At least one example embodiment relates to an oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product comprises a liquid mixture. The liquid mixture includes a triglyceride and liquid nicotine dissolved in the triglyceride. At least a portion of the liquid nicotine is free-base nicotine. A weight ratio of the triglyceride to the liquid nicotine in the liquid mixture ranges from 1:1 to 9:1. At least one example embodiment relates to a method of increasing buccal absorption of nicotine in an oral product.

At least one example embodiment relates to an oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product comprises a liquid mixture. The liquid mixture includes a triglyceride and liquid nicotine dissolved in the triglyceride. At least a portion of the liquid nicotine is free-base nicotine. A weight ratio of the triglyceride to the liquid nicotine in the liquid mixture ranges from 1:1 to 9:1. At least one example embodiment relates to a method of increasing buccal absorption of nicotine in an oral product.

A method for preparing nicotine-containing agglomerates includes introducing a solid particulate into a fluid bed granulator, and introducing a binder solution into the fluid bed granulator such that the binder solution contacts the solid particulate. The solid particulate and/or binder solution may be introduced into the fluid bed granulator in parts, concurrently or in series. The binder solution includes a binder material and a solvent, which may include water. Introducing the binder solution into the fluid bed granulator may include spraying the binder solution into a fluid bed of the fluid bed granulator during circulation of the fluid bed and materials therein, such as the solid particulate. The fluid bed may further include a filler material and/or an additive. The filler material and/or the additive may be introduced into the fluid bed granulator prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to the addition of the solid particulate and/or binder solution.

A method for forming encapsulated nicotine granules (ENGs) includes heating a first mixture to form a molten mixture, the first mixture includes one or more polyols; cooling the molten mixture to a first temperature to form a cooled molten mixture; adding at least one of nicotine and one or more nicotine salts to the cooled molten mixture to form a second mixture; cooling the second mixture to a second temperature to form one or more solidified structures, where the second temperature is different from the first temperature; and fragmenting the one or more solidified structures so as to form a plurality of encapsulated nicotine granules. The first temperature may be between about 120° C. and about 200° C. The second temperature may be below a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the one or more polyols. For example, the second temperature may be between about 65° C. and about 200° C.

A method for forming encapsulated nicotine granules (ENGs) includes heating a first mixture to form a molten mixture, the first mixture includes one or more polyols; cooling the molten mixture to a first temperature to form a cooled molten mixture; adding at least one of nicotine and one or more nicotine salts to the cooled molten mixture to form a second mixture; cooling the second mixture to a second temperature to form one or more solidified structures, where the second temperature is different from the first temperature; and fragmenting the one or more solidified structures so as to form a plurality of encapsulated nicotine granules. The first temperature may be between about 120° C. and about 200° C. The second temperature may be below a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the one or more polyols. For example, the second temperature may be between about 65° C. and about 200° C.

An apparatus for forming a nicotine gum may include a first pair of drums configured to receive and press a nicotine gum mixture to a first thickness so as to form a first pressed sheet and a second pair of drums configured to receive and score the first pressed sheet so as to form a scored sheet including a plurality of gum pieces. The second pair of drums may include a first drum having a first die with a first pattern and a second drum having a second die with a second pattern. The second pattern may be a mirror image of the first pattern. The first drum and the second drum may be spaced such that as the first pressed sheet passes between the first drum and the second drum, the first die and the second die at least score the first pressed sheet.

An apparatus for forming a nicotine gum may include a first pair of drums configured to receive and press a nicotine gum mixture to a first thickness so as to form a first pressed sheet and a second pair of drums configured to receive and score the first pressed sheet so as to form a scored sheet including a plurality of gum pieces. The second pair of drums may include a first drum having a first die with a first pattern and a second drum having a second die with a second pattern. The second pattern may be a mirror image of the first pattern. The first drum and the second drum may be spaced such that as the first pressed sheet passes between the first drum and the second drum, the first die and the second die at least score the first pressed sheet.

At least one example embodiment relates to a chewing gum. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum comprises a gum base polymer and oil. The gum base polymer includes polyvinyl acetate (PVA) in an amount ranging from 35 weight percent to 55 weight percent of the chewing gum. The oil is present in an amount greater than 8 weight percent of the chewing gum. The oil includes a triglyceride, triacetin, and nicotine or a nicotine derivative. The triglyceride is present in an amount greater than or equal to 5 weight percent of the chewing gum. At least one example embodiment relates to a method of preparing a controlled-release nicotine chewing gum.

At least one example embodiment relates to a chewing gum. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum comprises a gum base polymer and oil. The gum base polymer includes polyvinyl acetate (PVA) in an amount ranging from 35 weight percent to 55 weight percent of the chewing gum. The oil is present in an amount greater than 8 weight percent of the chewing gum. The oil includes a triglyceride, triacetin, and nicotine or a nicotine derivative. The triglyceride is present in an amount greater than or equal to 5 weight percent of the chewing gum. At least one example embodiment relates to a method of preparing a controlled-release nicotine chewing gum.

An oral pouch product includes an outer wrapper defining a cavity and an inner filling material in the cavity. The outer wrapper includes a hydrophobic material or an elastomeric material. The inner filling material includes a dry mixture and a liquid mixture. The dry mixture includes a cellulosic material. The liquid mixture includes a triglyceride and liquid nicotine dissolved in the triglyceride. The triglyceride is included in the oral pouch product in an amount of 10% to 30% by weight based on the weight of the oral pouch product.