Nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, and method for producing the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, comprising the steps of: melting menthol (S1); mixing the melted menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine to produce a semi-solid dispersion (S2); and adding at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose to the semi-solid dispersion to produce a solid dispersion (S3), wherein in step S2, the content of the menthol is 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition and a method for producing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In order to satisfy the preferences of smokers, smoking articles are flavored in various ways. Examples of typical flavoring methods include directly adding (for example, spraying) a flavor liquid to a smoking substance such as cut tobacco or a filter plug.

[0003] Also, tobacco-free smoking articles are popular among smokers because they can enjoy nicotine without being exposed to tobacco, and have an excellent taste and freshness.

[0004] However, flavors (for example, menthol, etc.) and nicotine have volatile properties, and there is a problem that the taste of tobacco continuously deteriorates due to the loss of flavors and nicotine during the distribution and consumption periods of smoking articles.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition and a method for producing the same, which can improve the retention and storage properties of nicotine and flavors in order to solve the above problems.

[0006] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a step (S1) of melting menthol; The steps include (S2) mixing the molten menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine to produce a semi-solid dispersion, The step (S3) is to add at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose to the semi-solid dispersion to produce a solid dispersion. The present invention provides a method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein in step S2, the menthol content is 25 to 58% by weight relative to the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a solid dispersion comprising menthol, nicotine, and glycerin is provided.

[0009] The solid dispersion is one in which the menthol and nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin. The present invention provides a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein the menthol content is 25 to 58% by weight relative to the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a tobacco-free smoking article including a medium and a filter, The medium portion comprises a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition comprises a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin. The solid dispersion is one in which the menthol and nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin. The present invention provides a tobacco-free smoking article in which the menthol content is 25 to 58% by weight relative to the total weight of the menthol and glycerin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The method for producing the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition of the present invention makes it possible to more uniformly disperse nicotine and menthol and provide smoking articles having a wider range of concentrations of nicotine and menthol, which can be easily applied to smoking articles.

[0012] The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition of the present invention, and the tobacco-free smoking article containing the same, have excellent retention and storage properties for nicotine and menthol, allowing for sustained release of nicotine and menthol without loss, and enabling efficient transfer of nicotine and menthol.

[0013] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention as described in the detailed description or claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart of a method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, since various modifications can be made to the embodiments, the scope of the patent application will not be limited or restricted by these embodiments. All modifications, equivalents, or substitutes to the embodiments should be understood to be included in the scope of the patent.

[0016] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as intended to limit them. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as preemptively excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in this application.

[0018] Also, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components shall be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference signs, and duplicate descriptions thereof shall be omitted. When explaining the embodiments, if the specific description of such known technologies is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description thereof shall be omitted.

[0019] Also, when explaining the components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. can be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by such terms.

[0020] Components included in any one of the embodiments and components having common functions shall be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions given in any one of the embodiments can also be applied to other embodiments, and specific descriptions in overlapping ranges shall be omitted.

[0021] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes", this means that it does not exclude other components and can further include other components.

[0022] Throughout the specification, "smoking article" may mean something that can generate an aerosol, such as tobacco (cigarette), cigar, etc. The smoking article may contain an aerosol-generating substance or an aerosol-forming substrate. Further, the smoking article may contain a solid substance based on tobacco raw materials such as sheet tobacco, cut tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc. The smoking substance may contain volatile compounds.

[0023] Throughout the specification, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means the direction away from the mouth of the user smoking the smoking article, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means the direction approaching the mouth of the user smoking the smoking article.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, including a step (S1) of melting menthol, a step (S2) of mixing the melted menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine to produce a semi-solid dispersion, and a step (S3) of adding at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose to the semi-solid dispersion to produce a solid dispersion. In the step S2, the content of menthol is 25% to 58% based on the total weight of menthol and glycerin.

[0025] Hereinafter, each step will be specifically described.

[0026] The step S1 is a step of melting menthol, and menthol can be melted at a temperature of 40°C to 50°C. Since the melting point of menthol is 42°C to 43°C, if the step S1 is carried out within the above temperature range, the state of solid menthol can be changed to liquid menthol.

[0027] When dissolving powdered raw materials in liquid raw materials, dissolution may cease once a certain level of solubility is reached, potentially resulting in a suspension or precipitation. Therefore, when mixing powdered raw materials with each other, or mixing powdered and liquid raw materials, continuous research is required to determine the appropriate mixing ratios and methods for uniform mixing. In contrast, the present invention involves mixing liquid-dissolved menthol with glycerin and liquid nicotine to produce a solid dispersion, which offers the advantage of more uniform dispersion of nicotine and menthol compared to using powdered raw materials, and may be easily applicable depending on the composition of the smoking article.

[0028] Step S2 is the step of mixing molten menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine to produce a semi-solid dispersion.

[0029] Specifically, if a mixture of molten menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine is stirred at high speed, the molten menthol and glycerin mixture will be uniformly mixed, lowering the melting point of the mixture and potentially lowering its temperature. As the temperature of the mixture decreases, a phase transition may occur in the menthol and glycerin mixture, leading to particle formation.

[0030] In this case, the menthol content must be 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin. Preferably, the menthol content may be 30% to 55% by weight of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin. When the menthol content satisfies the numerical range described above, a dispersion that is irreversibly in a semi-solid state (hereinafter referred to as a semi-solid dispersion) can be obtained. However, if the menthol content is less than the numerical range described above, the phase transition of the mixed liquid will not occur, and it will remain in a liquid state, which may make it difficult to use as a component of smoking articles. On the other hand, if the menthol content exceeds the numerical range described above, the mixed liquid will quickly change into a solid state, which may prevent the nicotine and flavoring from being sufficiently and uniformly mixed.

[0031] In step S2, the liquid nicotine may contain at least one of free-based nicotine and nicotine salt, and preferably contains free-based nicotine.

[0032] In step S2, the semi-solid dispersion may be formed by uniformly dispersing the molten menthol and liquid nicotine in the glycerin to create a semi-solid, and the semi-solid dispersion may be in gel form. This not only makes it easier to mix and uniformly distribute the liquid nicotine, but also makes it easy to form it into a form that can be immediately applied to smoking articles (e.g., granules, blocks, etc.). "Uniformly dispersed" may mean that the menthol and nicotine are dispersed evenly and consistently without bias towards one side, and that they have the same concentration in all areas.

[0033] Step S3 is a step in which at least one substance selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and cellulose is added to the semi-solid dispersion to produce a solid dispersion.

[0034] In step S3, the solid dispersion may be manufactured in the form of granules or blocks.

[0035] The lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose not only serve as carriers for nicotine and menthol, but can also act as supports to shape them so that they can be used as components of smoking articles.

[0036] The solid dispersion produced in step S3 may be a system in which nicotine and menthol are uniformly dispersed in solid glycerin. Specifically in this step, if at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose is added to the semi-solid dispersion, and the temperature is further reduced by continued stirring, a solid dispersion may be formed. This makes it possible to produce a solid dispersion in which nicotine, menthol, and glycerin are uniformly dispersed and irreversibly and stably solidified. "Uniformly dispersed" may mean that menthol and nicotine are dispersed evenly and consistently without bias towards one another, and that they have the same concentration in all areas.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, step S3 further includes a step of adding a binder to the semi-solid dispersion, wherein the binder may be at least one selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, gums, and cellulose derivatives. The binder may also play a role in further enhancing the cohesive force.

[0038] The water-soluble polymer may, for example, include at least one selected from the group consisting of starch, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol. The gums may, for example, include at least one selected from the group consisting of guar gum and gum arabic. The cellulose derivative may, for example, include at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). However, it is not limited to the examples given.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can be provided, comprising a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin, wherein the solid dispersion is in which the menthol and nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin, and the menthol content is 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin. "Uniformly dispersed" may mean that the menthol and nicotine are dispersed evenly and consistently without bias towards one another, and that they have the same concentration in all areas. By including the solid dispersion, the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can improve the retention and storage properties of the nicotine and menthol aroma.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine may comprise at least one of free-base nicotine and a nicotine salt, and preferably free-base nicotine. Unlike nicotine salts which have protons, free-base nicotine is a nonionic substance from which hydrogen ions have been removed and has the property of being more volatile than nicotine salts, which may have the advantage of allowing nicotine to be transferred at lower temperatures.

[0041] Glycerin in nicotine and menthol sustained-release compositions can act as a transporter for nicotine and menthol. For example, if heat is applied to a menthol and nicotine sustained-release composition, the solidified menthol and nicotine sustained-release composition may liquefy, and as the bonds between nicotine, menthol and glycerin break, nicotine and menthol may be released.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the glycerin content may be 18% to 28% by weight, preferably 20% to 25% by weight, relative to the total weight of the menthol and nicotine slow-release composition. If the glycerin content is less than the numerical range described above, it may be difficult to ensure a sufficient amount of atomization, and the nicotine and menthol may not be transferred smoothly. On the other hand, if the glycerin content exceeds the numerical range described above, stickiness may occur, resulting in granular clumping, tackiness, etc., making it difficult to use as a component of smoking articles.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solid dispersion may further comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose. The lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose not only serve as carriers for nicotine and menthol, but also as supports for the shape of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solid dispersion further comprises a binder, the binder may be at least one selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, gums, and cellulose derivatives. The binder can further enhance the cohesive force.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the form of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition may be at least one of granules or cylindrical blocks. Having such a form allows the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition to be applied in a variety of capacities over a wider content range, and the capacities of nicotine and menthol can be set more easily. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can also be easily applied to smoking articles by being manufactured into cylindrical blocks without a separate carrier and then inserted into a medium or filter section.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, a smoking article comprising a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can be provided. In this case, the smoking article may include a medium portion, a filter portion, and a wrapper, and may include at least one of the components selected from the group consisting of the medium portion, the filter portion, and the wrapper, comprising the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition comprises a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin, wherein the solid dispersion is in which the menthol and nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin, and the menthol content may be 25 to 58% by weight relative to the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0047] The medium portion may be located at the upstream end of the smoking article and may contain a tobacco medium primarily composed of yellow (flue-cured), Burley (air-cured), and Orient (sun-cured) tobaccos.

[0048] The filter portion may be located at the downstream end of the smoking article and may be a monofilter or a composite filter. The filter portion may contain, but is not limited to, the examples described, at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, lyocell, polypropylene, polyester, and polylactic acid. On the other hand, the filter portion may further contain activated carbon and a plasticizer.

[0049] The wrapper may include filter paper and cigarette paper. The filter paper may have oil-resistant properties as it surrounds the filter portion, and the cigarette paper surrounds the medium portion, mainly made from flax, wood pulp, etc. A filler may be included as an additive to the cigarette paper. The filler can increase whiteness and opacity and adjust porosity.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tobacco-free smoking article comprising a medium portion and a filter portion can be provided, wherein the medium portion comprises a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition comprises a solid dispersion comprising menthol, nicotine, and glycerin, the solid dispersion having the menthol and nicotine uniformly dispersed in the glycerin, and the menthol content is 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the term "tobacco-free smoking article" may mean a smoking article that includes a "substitute medium" for a tobacco medium, which mainly consists of yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco.

[0052] The tobacco-free smoking article can be heated to transfer nicotine and menthol from the nicotine and menthol slow-release composition. For example, the amount of heat applied to the smoking article by heating (heat transferred from the heat source, heat transferred to the outer wrapping paper, heat accumulated inside, etc.) causes the solidified nicotine and menthol slow-release composition to liquefy, breaking the bonds between nicotine, menthol, and glycerin. The molten menthol and nicotine can be impregnated or permeated into the components of the smoking article (medium part, filter part, wrapper, etc.). At this time, the glycerin can be aerosolized and act as a transporter for nicotine and menthol during inhalation. This process allows for the uniform maintenance of the amount of nicotine and menthol transferred during smoking, and by applying the nicotine and menthol slow-release composition, a smoking article with excellent nicotine and flavor retention can be provided. Furthermore, when the smoking article is not heated, nicotine and menthol are not released from the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, which is an irreversibly stable solid form. Therefore, this smoking article may also have excellent nicotine and flavor retention and storage properties. Moreover, as the tobacco-free smoking article is heated, the bonds between nicotine, menthol, and glycerin break down, forming numerous pores in the medium. This facilitates the aerosol flow containing nicotine, menthol, and glycerin, potentially increasing the transfer efficiency of nicotine and flavor throughout the entire smoking process.

[0053] A smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may be heat-not burn. Heat-not burn smoking articles include electric smoking articles that are indirectly heated by electrical energy rather than by direct combustion.

[0054] In the case of an electric smoking article, it may include a non-combustible smoking article and an aerosol generating device into which the non-combustible smoking article can be inserted. The electric smoking article may be an article that uses electrical energy to heat the inserted smoking article to generate an aerosol, and smoking is performed in a manner in which such aerosol is inhaled by the user and then released.

[0055] A non-combustible smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a variety of structures, and is not limited to the examples described above.

[0056] As an example, a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a support structure and a cooling structure between the medium portion and the filter portion.

[0057] The support structure can be located downstream of the medium and may be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The support structure can support the medium so that it is not pushed when it is inserted into the aerosol generating device, and can also move the aerosol. The support structure can be manufactured using, for example, cellulose acetate, and its hardness can be adjusted by varying the content of the plasticizer added during its manufacture. Alternatively, the support structure can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into the hollow.

[0058] The cooling structure can be located downstream of the support structure. When a smoker inhales the aerosol generated by heating the medium, heat may be generated, especially during the first puff, which may cause discomfort to the smoker. The cooling structure can act as a cooling member that cools the aerosol generated by heating the medium. This allows the smoker to inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0059] As another example, a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include not only a medium section and a filter section, but also a pre-filter segment and a support structure.

[0060] The pre-filter segment can be located upstream of the medium section. The pre-filter segment can serve to indicate that the tobacco product is a dedicated smoking item used in the aerosol generating device. The pre-filter segment may be made of cellulose acetate, for example. A hollow space may be formed in the center of the pre-filter segment, or only a fine channel may be formed that allows for the formation of an airflow path while preventing the tobacco medium in the medium section from falling out.

[0061] However, the examples described above are merely examples of non-combustible smoking articles in which the present invention may be used, and are not limited to the examples described.

[0062] The aerosol generator may include some or all of the following: a battery, a control unit, a vaporizer, and a heater. The arrangement of these components may be modified according to the design of the aerosol generator. In addition to the above configuration, the aerosol generator may further include general-purpose components.

[0063] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0064] 1. Manufacture of nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition

[0065] The nicotine and menthol sustained-release compositions of the production example and comparative example were produced by the following method.

[0066] Manufacturing Example 1

[0067] First, crystalline menthol ((1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, MW 156.27, melting point 42°C) was melted at 43°C (S1 step). 11 g of the melted menthol was mixed with 26 g of glycerin (menthol content 30% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin) and 1 g of liquid nicotine (freebase nicotine, 99% liquid). The mixture was stirred at a speed of 300-600 rpm at 40°C for 5 minutes to form a semi-solid dispersion (S2 step). 65 g of microcellulose (Avicel PH102), 5 g of guar gum, and 2 g of binder were added to the semi-solid dispersion and stirred to produce a nicotine and menthol slow-release composition (S3 step).

[0068] Manufacturing Example 2

[0069] The preparation was carried out in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that in step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 42% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin.

[0070] Manufacturing Example 3

[0071] The preparation was carried out in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that in step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 55% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin.

[0072] Manufacturing Example 4

[0073] The preparation was carried out in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that in step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 40% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin.

[0074] Manufacturing Example 5

[0075] The preparation was carried out in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that in step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 44% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin.

[0076] Comparative Example 1

[0077] The preparation was carried out in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that in step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 63% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin.

[0078] Comparative Example 2

[0079] The product was manufactured using the same method as in Production Example 1, except that in step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 15% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin.

[0080] [Table 1]

[0081] 2. Experimental Example: Comparison of the state of nicotine and menthol-releasing compositions based on menthol content.

[0082] The state of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release compositions of Production Examples 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was observed. The state of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release compositions was investigated by rapidly stirring a mixture of liquid nicotine, molten menthol, and glycerin and leaving it at room temperature (from stage S2 onward). The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0083] [Table 2]

[0084] Normally, glycerin is in a liquid state at room temperature (18-23°C). However, as shown in Table 1 above, it can be seen that even the addition of only a small amount of menthol to glycerin can cause it to change to a semi-solid state, and that it can be found in manufacturing examples 1-5.

[0085] Using such a semi-solid dispersion allows for easy mixing with liquid nicotine, resulting in a more uniform dispersion of nicotine. Furthermore, it can be easily molded into granules or cylindrical blocks and immediately applied to smoking articles. In particular, by manufacturing it in cylindrical block form and applying it to the medium, it can be used as a tobacco-free smoking article.

[0086] From the above experimental examples, it is predicted that by using the method for producing the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition described in the claims, it is possible to more uniformly disperse nicotine and menthol and provide smoking articles having a wider variety of concentrations of nicotine and menthol, and that this method can be easily applied to the composition of smoking articles. Furthermore, it is predicted that the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition produced by this method, and the tobacco-free smoking articles containing it, will have excellent retention and storage properties for nicotine and menthol, allowing for sustained release without loss of nicotine and menthol, and enabling efficient transfer of nicotine and menthol.

[0087] Although embodiments have been described above with limited drawings, a person with ordinary skill in the art can apply a variety of technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or assembled in a different manner than described, or substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents, and the appropriate results may still be achieved.

[0088] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and those equivalent to the claims described below also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. The step of dissolving menthol (S1), The steps include: (S2) mixing the molten menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine to produce a semi-solid dispersion; The step (S3) is to add at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose to the semi-solid dispersion to produce a solid dispersion. A method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein in step S2, the menthol content is 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

2. The method for producing the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 1, wherein step S1 is carried out at a temperature of 40°C to 50°C.

3. A method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 1, wherein in step S2, the liquid nicotine comprises at least one of free-base nicotine and a nicotine salt.

4. The method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 1, wherein in step S2, the semi-solid dispersion is semi-solidified by uniformly dispersing the molten menthol and the liquid nicotine in the glycerin.

5. A method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 1, wherein in step S2, the semi-solid dispersion is in gel form.

6. The method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 1, wherein in step S3, the solid dispersion is produced in granular or block form.

7. The method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 1, wherein in step S3, the solid dispersion is a system in which nicotine and menthol are uniformly dispersed in solid glycerin.

8. The S3 step further includes the step of adding a binder to the semi-solid dispersion, The method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 1, wherein the binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, gums, and cellulose derivatives.

9. It comprises a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin. The solid dispersion is one in which the menthol and nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin. A nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition wherein the menthol content is 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

10. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 9, wherein the nicotine comprises at least one of free-base nicotine and a nicotine salt.

11. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 9, wherein the glycerin content is 18% to 28% by weight relative to the total weight of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition.

12. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 9, wherein the solid dispersion further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose.

13. The solid dispersion further comprises a binder, The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 9, wherein the binder is at least one selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, gums, and cellulose derivatives.

14. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to claim 9, wherein the form of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition is at least one of granules or cylindrical blocks.

15. In a tobacco-free smoking article including a medium and a filter, The medium portion comprises a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition comprises a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin. The solid dispersion is one in which the menthol and nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin. A tobacco-free smoking article wherein the menthol content is 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

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