Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation

Vernon L Geiss

Lawrence E Gravely

Richard P Newton, Jr

Charles F Gregory

John N Jewell

Richard Paul Newton

Patrick H Harper

A process for the reduction of the nitrate and nicotine contents of tobacco by microbial treatment is disclosed wherein tobacco materials are subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nitrates and alkaloids (nicotine) through a biochemical reaction. The microorganism is combined or grown in the presence of a nitrate containing compound in relatively small quantities. Tobacco treated in accordance with this process has a reduced nitrate and nicotine content, and when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product thereby produces a mild smoke, having reduced nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide and nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

Process for reduction of nitrate and nicotine content of tobacco by

A process for the reduction of the nitrate content of tobacco materials by microbial treatment is disclosed wherein tobacco materials are subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nitrates through a biochemical reaction. Tobacco materials treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produce a mild smoke having reduced nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide deliveries without loss of desirable flavor, taste or other smoking properties.

Process for reduction of nitrate content of tobacco by microbial

A mixed complementary culture of bacteria and fungi are used to degrade pectin and cellulose components of tobacco materials.

Microbial digestion of tobacco materials using mixed cultures

Freshly cut tobacco leaves are processed wherein the processing includes particle size reduction and drying immediately upon harvesting.

Method of processing fresh tobacco leaves

A process for the reduction of the nicotine content of tobacco by microbial treatment is disclosed. Tobacco is subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nicotine through a biochemical reaction in which, inter alia, 3-succinoylpyridine is formed. Prior to subjecting the tobacco to the action of the microorganism, the tobacco is steamed to increase its moisture content. Tobaccos with lowered nicotine content but no mass loss result from this process following short treatment periods. Also, tobacco treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produces a mild smoke, having a reduced nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

Tobacco with reduced nicotine content due to microbial treatment

A tobacco product having a reduced nicotine content. Tobacco is subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nicotine through a biochemical reaction in which, inter alia, 3-succinoylpyridine is formed. Tobacco treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produces a mild smoke, having a reduced nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

Process for reduction of nicotine content of tobacco by microbial

A process for the reduction of the nicotine content of tobacco by microbial treatment is disclosed. Tobacco is subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nicotine through a biochemical reaction in which, inter alia, 3-succinoylpyridine is formed. Tobacco treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produces a mild smoke, having a reduced nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

A process for the reduction of the nicotine content of tobacco by microbial treatment is disclosed. Tobacco is subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nicotine through a biochemical reaction in which, inter alia, 3-succinoylpyridine is formed. Prior to subjecting the tobacco to the action of the microorganism, the tobacco is steamed to increase its moisture content. Tobaccos with lowered nicotine content but no mass loss result from this process following short treatment periods. Also, tobacco treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produces a mild smoke, having reduced nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

A process is disclosed for maximizing the growth and nicotine degrading activity of microorganisms effective to degrade nicotine through a biochemical mechanism in which 3-succinoylpyridine is formed. The process involves inoculating a nicotine-containing growth medium with the microorganisms and subjecting the broth to aeration and agitation. During the growth period, the broth should be maintained at a pH of between about 6 and 7.8 and at a temperature between about 10.degree. C and about 45.degree. C. The broth should have an initial nicotine concentration of at least 0.5 mg. per ml. up to an amount which is toxic to the microorganisms.

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Floyd Knobs, IN, United States of America

Vernon L Geiss