Nicotine-and-menthol sustained-release composition and preparation method therefor

Abstract

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

Description

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

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

[0002] To satisfy smokers' preferences, smoking articles are flavored in a variety of ways. Typical examples of flavoring include adding a flavoring solution directly to smoking materials such as cigarette butts or filter plugs (e.g., spraying).

[0003] Additionally, tobacco-free smoking products are popular with smokers not only because they allow smokers to enjoy nicotine without being exposed to tobacco, but also because of their superior taste and freshness.

[0004] However, flavorings (e.g., menthol, etc.) and nicotine have volatile properties, so there is a problem that the taste of cigarettes continuously deteriorates as flavorings and nicotine are lost during the distribution and consumption period of smoking products.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition and a method for producing the same, which can improve the retention and storability of nicotine and flavoring.

[0006]

[0007] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a step (S1) of melting menthol;

[0009] Step (S2) of preparing a semi-solid dispersion by mixing the above melted menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine; and

[0010] A step (S3) of preparing a solid dispersion by adding at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose to the semi-solid dispersion;

[0011] In the above step S2, a method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition is provided, wherein the content of the menthol is 25 to 58 wt% based on the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0012]

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin is provided.

[0014] The above solid dispersion is one in which the menthol and the nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin,

[0015] A nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition is provided, wherein the content of the menthol is 25 to 58 wt% based on the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0016]

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a tobacco-free smoking article comprising a medium portion and a filter portion,

[0018] The above medium comprises a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition,

[0019] The above nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition comprises a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin,

[0020] The above solid dispersion is one in which the menthol and the nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin,

[0021] A tobacco-free smoking article is provided, wherein the content of the menthol is 25 to 58 wt% based on the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0022] By using the method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition of the present invention, it is possible to provide a smoking article having nicotine and menthol in a more uniform manner and having a wider range of concentrations, and can be easily applied to smoking articles.

[0023] The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition of the present invention, and the tobacco-free smoking article comprising the same, have excellent retention and storability of nicotine and menthol, and thus can continuously release nicotine and menthol without loss, and can efficiently deliver nicotine and menthol.

[0024]

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0026] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Below, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included within the scope of the patent application.

[0028] The terms used in the examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0030] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing embodiments, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0031] Additionally, in describing components of an embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0032] Components included in one embodiment and components with common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions given in one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0033] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components.

[0034]

[0035] Throughout the specification, "smoking article" may refer to an article capable of generating an aerosol, such as a cigarette (cigarette), cigar, or the like. The smoking article may include an aerosol-generating material or an aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, the smoking article may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as tobacco leaf, tobacco ash, or reconstituted tobacco. The smoking material may include volatile compounds.

[0036] 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 toward the mouth of the user smoking the smoking article.

[0037]

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition may be provided, comprising: a step (S1) of melting menthol; a step (S2) of mixing the melted menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine to prepare 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 prepare a solid dispersion; wherein, in the step S2, the content of the menthol is 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

[0039]

[0040] Below, each step is explained in detail.

[0041]

[0042] Step S1 is a step for 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 step S1 is performed within the above temperature range, solid menthol can be changed into liquid menthol.

[0043] When dissolving powdered raw materials in liquid raw materials, if the solubility exceeds a certain level, it can no longer dissolve and can become a suspension or precipitation can occur. Therefore, when mixing powdered raw materials together or mixing powdered raw materials with liquid raw materials, continuous review of the mixing amount and mixing method for uniform mixing is necessary. In contrast, the present invention mixes menthol dissolved in a liquid form with glycerin and liquid nicotine to ultimately produce a solid dispersion, thereby having the advantage of more uniform dispersion of nicotine and menthol compared to when using powdered raw materials, and can have the advantage of being easier to apply to the composition of smoking articles.

[0044]

[0045] Step S2 is a step of preparing a semi-solid dispersion by mixing melted menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine.

[0046] Specifically, when a mixed liquid of molten menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine is stirred at high speed, the mixed liquid of molten menthol and glycerin is evenly mixed, thereby lowering the melting point of the mixed liquid, and thus the temperature of the mixed liquid may drop. When the temperature of the mixed liquid drops, a phase transition of the mixed liquid of menthol and glycerin may occur, resulting in granulation.

[0047] At this time, the content of menthol should be 25% to 58% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin. Preferably, the content of menthol may be 30 to 55 wt% of the total weight of the menthol and glycerin. When the content of menthol satisfies the numerical range described above, an irreversibly semi-solid dispersion (hereinafter, a semi-solid dispersion) can be obtained. However, when the content of menthol is less than the numerical range described above, the phase transition of the mixed liquid does not occur and may remain in a liquid state, making it difficult to apply it as a component of a smoking article. On the other hand, when the content of menthol exceeds the numerical range described above, the mixed liquid quickly changes into a solid state, so that the nicotine and flavoring may not be sufficiently uniformly mixed.

[0048] In the above step S2, the liquid nicotine may include at least one of free-based nicotine and a nicotine salt, and preferably may include free-based nicotine.

[0049] In the above step S2, the semi-solid dispersion may be a semi-solid dispersion in which the molten menthol and the liquid nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin, and the semi-solid dispersion may be in the form of a gel. Through this, the liquid nicotine can be more easily mixed and uniformly distributed, and can also be easily formed into a form (e.g., granules, blocks, etc.) that can be directly applied to a smoking article. 'Uniformly dispersed' may mean that the menthol and nicotine are dispersed evenly and consistently without being biased to one side, so that they have the same concentration in all areas.

[0050]

[0051] Step S3 is a step of preparing a solid dispersion by adding at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and cellulose to a semi-solid dispersion.

[0052] In the above step S3, the solid dispersion may be manufactured in the form of granules or blocks.

[0053] The above-mentioned lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose can not only serve as carriers for nicotine and menthol, but also serve as supports for forming shapes so that they can be used as components of smoking articles.

[0054] The solid dispersion manufactured in the above step S3 may be a system in which nicotine and menthol are uniformly dispersed in solid glycerin. In this step, specifically, after adding at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose to the semi-solid dispersion, and then further lowering the temperature through continuous stirring, a solid dispersion in a final solidified state can be formed. As a result, a solid dispersion in which nicotine, menthol, and glycerin are uniformly dispersed and irreversibly and stably solidified can be manufactured. "Uniformly dispersed" may mean that menthol and nicotine are uniformly and evenly dispersed without being biased to either side, and are dispersed so as to have the same concentration in all regions.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step S3 further comprises 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 additionally serve to increase cohesion.

[0056] The water-soluble polymer may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of starch, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol. The gum may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of guar gum and gum arabic. The cellulose derivative may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). However, the present invention is not limited to the examples described.

[0057]

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can be provided, which comprises a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin, wherein the solid dispersion is a composition in which the menthol and the nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin, and the content of the menthol is 25% to 58% based on the total weight of the menthol and the glycerin. 'Uniformly dispersed' can mean that the menthol and nicotine are dispersed evenly and consistently without being biased to one side, so as to have the same concentration in all regions. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can have improved retention and storage properties of nicotine and menthol flavor by including the solid dispersion.

[0059]

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the nicotine may include 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 non-ionic substance that has lost its hydrogen ions and thus has a higher volatility than nicotine salts, and thus may have the advantage of enabling nicotine to be transferred at lower temperatures.

[0061]

[0062] The glycerin within the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition may function to deliver the nicotine and menthol. For example, when heat is applied to the menthol and nicotine sustained-release composition, the solidified menthol and nicotine sustained-release composition may liquefy, releasing the nicotine and menthol as the bonds between the nicotine, menthol, and glycerin are broken.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the content of the glycerin may be 18 wt% to 28 wt%, preferably 20 wt% to 25 wt%, based on the total weight of the menthol and nicotine sustained-release composition. If the content of the glycerin is less than the numerical range described above, it may be difficult to secure a sufficient amount of atomization, and nicotine and menthol may not be smoothly delivered. On the other hand, if the content of the glycerin exceeds the numerical range described above, adhesiveness may occur, causing granular clumping, stickiness, etc., which may make it difficult to apply the composition as a component of a smoking article.

[0064]

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solid dispersion may further include at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose. The lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose may not only serve as a carrier for nicotine and menthol, but also serve as a support for the shape of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition.

[0066]

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solid dispersion further comprises a binder, and the binder may be at least one selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, gums, and cellulose derivatives. The binder may additionally serve to increase cohesion.

[0068]

[0069] 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. Since the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition has the above form, nicotine and menthol can be applied in various dosages over a wider content range, and the dosage of nicotine and menthol can be more easily set. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can be easily applied to a smoking article by being manufactured into a cylindrical block without a separate carrier and then inserted into a medium portion or a filter portion.

[0070]

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, a smoking article comprising a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can be provided. At this time, the smoking article can include a medium portion, a filter portion, and a wrapper, and can include the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition in at least one selected from the group consisting of the medium portion, the filter portion, and the wrapper. The nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition includes a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin, wherein the solid dispersion is a solid dispersion in which the menthol and the nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin, and the content of the menthol can be 25 to 58 wt% based on the total weight of the menthol and the glycerin.

[0072] The medium may be located at the upstream end of the smoking article and may include a tobacco medium comprising primarily flue-cured, air-cured, and sun-cured tobacco.

[0073] The filter unit may be located at the downstream end of the smoking article and may be a mono-filter or a composite filter. The filter unit may include at least one fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, lyocell, polypropylene, polyester, and polylactic acid, but is not limited to the examples described. Meanwhile, the filter unit may further include activated carbon and a plasticizer.

[0074] The wrapper may include filter paper and cigarette paper. The filter paper surrounds the filter portion and may have an oil-resistant function, while the cigarette paper surrounds the medium portion and is primarily made from materials such as flax or wood pulp. The cigarette paper may contain fillers as additives. The fillers can increase whiteness and opacity and control porosity.

[0075]

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tobacco-free smoking article including a medium portion and a filter portion, wherein the medium portion includes a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition includes a solid dispersion including menthol, nicotine, and glycerin, the solid dispersion is a solid dispersion in which the menthol and the nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin, and the content of the menthol is 25% to 58% based on the total weight of the menthol and the glycerin, can be provided.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, a tobacco-free smoking article may mean a smoking article including an 'alternative medium' of a tobacco medium including yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco as main ingredients.

[0078] The above-described tobacco-free smoking article can be heated to release nicotine and menthol from the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition. For example, the heat applied to the smoking article by heating (heat transferred from a heat source, heat transferred to the outer wrapper, heat accumulated inside, etc.) causes the solidified nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition to liquefy, thereby 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, filter, wrapper, etc.). At this time, the glycerin can be aerosolized and serve as a carrier for nicotine and menthol when inhaled. This process allows for maintaining a uniform amount of nicotine and menthol released during smoking, and therefore, applying the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition can provide a smoking article with excellent nicotine and flavor persistence. In addition, since nicotine and menthol are not released from the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, which is an irreversibly stable solid form, when heat is not applied to the smoking article, the smoking article may also have excellent nicotine and flavor retention and storability. In addition, as the tobacco-free smoking article is heated, the bonds between nicotine, menthol, and glycerin are broken, thereby forming a large number of pores in the medium, thereby facilitating the flow of aerosol containing nicotine, menthol, and glycerin, thereby increasing the transfer efficiency of nicotine and flavor throughout smoking.

[0079]

[0080] A smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a heat-not-burn smoking article. Non-combustion smoking articles include electric smoking articles that indirectly heat with electrical energy rather than directly through combustion.

[0081] In the case of an electric smoking device, it may include a non-combustible smoking device and an aerosol generating device into which the non-combustible smoking device can be inserted. The electric smoking device may be a device that uses electrical energy to heat the inserted smoking device, thereby generating an aerosol, and then allowing smoking to occur by having the aerosol be inhaled and then released by the user.

[0082] A non-combustible smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the examples described above and may have various structures.

[0083] For 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.

[0084] The support structure may be located downstream of the medium portion and may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The support structure may serve to support the medium portion so that it is not pushed when inserted into the aerosol generating device, and may serve to move the aerosol. The support structure may be manufactured using, for example, cellulose acetate, and the hardness of the support structure may be controlled by varying the content of a plasticizer added during the manufacture of the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material into the hollow interior.

[0085] The cooling structure may be positioned downstream of the support structure. When a smoker inhales an aerosol generated by heating the medium, a hot sensation may occur, particularly in the first puff, which may cause discomfort to the smoker. The cooling structure may function as a cooling member that cools the aerosol generated by heating the medium. Accordingly, the smoker can inhale an aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0086] As another example, a smoking article according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a shear filter segment and a support structure in addition to the medium portion and the filter portion.

[0087] A pre-filter segment may be positioned upstream of the media portion. The pre-filter segment may serve to identify a dedicated smoking article used in an aerosol generating device. The pre-filter segment may be made of, for example, cellulose acetate. The center of the pre-filter segment may be hollow, or may be formed with microchannels that are sufficient to prevent the tobacco medium within the media portion from falling out, while still allowing an airflow path.

[0088] However, the examples described above are only examples of non-combustible smoking articles in which the present invention can be used, and are not limited to the examples described.

[0089] An aerosol generating device may include some or all of a battery, a control unit, a vaporizer, and a heater. The arrangement of these components may vary depending on the design of the aerosol generating device. In addition to the configurations described above, the aerosol generating device may further include general-purpose components.

[0090]

[0091] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0092]

[0093] 1. Preparation of nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition

[0094] The nicotine and menthol sustained-release compositions of the manufacturing examples and comparative examples were manufactured by the following methods.

[0095]

[0096] Manufacturing Example 1

[0097] First, crystalline menthol ((1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, MW 156.27, melting point 42°C) was melted at 43°C (step S1). 26 g of glycerin (menthol content of 30% based on the total weight of menthol and glycerin) and 1 g of liquid nicotine (free-base nicotine, 99% liquid) were added to 11 g of the melted menthol and mixed. The mixed liquid was stirred at 40°C for 5 minutes at a speed of 300 to 600 rpm to form a semi-solid dispersion (step S2). A nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition was prepared by adding 65 g of microcellulose (Avicel PH102), 5 g of guar gum, and 2 g of binder to the above semi-solid dispersion and stirring (step S3).

[0098]

[0099] Manufacturing Example 2

[0100] In step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 42% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin, and the mixture was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1.

[0101]

[0102] Manufacturing Example 3

[0103] In step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 55% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin, and the mixture was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1.

[0104]

[0105] Manufacturing Example 4

[0106] In step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 40% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin, and the mixture was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1.

[0107]

[0108] Manufacturing Example 5

[0109] In step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 44% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin, and the mixture was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1.

[0110]

[0111] Comparative Example 1

[0112] In step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 63% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin, and the mixture was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1.

[0113]

[0114] Comparative Example 2

[0115] In step S2, the menthol content was mixed to be 15% of the total weight of menthol and glycerin, and the mixture was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1.

[0116]

[0117] Classification Menthol Glycerin Liquid Nicotine MCC Binder Manufacturing Example 111g26g1g60g2g Manufacturing Example 220g27g1g50g2g Manufacturing Example 328.5g23.5g1g45g2g Manufacturing Example 413.5g20g1g63.5g2g Manufacturing Example 522g28g1g47g2g

[0118]

[0119] 2. Experimental Example: Comparison of the status of nicotine and menthol sustained-release compositions according to menthol content

[0120] The state of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release compositions of Manufacturing Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was observed. The state of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition was investigated when a mixed liquid of liquid nicotine, molten menthol, and glycerin was stirred at high speed and left at room temperature (after step S2), and the results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0121]

[0122] Content of menthol (weight % of total weight of menthol and glycerin) State Manufacturing example 130 Semi-solid Manufacturing example 242 Semi-solid Manufacturing example 355 Semi-solid Manufacturing example 440 Semi-solid Manufacturing example 544 Semi-solid Comparative example 163 Solid Comparative example 215 Liquid

[0123]

[0124] Glycerin is originally in a liquid state at room temperature (18-23°C). However, according to Table 1 above, it can be seen that even if only a small amount of menthol is added to glycerin, it can change into a semi-solid state, and it can be seen that it can have a semi-solid state in Manufacturing Examples 1 to 5.

[0125] This semi-solid dispersion can be easily mixed with liquid nicotine, allowing for a more uniform dispersion of nicotine. Furthermore, it can be easily formed into granules or cylindrical blocks, allowing for immediate application to smoking products. In particular, by manufacturing it in a cylindrical block form and applying it to the medium, it can be used as a tobacco-free smoking product.

[0126]

[0127] From the above experimental examples, it is expected that by using the method for producing a sustained-release composition of nicotine and menthol described in the claims, it is possible to provide a smoking article having nicotine and menthol in a wider range of concentrations by dispersing nicotine and menthol more uniformly, and that it is easily applicable to the composition of a smoking article, and that the sustained-release composition of nicotine and menthol produced by this method, and a tobacco-free smoking article including the same, have excellent retention and storability of nicotine and menthol, and thus can continuously express nicotine and menthol without loss, and can efficiently deliver nicotine and menthol.

[0128]

[0129] Although the embodiments described above have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various technical modifications and variations can be applied based on the above. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0130]

[0131] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. Step of melting menthol (S1); Step (S2) of preparing a semi-solid dispersion by mixing the above melted menthol, glycerin, and liquid nicotine; and A step (S3) of preparing a solid dispersion by adding at least one selected from the group consisting of lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and cellulose to the semi-solid dispersion; comprising; A method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein in the step S2, the content of the menthol is 25% to 58% based on the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

2. In paragraph 1, A method for producing a sustained-release composition of nicotine and menthol, wherein the step S1 is performed at a temperature of 40° C. to 50° C.

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

4. In paragraph 1, A method for producing a sustained-release composition of nicotine and menthol, wherein in the step S2, the semi-solid dispersion is semi-solidified by uniformly dispersing the molten menthol and the liquid nicotine in the glycerin.

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

6. In paragraph 1, A method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein in the step S3, the solid dispersion is produced in the form of granules or blocks.

7. In paragraph 1, A method for producing a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein in the step S3, the solid dispersion is a system in which nicotine and menthol are uniformly dispersed in solid-state glycerin.

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

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

10. In paragraph 9, A nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein the nicotine comprises at least one of free-base nicotine and a nicotine salt.

11. In paragraph 9, A nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, wherein the content of the glycerin is 18 wt% to 28 wt% based on the total weight of the nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition.

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

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

14. In paragraph 9, A nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, 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 above medium comprises a nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition, The above nicotine and menthol sustained-release composition comprises a solid dispersion containing menthol, nicotine, and glycerin, The above solid dispersion is a dispersion in which the menthol and the nicotine are uniformly dispersed in the glycerin. A tobacco-free smoking article, wherein the content of the menthol is 25% to 58% based on the total weight of the menthol and glycerin.

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