patent, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this patent can be implemented using many variations of the devices, device components, and method steps disclosed herein.

[0151] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully discloses the general features of this patent, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, without excessive experimentation or deviation from the general concept of this patent. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein, it is intended that such modifications and alterations be included within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not intended to be limiting; thus, the wording or terminology in this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing teachings and guidance.

[0152] Furthermore, the scope of this patent should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but only to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step A: Pre-treat the tobacco raw material to obtain pre-treated tobacco raw material, and mix the pre-treated tobacco raw material with electrospun nanofibers to obtain a mixture; Step B: Add a complex enzyme to the mixture for enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain the hydrolysis product; Step C: Add compound bacteria to the enzymatic hydrolysis product for fermentation to obtain fermentation product, then add binder to the fermentation product, stir evenly, and then perform post-treatment to obtain reconstituted tobacco leaves.

2. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step A The tobacco raw material includes one or more combinations of tobacco stems, tobacco dust or fragments, and the tobacco raw material is pulverized to 80-100 mesh; the moisture content of the pretreated tobacco raw material is 50-60%.

3. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the pretreated tobacco raw material to the electrospun nanofiber is (0.2~0.3):1.0, (0.3~0.4):1.0, or (0.4~0.5):1.

0.

4. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step B, The amount of the compound enzyme added is 0.5-0.6%, 0.6-0.8%, or 0.8-1.0% of the mass of the mixture; the compound enzyme is composed of cellulase, pectinase, and hemicellulase in a mass ratio of 2:1:1, so that the total enzyme activity of the compound enzyme is 5000-8000 U / g. Alternatively, the amount of the compound enzyme added is 0.5-0.6%, 0.6-0.8%, or 0.8-1.0% of the mass of the mixture; the compound enzyme is composed of cellulase, pectinase, hemicellulase, neutral protease, and polyphenol oxidase in a mass ratio of 1:1:1:1:1, and the enzyme activity of each single enzyme is 1000-1600 U / g, so that the total enzyme activity of the compound enzyme is 5000-8000 U / g.

5. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 4, characterized in that, The enzymatic hydrolysis conditions are as follows: constant temperature enzymatic hydrolysis at 45~55℃ for 2~4 h, with stirring every 30 min during the period, the stirring speed is 50~80 r / min, and the stirring time is 1~3 min; so that the compound enzyme degrades the cellulose and pectin in the mixture into glucose and galactose, and destroys the cell wall structure in the tobacco raw material, releasing internal aroma precursor substances.

6. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step C, the amount of the compound bacteria added is 1.0-1.3%, 1.3-1.6%, or 1.6-2.0% of the mass of the enzymatic hydrolysis product; the compound bacteria include Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum, and the mass ratio of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Lactobacillus plantarum is (1-3):(1-2).

7. The method for preparing tobacco leaves according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fermentation conditions are as follows: fermentation at a temperature of 30-35℃ for 6-8 hours, with the oxygen content controlled at 5-10%.

8. The method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaves according to claim 6, characterized in that, The amount of binder added is 2.0-4.0% of the mass of the fermentation product; the binder includes one or more combinations of carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, gum arabic, xanthan gum, pectin, chitosan, hydroxypropyl starch, or polyvinyl alcohol. The stirring conditions are 200~800 r / min for 15~30 min; The post-processing includes compression molding and drying. The drying process is a staged drying process, which includes a first stage of low-temperature drying and a second stage of high-temperature setting. The first stage of low-temperature drying is performed at a temperature of 40-50℃ for 20-30 minutes; the second stage of high-temperature setting is performed at a temperature of 70-80℃ for 10-15 minutes. The thickness of the reconstituted tobacco leaf is 0.1~0.5 mm, 0.5~1.0 mm, or 1.0~2.0 mm.

9. A reconstituted tobacco leaf, characterized in that, The reconstituted tobacco leaf is prepared by the method for preparing reconstituted tobacco leaf according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A cigarette, characterized in that, The cigarette comprises the reconstituted tobacco leaf as described in claim 9.

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