Buccal Nicotine Tablet With pH Control for Reduced Throat Irritation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nicotine-releasing tablets fail to effectively emulate the smoking experience of a cigarette and often cause undesirable throat irritation, known as nicotine burning, while striving to release sufficient nicotine without excessive irritation.
Innovation Solution
An orally disintegrating nicotine tablet designed for administration between the lip and gum, incorporating a pH regulating agent, which minimizes throat irritation and enhances nicotine absorption, disintegrating within specified time frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional nicotine delivery methods (cigarettes, vapes, lozenges) are used, then nicotine delivery is achieved, but user convenience and discretion are reduced due to visible usage, messy residue, or unpleasant taste
Solution Approach 1:
The nicotine delivery system is segmented into a discrete tablet form that can be independently placed under the lip, separating the nicotine delivery function from the visible and messy aspects of traditional methods. Each tablet is a self-contained unit that dissolves quietly without producing visible vapor or residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The buccal mucosa (inner cheek tissue) serves as an intermediary medium between the nicotine tablet and the user's system. The tablet dissolves through contact with the moist mucosal tissue, allowing nicotine to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the cheek, eliminating the need for inhalation or swallowing that会产生 visible effects.
2Ease of operation
If nicotine is delivered through traditional methods requiring swallowing or inhalation, then nicotine absorption occurs, but the user experience is compromised by unpleasant tastes or throat irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The buccal mucosa acts as an intermediary absorption surface that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. This eliminates the unpleasant tastes associated with swallowing nicotine lozenges and the throat irritation caused by vaping or smoking, as the nicotine is absorbed directly through the cheek tissue into the bloodstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical actions of swallowing (for lozenges) or inhalation (for vapes and cigarettes) are replaced with passive diffusion through the buccal mucosa. The tablet simply dissolves and releases nicotine that diffuses through the cheek tissue, eliminating the need for any uncomfortable mechanical actions by the user.
3Speed
If nicotine tablets are designed for rapid dissolution under the lip, then quick nicotine delivery is achieved, but the tablet structure becomes more complex requiring specific material compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolution speed is controlled by adjusting parameters of the matrix material composition, specifically the ratio of water-soluble polymers to nicotine. By modifying these compositional parameters, the tablet achieves optimal dissolution rate for quick nicotine delivery without requiring complex structural designs, multilayer constructions, or special geometries.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tablet provides fast and effective nicotine craving relief with reduced throat irritation and improved nicotine absorption, achieving higher maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve compared to traditional administration methods.
Implementation Method 1
The tablet is placed in the buccal cavity of the user's mouth where it dissolves through contact with the buccal mucosa
Implementation Method 2
The nicotine, other substances and ingredients are then absorbed through the buccal mucosa into the bloodstream
Data Source
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AI summary
An orally disintegrating nicotine tablet for use in alleviation of nicotine craving is disclosed, the tablet comprising nicotine and a pH regulating agent, wherein the tablet is administered between the lip and gum. Also, a method for treatment of nicotine craving is disclosed.