Abstract: Microcapsules having a core of an alkaloidal material surrounded by a protective cross-linked polymeric wall are disclosed. The microcapsules are produced by intermixing a polymeric wall material with a liquid vehicle to form a solution thereof as a continuous first phase, and mixing the solution with an alkaloidal material. The produced admixture is agitated to disperse the alkaloidal material as a plurality of discrete minute core material entities in the first phase, and thereafter, phase separation is induced to separate the polymeric wall material from the liquid vehicle so that the wall material forms embryonic sheaths about the core material entities. The polymeric wall material is then cross-linked to form protective walls around each of the core material entities.

Abstract: A tobacco-substitute smoking material is provided which, in the preferred embodiment includes a polysaccharide, such as cellulose or a derivative thereof, as a combustible organic ingredient. A tobacco alkaloidal material, such as nicotine or a derivative thereof, is incorporated into the smoking material in the form of a plurality of combustible microcapsules containing the tobacco alkaloidal material.