SMOKELESS ARTICLE

Abstract

A smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch is described. The pouch encloses a content which comprises nicotine-dosed bamboo fibres. The bamboo fibres have a particle size of 10-500 μm. The smokeless article may be used for the oral delivery of nicotine to a consumer.

Claims

1. A smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing a content, the content comprising nicotine-dosed bamboo fibres, wherein the bamboo fibres have a particle size of 10-500 μm.

2. The smokeless article according to claim 1, wherein the bamboo fibres have a particle size of 30-300 μm.

3. The smokeless article according to claim 1, wherein the bamboo fibres have a particle size of about 30 μm.

4. The smokeless article according to claim 1, wherein the bamboo fibres have a particle size of about 300 μm.

5. The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nicotine-dosed bamboo fibres comprise a nicotinic compound selected from nicotine, nicotine salt(s), nicotine complex(es); and nicotine solvate(s).

6. The smokeless article according to claim 5, wherein the nicotinic compound is provided in a plant material.

7. The smokeless article of claim 6, wherein the plant material is tobacco.

8. The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the smokeless article is tobacco-free.

9. The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the total nicotine content is from 5 to 15 mg, preferably about 10 mg.

10. The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein greater than 75 wt %, preferably greater than 80 wt %, of the total nicotine content of the smokeless article is released from the smokeless article after 20 minutes immersed in water.

11. The use of nicotine-dosed bamboo fibres, wherein the bamboo fibres have a particle size of 10-500 μm, as a nicotine release accelerant in a smokeless article for oral consumption.

12. The use of nicotine-dosed bamboo fibres, wherein the bamboo fibres have a particle size of 10-500 μm, to increase manufacturing capacity of a smokeless article and/or reduce manufacturing cost.

13. The use according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the smokeless article is according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A method of manufacturing a smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising the steps of; forming one or more sheets of pouch material around the contents; and thermally or chemically sealing the pouch material to enclose the contents.

15. A kit comprising a plurality of smokeless articles according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0166] So that the disclosure may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the disclosure will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0167] FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a smokeless article (applicable to any of Aspects A, B, C and D).

[0168] FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a smokeless article (applicable to any of Aspects A, B, C and D).

[0169] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a smokeless article (applicable to any of Aspects A, B, C and D).

[0170] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a smokeless article (applicable to any of Aspects A, B, C and D).

[0171] FIG. 5 shows a plot of nicotine release rate for two embodiments of the disclosure of Aspect A and two comparative compositions.

[0172] FIG. 6 shows a plot showing the nicotine release rate from smokeless articles according to the disclosure of Aspect B and comparative smokeless articles over a 90-minute period.

[0173] FIG. 7 shows the whiteness chart used to quantitatively assess the whiteness of products in the examples of Aspect C below.

[0174] FIG. 8 shows photographs of various products according to the disclosure of Aspect C as well as comparative products. The products are: A1: 200 μm wheat fibres with mint flavourant; A2: 200 μm wheat fibres with blackcurrant flavourant; A3: 200 μm wheat fibres with rhubarb flavourant; B1: 30 μm wheat fibres with mint flavourant; B2: 30 μm wheat fibres with blackcurrant flavourant; B3: 30 μm wheat fibres with rhubarb flavourant; C1: 30 μm bamboo fibres with mint flavourant; C2: 30 μm bamboo fibres with blackcurrant flavourant; C3: 30 μm bamboo fibres with rhubarb flavourant; D1: 300 μm bamboo fibres with mint flavourant; D2: 300 μm bamboo fibres with blackcurrant flavourant; D3: 300 μm bamboo fibres with rhubarb flavourant.

[0175] FIG. 9 shows a plot of nicotine release rate for an embodiment of the disclosure of Aspect D and two comparative compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0176] As shown in FIG. 1 there is provided a first embodiment of a smokeless article 10 having a pouch 12 containing contents 14. The pouch 12 is substantially rectangular. The pouch 12 is formed from a single sheet of material and is substantially filled by the contents 14. The pouch 12 has a seal 16 along each of the three edges where the inner face of the single sheet meets itself to seal the contents 14 in the pouch 12.

[0177] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a smokeless article 10′ having a pouch 12 containing contents 14. The pouch 12 is substantially circular. The pouch 12 is formed from two opposing sheets of material and is substantially filled by the contents 14. The pouch has a circumferential seal 16 along the edges where the two opposing sheets of material meet to seal the contents 14 in the pouch 12.

[0178] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a smokeless article 10″ that, like the first embodiment, has a pouch 12 made from a single sheet of material. However, one of the three seals 16′ is formed by an overlap of the inner face and the outer face of the single sheet meet to seal the contents 14 in the pouch 12. The remaining two seals at opposing ends of the pouch 12 are formed where the inner face of the single sheet meets itself.

[0179] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a smokeless article 10′″ that comprises the third embodiment enclosed by outer pouch 12″ having an outer contents 14″ positioned in the space between the inner pouch 12′ and the outer pouch 12″. The outer pouch 12″ also has a circumferential seal 16′″ to seal the outer contents 14″ and inner pouch 12′ in the outer pouch 12″.

[0180] Use of the fourth embodiment begins when the smokeless article 10′″ is placed in the user's mouth where it is exposed to saliva. Saliva first permeates outer pouch 12″ and dissolves and extracts the saliva soluble substances of outer contents 14″. Upon leaving the outer pouch 12″, the saliva soluble substances of outer contents 14″ therefore provide the user with a first experience. Saliva subsequently further permeates the inner pouch 12′ where it dissolves and extracts the saliva soluble substances of inner contents 14′. The saliva soluble substances of inner contents 14′ therefore provide the user with a complimentary and secondary experience. When the extractable amount of saliva soluble substances in the inner contents 14′ and outer contents 14″ drops below perceivable levels the active lifetime of the smokeless article 10′″ has ended.

Illustrative Embodiments

[0181] The following numbered clauses relate to Aspect B, Aspect C, and Aspect D as described herein:

[0182] Aspect B

[0183] 1. A smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing a contents; the contents comprising a non-tobacco filler material; wherein the non-tobacco filler material comprises: [0184] greater than 25 wt % of nicotine-dosed cellulose based on the total amount of non-tobacco filler material; and [0185] a nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material.

[0186] 2. The smokeless article according to clause 1, wherein the nicotine-dosed cellulose comprises nicotine-dosed microcrystalline cellulose.

[0187] 3. The smokeless article according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the non-tobacco filler material comprises at least 50 wt % of nicotine-dosed cellulose based on the total amount of non-tobacco filler material.

[0188] 4. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the non-tobacco filler material comprises up to 75 wt % of nicotine-dosed cellulose based on the total amount of non-tobacco filler material.

[0189] 5. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the non-tobacco filler material comprises about 50 wt % of nicotine-dosed cellulose based on the total amount of non-tobacco filler material.

[0190] 6. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material comprises wheat.

[0191] 7. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the cellulose is in the form of particles having a D.sub.50 particle size of from 100 to 500 μm, preferably from 150 to 250 μm.

[0192] 8. The smokeless article according to clause 7, wherein the cellulose is in the form of particles having a D.sub.50 particle size of about 200 μm.

[0193] 9. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the total level of nicotine in is from 1 wt % to 5 wt % based on the total amount of non-tobacco filler material.

[0194] 10. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein each of the nicotine-dosed cellulose and nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material contain a nicotinic component independently selected from the group consisting of nicotine salts, nicotine base, stabilized nicotine and mixtures thereof.

[0195] 11. A method of reducing the rate at which nicotine is released from a smokeless article, the smokeless article comprising a pouch enclosing a contents, the method comprising adapting the contents to comprise: [0196] greater than 25 wt % of nicotine-dosed cellulose based on the total amount of non-tobacco filler material; and [0197] a nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material.

[0198] 12. Use of nicotine-dosed cellulose in a smokeless article to reduce the rate of nicotine release from the smokeless article, the smokeless article comprising a pouch enclosing a contents.

[0199] 13. The use according to clause 12 wherein the smokeless article is according to any one of clauses 1 to 10.

[0200] 14. A method of manufacturing a smokeless article according to any one of the preceding clauses comprising the steps of;

[0201] (i) forming one or more sheets of pouch material around the contents; and

[0202] (ii) thermally or chemically sealing the pouch material to enclose the contents.

[0203] 15. A kit comprising a plurality of smokeless articles according to any one of clauses 1 to 10 and a container.

[0204] Aspect C

[0205] 16. A smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing a content, the content comprising nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres and a flavourant; wherein the plant material fibres have a particle size of up to 30 μm.

[0206] 17. A smokeless article according to clause 16, wherein the nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres have a particle size of from 5 to 30 μm.

[0207] 18. A smokeless article according to clause 16 or 17, wherein the nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres comprise or consist of one or more of nicotine-dosed wheat fibres and nicotine-dosed bamboo fibres.

[0208] 19. A smokeless article according to clause 18, wherein the nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres comprise or consist of wheat fibres.

[0209] 20. A smokeless article according to any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the flavourant is a flavourant which causes discoloration of nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres when nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres having a particle size of around 300 μm are contacted with the flavourant.

[0210] 21. A smokeless article according to any one of clauses 16 to 20, wherein the flavourant comprises or consists of one or more of a fruit flavourant and a vegetable flavourant.

[0211] 22. A smokeless article according to any one of clauses 16 to 21, wherein the flavourant is selected from a flavourant comprising mint extract, blackcurrant extract or rhubarb extract.

[0212] 23. A smokeless article according to any one of clauses 16 to 22, wherein the nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres comprise a nicotinic compound selected from nicotine, nicotine salt(s), nicotine complex(es); and nicotine solvate(s).

[0213] 24. A smokeless article according to any one of clauses 16 to 23, wherein the smokeless article is tobacco-free.

[0214] 25. A smokeless article according to any one of clauses 16 to 24, wherein the total nicotine content is from 5 to 15 mg, preferably about 10 mg.

[0215] 26. A method of improving the whiteness of a content of a smokeless article, wherein the smokeless article is for oral consumption and comprises a pouch enclosing the content, the method comprising the provision of nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres and a flavourant within the content; wherein the plant material fibres have a particle size of up to 30 μm.

[0216] 27. Use of plant material fibres have a particle size of up to 30 μm as a whitening agent in a smokeless article.

[0217] 28. The use according to clause 27 wherein the smokeless article is according to any one of clauses 16 to 25.

[0218] 29. A method of manufacturing a smokeless article according to any one of clauses 16 to 25 comprising the steps of;

[0219] (i) forming one or more sheets of pouch material around the contents; and

[0220] (ii) thermally or chemically sealing the pouch material to enclose the contents.

[0221] 30. A kit comprising a plurality of smokeless articles according to any one of clauses 16 to 25 and a container.

[0222] Aspect D

[0223] 31. A smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing a content, the content comprising nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres, wherein the plant material fibres have a particle size of up to 30 μm.

[0224] 32. A smokeless article according to clause 31, wherein the plant material fibres comprise or consist of wheat fibres.

[0225] 33. The smokeless article according to clause 31 or 32, wherein the plant material fibres have a particle size of from 5 to 30 μm.

[0226] 34. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 31 to 33, wherein the plant material fibres have a particle size of about 30 μm.

[0227] 35. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 31 to 34, wherein the nicotine-dosed plant material fibres comprise a nicotinic compound selected from nicotine, nicotine salt(s), nicotine complex(es); and nicotine solvate(s).

[0228] 36. The smokeless article according to clause 35, wherein the nicotinic compound is provided in a plant material.

[0229] 37. The smokeless article of clause 36, wherein the plant material is tobacco.

[0230] 38. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 31 to 35, wherein the smokeless article is tobacco-free.

[0231] 39. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 31 to 38, wherein the total nicotine content is from 5 to 15 mg, preferably about 10 mg.

[0232] 40. The smokeless article according to any one of clauses 31 to 39, wherein greater than 75 wt %, preferably greater than 80 wt %, of the total nicotine content of the smokeless article is released from the smokeless article after 20 minutes immersed in water.

[0233] 41. Use of nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material fibres, wherein the plant material fibres have a particle size of up to 30 μm, to increase the material efficiency of a smokeless article and/or reduce manufacturing cost.

[0234] 42. Use of nicotine-dosed wheat fibres, wherein the wheat fibres have a particle size of up to 30 μm, as a nicotine release accelerant in a smokeless article for oral consumption.

[0235] 43. The use according to clause 42 wherein the smokeless article is according to any one of clauses 31 to 40.

[0236] 44. A method of manufacturing a smokeless article according to any one of the clauses 31 to 40 comprising the steps of;

[0237] (i) forming one or more sheets of pouch material around the contents; and

[0238] (ii) thermally or chemically sealing the pouch material to enclose the contents.

[0239] 45. A kit comprising a plurality of smokeless articles according to any one of clauses 31 to 40 and a container.

Examples

[0240] The Examples of the various aspects below are provided as one of various embodiments and are meant to be exemplary, not exhaustive. The present disclosure is therefore understood to not be limited in its application to the specific experimentation, results, and laboratory procedures disclosed herein after.

[0241] Aspect A

[0242] Various snus samples were prepared and tested for nicotine release rate.

[0243] Sample 1 was prepared containing bamboo fibres with a maximum length of 30 μm (JELUCEL® BF-30 fibres ex Jelu-werk). Sample 1 contained the following components:

TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Content/g Nicotine ditartarate dihydrate 1.40 Bamboo fibres (30 μm) 56.02 Salt 4.20 Water 30.00 Ammonium chloride solution 2.03 Propylene glycol 3.65 Sodium carbonate solution 0.41 Flavour (mint) 2.30 Total 100

[0244] One further sample, Sample 2, was prepared which contained bamboo fibres with a maximum length of 300 μm (JELUCEL® BF-300 fibres ex Jelu-werk).

[0245] Sample 2 contained the following components:

TABLE-US-00002 Ingredient Content/g Nicotine ditartarate dihydrate 1.40 Bamboo fibres (300 μm) 56.02 Salt 4.20 Water 30.00 Ammonium chloride solution 2.03 Propylene glycol 3.65 Sodium carbonate solution 0.41 Flavour (mint) 2.30 Total 100

[0246] In addition to these, as comparative articles, commercially available Skruf #3 and Lyft #3 samples were tested. Comparative Sample 1 was Skruf #3, a commercially available smokeless article which includes wheat fibres with a maximum particle size of 200 μm. Comparative Sample 2 was Lyft #3, a commercially available smokeless article which includes eucalyptus and pine fibres.

[0247] The samples were tested by immersing each of the samples in the same model solution representing human saliva. The model solution was made with deionised water containing the following ingredients:

TABLE-US-00003 Ingredient Content (g/1000 mL) Magnesium chloride hexahydrate 0.17 Potassium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous 0.68 Sodium chloride 0.33 Potassium chloride 0.75 Calcium chloride dehydrate 0.15 Potassium carbonate 0.53 Hydrochloric acid to pH 6.8 ± 0.1

[0248] The model solution was prepared by mixing all ingredients in the table except hydrochloric acid and transferring to a 2 L glass reservoir. 500 mL of deionised water was added and the solution was mixed well to dissolve. Further deionised water was added to bring the total amount of deionised water added to 1 L. The reservoir was sealed and mixed well. The pH was then adjusted to 6.8 by the addition of HCl. The solution was used within 2 days of preparation.

[0249] Nicotine concentration in the model solution was determined at certain time intervals by UV-vis using USP 4 flow-through dissolution apparatus with online UV system, thereby providing an indication of the rate of release of nicotine from the immersed pouch.

[0250] FIG. 5 is a plot showing the results of nicotine release tests for the smokeless articles of the disclosure of Aspect A and the comparative articles.

[0251] Samples 1 and 2 demonstrated significantly improved nicotine release characteristics over the comparative articles. For Sample 1 containing 30 μm fibres, more than 80 wt % of the nicotine content was released after 20 minutes, compared with only around 45-60 wt % for the comparative articles. For Sample 2 containing 300 μm fibres, more than 90 wt % of the nicotine content was released after 20 minutes.

[0252] Aspect B

[0253] Various snus samples were prepared and tested for nicotine release rate.

[0254] Two smokeless articles according to the disclosure were prepared and tested: the first containing 50 wt % nicotine-dosed wheat and 50 wt % nicotine-dosed MCC (Article A), and the second containing 100 wt % nicotine-dosed MCC (Article B).

[0255] Two comparative articles were also prepared and tested, the first containing 100 wt % nicotine-dosed wheat (Article C) and the second containing 75 wt % nicotine-dosed wheat and 25 wt % nicotine-dosed MCC (Article D).

[0256] For each Article, 100 g of master batch contents was prepared with ingredients according to the following table:

TABLE-US-00004 Article Article Article Article Ingredient content/g A B C D Nicotine ditartarate dihydrate 1.40 1.40 1.40 1.40 Wheat fibres (JELUCEL WF-30) 28.01 0 28.01 42.02 Microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel 28.01 56.02 0 14.00 PH-102) Salt 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 Water 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 Ammonium chloride solution 2.03 2.03 2.03 2.03 Propylene glycol 3.65 3.65 3.65 3.65 Sodium carbonate solution 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 Flavour 2.30 2.30 2.30 2.30 Total 100 100 100 100

[0257] Portions of the master batch were then added to pouches to form the articles for testing. Each of Articles A-D contained the same total nicotine content (10 mg) and were tested for nicotine release rate under identical conditions.

[0258] The samples were tested by immersing each of the samples in the same model solution representing human saliva. The model solution was made with deionised water containing the following ingredients:

TABLE-US-00005 Ingredient Content (g/1000 mL) Magnesium chloride hexahydrate 0.17 Potassium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous 0.68 Sodium chloride 0.33 Potassium chloride 0.75 Calcium chloride dehydrate 0.15 Potassium carbonate 0.53 Hydrochloric acid to pH 6.8 ± 0.1

[0259] The model solution was prepared by mixing all ingredients in the table except hydrochloric acid and transferring to a 2 L glass reservoir. 500 mL of deionised water was added and the solution was mixed well to dissolve. Further deionised water was added to bring the total amount of deionised water added to 1 L. The reservoir was sealed and mixed well. The pH was then adjusted to 6.8 by the addition of HCl. The solution was used within 2 days of preparation.

[0260] Nicotine concentration in the model solution was determined at certain time intervals by an optimised HPLC method using USP 4 flow-through dissolution apparatus with online UV system, thereby providing an indication of the rate of release of nicotine from the immersed pouch.

[0261] FIG. 6 shows the nicotine release rate from smokeless articles according to the disclosure of Aspect B and comparative smokeless articles over a 90-minute period.

[0262] The smokeless articles A and B according to the disclosure of Aspect B displayed a slower nicotine release rate over the period from 10-50 minutes of product use relative to the comparative articles C and D, which corresponds to the period of time for which the product would be used by a consumer before disposal. After 15 minutes, Articles A and B had each released approximately 4.5 mg of nicotine compared with 6 mg released from Articles C and D. After 50 minutes, Articles A and B had each released around 7-8 mg of nicotine compared with around 9-10 mg released from Articles C and D. Thus the disclosure provides a means to reduce the rate of nicotine release from a smokeless article such that nicotine is released more gradually over a longer period of time.

[0263] Aspect C

[0264] Various snus samples were prepared and assessed for discoloration. The whiteness chart provided in FIG. 7 was used to assign a numerical value for whiteness to a given product.

[0265] Twelve different samples were prepared which contained either bamboo or wheat fibres with different particle sizes (30 μm, 200 μm or 300 μm) mixed with three different flavourants. JELUCEL® wheat and bamboo fibres were obtained from Jelu-werk (WF-30, WF-200, BF-30 and BF-300).

[0266] For each sample a 100 g master batch was prepared containing ingredients according to the following table:

TABLE-US-00006 Ingredient Content/g Nicotine ditartarate dihydrate 1.40 Plant material fibres 56.02 Salt 4.20 Water 30.00 Ammonium chloride solution 2.03 Propylene glycol 3.65 Sodium carbonate solution 0.41 Flavour 2.30 Total 100

[0267] Twelve master batches were prepared by varying the particular plant material fibres and flavourant used.

[0268] The master batches were prepared by mixing the ingredients together on the laboratory scale with high-shear mixing apparatus. Product was then manually filled into pouches and sealed using an industry standard heat sealer.

[0269] The twelve samples were assessed visually with reference to the whiteness chart shown in FIG. 7. Photographs of the twelve samples are shown in FIG. 8.

[0270] The twelve samples and the visually determined whiteness value were as follows (the samples can be identified from FIG. 7 by reading off the column and row identifiers from the Figure, e.g., the bottom right cell is sample D3):

TABLE-US-00007 Average Nicotine-dosed fibre non-tobacco length Whiteness Sample plant material (μm) Flavourant value A1 Wheat (WF-200) 200 Mint 14 A2 Wheat (WF-200) 200 Blackcurrant 20 A3 Wheat (WF-200) 200 Rhubarb 16 B1 Wheat (WF-30) 30 Mint 3 B2 Wheat (WF-30) 30 Blackcurrant 8 B3 Wheat (WF-30) 30 Rhubarb 9 C1 Bamboo (BF-30) 30 Mint 8 C2 Bamboo (BF-30) 30 Blackcurrant 10 C3 Bamboo (BF-30) 30 Rhubarb 9 D1 Bamboo (BF-300) 300 Mint 12 D2 Bamboo (BF-300) 300 Blackcurrant 15 D3 Bamboo (BF-300) 300 Rhubarb 11

[0271] For a given type of flavourant, the four samples using different nicotine-dosed non-tobacco plant material can be compared for whiteness and discoloration.

[0272] Within column 1 of FIG. 7 (mint flavour), the 30 μm wheat fibres underwent very little discoloration, with the sample remaining essentially white. The 30 μm bamboo fibres underwent some discoloration but were still acceptably white in appearance. By contrast both the 200 μm wheat fibres and 300 μm bamboo fibres were significantly discoloured in appearance.

[0273] The blackcurrant flavour (column 2 of FIG. 7) caused significant discoloration of both the 200 μm wheat fibres and 300 μm bamboo fibres, with the 200 μm wheat fibres developing a brown colour. The 30 μm wheat fibres and 30 μm bamboo fibres remained acceptably white in colour.

[0274] The rhubarb flavour (column 3 of FIG. 7) caused noticeable yellowing of both the 200 μm wheat fibres and 300 μm bamboo fibres. By contrast the 30 μm wheat fibres and 30 μm bamboo fibres retained a whiter appearance.

[0275] Overall, the 30 μm wheat fibres provided very good results in retaining an acceptably white appearance of the sample across all flavourants tested.

[0276] Aspect D

[0277] Various snus samples were prepared and tested for nicotine release rate.

[0278] A sample was prepared which contained wheat fibres with an average length of 30 μm (Sample 3). The wheat fibres used were JELUCEL® WF-30 fibres sold by Jelu-werk.

[0279] 100 g master batch was prepared containing ingredients according to the following table:

TABLE-US-00008 Ingredient Content/g Nicotine ditartrate dihydrate 1.40 Wheat fibres (JELUCEL WF-30) 56.02 Salt 4.20 Water 30.00 Ammonium chloride solution 2.03 Propylene glycol 3.65 Sodium carbonate solution 0.41 Flavour (mint) 2.30 Total 100

[0280] The master batch was prepared by mixing the ingredients together on the laboratory scale with high-shear mixing apparatus. Product was then manually filled into pouches and sealed using an industry standard heat sealer.

[0281] In addition, as a comparative article, commercially available Superwhite #3 and Lyft #3 samples were tested. Superwhite #3 is a commercially available smokeless article which includes wheat fibres with a particle size of 200 μm, and Lyft #3 is a commercially available smokeless article which includes eucalyptus and pine fibres.

[0282] The samples were then tested by immersing each of the samples in the same model solution representing human saliva. The model solution was made with deionised water containing the following ingredients:

TABLE-US-00009 Ingredient Content (g/1000 mL) Magnesium chloride hexahydrate 0.17 Potassium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous 0.68 Sodium chloride 0.33 Potassium chloride 0.75 Calcium chloride dehydrate 0.15 Potassium carbonate 0.53 Hydrochloric acid to pH 6.8 ± 0.1

[0283] The model solution was prepared by mixing all ingredients in the table except hydrochloric acid and transferring to a 2 L glass reservoir. 500 mL of deionised water was added and the solution was mixed well to dissolve. Further deionised water was added to bring the total amount of deionised water added to 1 L. The reservoir was sealed and mixed well. The pH was then adjusted to 6.8 by the addition of HCl. The solution was used within 2 days of preparation.

[0284] Nicotine concentration in the model solution was determined at certain time intervals by an optimised HPLC method using USP 4 flow-through dissolution apparatus with online UV system, thereby providing an indication of the rate of release of nicotine from the immersed pouch.

[0285] FIG. 9 is a plot showing the results of nicotine release tests for the smokeless article of the disclosure of Aspect D and the comparative articles.

[0286] Sample 3 demonstrated significantly improved nicotine release characteristics over the comparative articles.

[0287] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the disclosure in diverse forms thereof.

[0288] While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0289] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0290] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0291] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0292] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.

[0293] The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.