Spherical Nicotine Particles for Oral Pouches

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral nicotine products face challenges such as dust formation during preparation, irregular shape, low fluidity, and changes in shape and mouthfeel when used in the oral cavity, which affect user experience and nicotine release.

Innovation Solution

An oral pouched nicotine product is developed using tobacco-free nicotine-containing particles formed from a carrier material comprising microcrystalline cellulose, with particles having a sphericity of 0.8 to 1.0 and a diameter of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, and optionally containing a small amount of tobacco. The product is free from nicotine coatings and designed to maintain shape and mouthfeel during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If powder or granulate particles are used as filling material, then nicotine can be released in the oral cavity, but dust formation occurs during preparation and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenicotine releaseVSAvoiddust formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by using spherical particles instead of irregular powder or granulate. The spherical shape with high sphericity (0.8-1.0) reduces dust formation during handling while maintaining good flow properties and nicotine release characteristics in the oral cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Quantity of substance

If small size particles are used, then nicotine release is enhanced, but fluidity and handling properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenicotine releaseVSAvoidfluidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical shape improves fluidity and handling properties compared to irregular particles of the same size. The smooth curved surface reduces interparticle friction and improves flow characteristics, allowing smaller particles to maintain good fluidity while still providing effective nicotine release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If irregular shaped particles are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but shape stability and mouthfeel during use deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidshape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical shape provides excellent shape stability during use in the oral cavity. The uniform curved geometry maintains consistent mouthfeel and prevents deformation, while manufacturing methods such as spray drying or extrusion can efficiently produce spherical particles with high sphericity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Strength

If compressed filling material is used, then pouch structure is maintained, but mouthfeel and shape characteristics change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepouch structureVSAvoidmouthfeel

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical particles maintain their shape under compression better than irregular particles. The uniform curved geometry and high sphericity allow the filling material to be compressed into the pouch while retaining shape characteristics and mouthfeel, as the spherical particles deform uniformly rather than fragmenting or changing shape irregularly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 product provides a pleasant mouthfeel and organoleptic experience, ensures satisfactory nicotine release in the oral cavity, reduces dust formation during preparation, and retains its size and mouthfeel during use, enhancing user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

a saliva-permeable pouch of a packaging material enclosing the filling material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

allowing flavours and nicotine to diffuse from the filling material into the consumer's mouth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20250176609A1Oral pouched nicotine product including a filling material comprising nicotine particles

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 SWEDISH MATCH NORTH EURO

AI summary

Described is an oral pouched nicotine product comprising a filling material and a saliva-permeable pouch of a packaging material enclosing the filling material, wherein the filling material includes:tobacco-free nicotine-containing particles formed from a carrier material,said carrier material comprising microcrystalline cellulose,said tobacco-free nicotine-containing particles comprising a nicotine source,said tobacco-free nicotine-containing particles having a sphericity from 0.8 to 1.0, and a diameter from 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm,with the proviso that said oral pouched nicotine product is free from or substantially free from a constituent comprising a coating comprising a nicotine source and a binder,wherein the oral pouched nicotine product is free from tobacco material,wherein the filling material further comprises a pH adjusting agent, andwherein the pH adjusting agent is included in the tobacco-free nicotine-containing particles.