METHOD OF MAKING A TOBACCO EXTRACT
Embodiments described herein include a method of making a tobacco extract comprising; (a) contacting tobacco with an extraction solvent such that tobacco components are extracted from the tobacco into the solvent, wherein the extraction solvent comprises a supercritical fluid; (b) separating the residual tobacco solids from the supercritical extraction solvent containing tobacco components; (c) exposing the extraction solvent containing tobacco components to conditions in a vessel at which the extraction solvent is subcritical, thereby releasing the tobacco components from the extraction solvent; and then (d) washing the vessel with an entrapment solvent which dissolves the tobacco components, wherein the entrapment solvent comprises an aerosol generating agent.
1 . A method of making a tobacco extract, the method comprising:
(a) contacting tobacco with an extraction solvent such that tobacco components are extracted from the tobacco into the solvent, wherein the extraction solvent comprises a supercritical fluid;
(b) separating residual tobacco solids from the supercritical extraction solvent containing tobacco components;
(c) exposing the extraction solvent containing tobacco components to conditions in a vessel at which the extraction solvent is subcritical, thereby releasing the tobacco components from the extraction solvent; and then
(d) flowing an entrapment solvent through the vessel, which entrapment solvent dissolves the tobacco components, wherein the entrapment solvent comprises an aerosol generating agent.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the supercritical fluid comprises carbon dioxide.
3 . The method according to claim 2 wherein during (a), the temperature is in the range of about 308-473K, preferably about 328-350K, and the pressure is in the range of about 8-85 MPa, preferably about 20-30 MPa.
4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the entrapment solvent comprises a polyol, such as glycerol and/or propylene glycol.
5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the tobacco components include one or more of nicotine and tobacco aromas and flavors.
6 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising providing the entrapment solvent containing dissolved tobacco components in a cartridge, wherein the cartridge is configured for use in a smoking article.
7 . A tobacco extract obtainable by a method according to claim 1 .
8 . A cartridge configured for use in a smoking article, the cartridge containing a tobacco extract according to claim 7 .
9 . A smoking article containing a tobacco extract according to claim 7 .
10 . Use of a tobacco extract obtainable by a method according to claim 1 to generate an inhalable aerosol.
11 . Use of a tobacco extract according to claim 10 , wherein the tobacco extract is used in a smoking article.