Smokeless Nicotine Pouch With Sugar Alcohol Complex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smokeless articles lack an improved design to enhance user experience and achieve a desirable nicotine release profile and mouthfeel.
Innovation Solution
A smokeless article comprising a pouch enclosing a content with a complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine, which is mixed with a water insoluble bulking agent to provide a faster initial nicotine release followed by a gradual tailing off, and includes a fibrous mouthfeel through the use of natural fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine is used, then nicotine release rate is improved (faster initial release), but nicotine release control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a complex between sugar alcohol and nicotine before incorporating it into the final pouch formulation. This pre-complexation step allows the nicotine to be absorbed into the sugar alcohol matrix in advance, creating a controlled release mechanism that dissolves rapidly in saliva during use, thereby achieving faster initial nicotine release while maintaining formulation manageability through a straightforward two-step process.
2Ease of operation
If water insoluble natural fibres are used as bulking agent, then mouthfeel is improved (fibrous texture), but nicotine solubility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the sugar alcohol-nicotine complex as an intermediary substance that bridges the compatibility gap between nicotine and water-insoluble natural fibres. The complex acts as a soluble carrier that releases nicotine rapidly in the oral cavity, preventing nicotine from being trapped or absorbed by the hydrophobic fibre matrix, thereby maintaining both the desired fibrous mouthfeel and adequate nicotine solubility and release.
3Ease of operation
If nicotine content in complex is increased to improve perception, then nicotine perception is improved, but handling and processing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the nicotine content within the sugar alcohol complex to a specific range (10-20 wt.%) that balances two competing requirements: sufficient nicotine concentration to provide strong user perception, and low enough concentration to maintain the complex in a free-flowing powder state that is easy to handle, mix, and process during manufacturing. This precise parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between potency and processability.
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 smokeless article offers a stronger nicotine perception with a balanced release profile and improved user satisfaction, providing a fibrous mouthfeel and efficient manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The step of premixing the sugar alcohol with the nicotine to form a complex, absorbs the nicotine into the sugar alcohol
Implementation Method 2
the relatively high solubility of sugar alcohols meaning that they dissolve easily in saliva leading to rapid release of nicotine from the complex
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing an oral nicotine delivery (OND) formulation, the OND formulation comprising a water insoluble bulking agent and an active component comprising a complex of a sugar alcohol and nicotine. Methods of manufacturing the article and kits comprising the article are also described.