Abstract: A filter material of a filter element configured for application in a smoking article may include a fibrous substrate material finished with a fiber finish composition. The fiber finish composition may be formulated to selectively interact with at least one target component of mainstream smoke drawn through the filter element during use of the smoking article to selectively filter the target component from the smoke. The filter element may include multiple filter segments. Each filter segment may include a filter material having a finish composition formulated to selectively interact with a different target component. The various filter segments may be combined and/or arranged to selectively filter the mainstream smoke to achieve desired characteristics. Each filter segment may be formed from the same fibrous substrate material.

Abstract: Degradable filters are disclosed, as well as methods of making them, that include the steps of applying a plasticizer containing a photoactive agent to cellulose ester fibers to obtain plasticized cellulose ester fibers; and forming the plasticized cellulose ester fibers into a filter. The cellulose ester fibers may comprise cellulose acetate, the plasticizer may be triacetin, and the photoactive agent may include a number of types of titanium dioxide, for example mixed phase titanium dioxide particles. The filters are useful, for example, in preparing cigarette filters.

Abstract: A biodegradable paper substrate and/or biodegradable fiber (including fiber tow) may be coated with cellulose acetate and/or plasticized cellulose acetate for use in a filter material configured for application in a filter of a smoking article. Flocking and/or fibrillation methods may be used to deposit and/or generate a plurality of fibers that may protrude beyond a surface of the biodegradable substrate material. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of isolating certain target compounds from tobacco, tobacco materials or smoke generated by a smoking article. The method can be used to remove undesirable compounds from tobacco, tobacco materials, or tobacco smoke. The method can also be used to remove flavor compounds from tobacco or tobacco materials, which can then be used as flavor components for tobacco material used in smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides for reducing free-radicals from cigarette smoke by using a filter impregnated by an extract of a rosemary plant in oil, containing carnosol, rosmanol, rosmadial, carnosic acid, genkwanin and rosmarinic acid. The extract is obtained by extraction with an alcoholic solvent or an aqueous alcoholic solvent, followed by extraction with a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article comprising a carbonaceous dried gel (3), (such as a xerogel, aerogel or cryogel), a filter (2) for a smoking article comprising a carbonaceous dried gel and the use of a carbonaceous dried gel for the filtration of smoke.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an at least partially transparent cigarette filter tipping film comprising a biodegradable substrate, and softener in an amount of less than 25% by weight of the biodegradable substrate, and a cigarette filter comprising a filtration material encased in a cylinder of the said tipping film.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer prepared from a substituted 1,3-butadiene (such as neophytadiene) derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the polymers described herein. Further, the invention provides a method of polymerizing a substituted 1,3-butadiene derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species, the method including reacting a substituted 1,3-butadiene derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species with one or more reagents selected from the group consisting of an anionic initiator, a radical initiator, and a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

Abstract: Cigarettes are provided which contain a filtering system and flavorants encapsulated with polyvinyl acetate, wherein deactivation of a sorbent by the flavorant is reduced through the encapsulation of the flavorant within the polyvinyl acetate. A preferred flavorant is menthol. The encapsulated flavorants are prepared by mixing at least one flavorant with polyvinyl acetate and a solvent, such as ethanol, and forming the encapsulated flavorants. Methods of making cigarettes and smoking the articles are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions for removal of contaminants from an air stream. The composition contains a filtration agent having one or more components that can adsorb tar or other contaminants from smoke. Also provided is a method for removing a contaminant from an air stream. Also provided are a system and a kit employing the filtration agent.

Abstract: There is provided a particle-filter comprising at least one hydrogel formed in aqueous solution at a temperature below 0° C. The filter can arrest particulates of smoke by physisorption on the solid surface of the gel or by chemisorption if the gel is suitably functionalized. The effectiveness of filter in arresting the solid particles and the pressure drop can be controlled by varying the porosity and the pore size distribution of the filter which in turn can be modulated by varying the monomer to water and monomer to cross-linker ratio in the pre-polymer solution. The filter is able to reduce the particle content of the smoke. There is further provided a cigarette comprising at least one particle-filter according as well as a method for the filtration of smoke.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide an electrospun fiber mat filter comprising a cigarette filter containing macrocycle for removing toxic compounds from a toxic material, wherein the toxic material comprises liquid, gas, and cigarette smoke and a method of synthesizing the same. The electrospun fiber mat cigarette filter comprises a biological, organic or synthetic macrocycle, plurality of additives, a solvent and an acceptable polymeric carrier. The biological macromolecules are engineered polyhemoglobin and/or chlorophyll. The biological, organic, or synthetic macrocycle are electrospun with the acceptable polymeric carrier in presence of an abruptly asymmetric electric field to form an electrospun fiber mat. The electrospun fiber mat is made up of networks of plurality of nanofibers.

Abstract: A cigarette is provided that includes a rod of smokable material circumscribed by an outer wrapping material and a filter element, which may include an adsorbent material such as activated carbon, attached to one end of the rod of smokable material. The smokable material includes at least about 5 percent by weight of a dark air-cured tobacco, based on the dry weight of the smokable material, blended with additional tobacco materials such as flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A surface-modified adsorbent and a process for making a surface-modified adsorbent are provided. The process involves providing an adsorbent and a non-volatile organic compound to a vessel, adjusting the temperature and/or pressure to provide supercritical conditions for a supercritical fluid, and introducing the supercritical fluid into the vessel. The supercritical fluid dissolves the non-volatile organic compound, and impregnates the adsorbent with the non-volatile organic compound. The surface-modified adsorbent can be used, for example, in cut filler compositions, cigarette filters, and smoking articles. Methods for making cigarette filters, cigarettes and for smoking a cigarette comprising the surface-modified adsorbent are also provided. The surface-modified adsorbents can be used to remove one or more selected components from mainstream smoke, without removing other components, such as those that contribute to flavor.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a tobacco rod adapted to produce mainstream smoke, and a filter having an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion. The filter includes a ventilated cavity and a flow restrictor segment having an impermeable insert at least partially surrounded by a tubular segment of an air transmissive material upstream of the cavity. In an embodiment, the tubular segment at least partially defines the cavity.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a smoking article and providing filtration of particulate material and gaseous components of mainstream smoke is provided. The filter element includes a segment of fibrous tow comprising a plurality of individual filaments, wherein each individual filament includes a plurality of adsorbent material particles at least partially encapsulated with a removable encapsulant imbedded therein. The individual filaments may further include an outer coating that provides a plurality of reactive groups adapted for reaction with one or more components of mainstream smoke. Alternatively, the multifunctional filter element combines different fibrous filter materials, such as cellulose acetate or polyolefin filaments combined with activated carbon filaments and at least one of ion exchange filaments and catalytic filaments.

Abstract: A process for preparing a filter plug for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes: (a) freeze-drying a solution of a biopolymer to form a structure; and (b) cutting the structure to a predetermined dimension, to thereby prepare a filter plug for a smoking article. Another process for preparing a filter plug for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes: (a) extruding a mixture of a foaming agent and a biopolymer comprising a protein to form a structure; and (b) cutting the structure to a predetermined dimension, to thereby form a filter plug for a smoking article.

Abstract: Multi-shelled capsules are made by co-extruding a first liquid flavorant composition and a first shell-forming polymeric material to form droplets which are hardened to form an inner shell containing a first liquid flavorant composition, and then coated with a second shell-forming polymeric material which is hardened to form an outer shell. The result is a capsule where the inner surface of the outer shell is separate and/or separable from the outer surface of the inner shell to define a space, wherein a second liquid flavorant composition may be located.

Abstract: A biodegradable fiber (including fiber tow) and/or biodegradable paper substrate may be coated with cellulose acetate, plasticized cellulose acetate and/or ethylene vinyl acetate for use in a filter material configured for application in a filter of a smoking article. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable material.

Abstract: A biodegradable fiber (including fiber tow) may be coated with cellulose acetate for use in a filter material configured for application in a filter of a smoking article. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable fiber, but will generally be subject to improved degradation time in a variety of disposal environments.

Abstract: A biodegradable fiber (including fiber tow) and/or biodegradable paper substrate may be coated with cellulose acetate and/or plasticized cellulose acetate for use in a filter material configured for application in a filter of a smoking article. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable material.

Abstract: A filter material configured for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material including at least one segment of fibrous tow having a plurality of superabsorbent objects dispersed therein, the superabsorbent objects comprising a starch material. Exemplary starch materials include naturally-occurring starch, hydroxyalkylated starch, starch esters, ionically modified starch, oxidized starch, hydrolyzed starch, plasticized starch, gelatinized starch, grafted starch, crosslinked starch, transglycosylated starch, starch ethers, and mixtures thereof, as well as blends of starch with other polymers. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided. A method of preparing polymer fibers for use in filter elements is also provided, the method including adding the starch material to a fiber precursor solution prior to fiber extrusion or dry-blending the starch material with the polymer material to be formed into fibers.

Abstract: A filter element for a smoking article is provided, the filter element including a first segment of fibrous tow filter material; a second segment of fibrous tow filter material in spaced relation to the first segment; and a cavity positioned between the two segments of fibrous tow filter material, the cavity containing a plurality of breakable capsules having an outer shell and an internal payload comprising a flavorant, wherein one segment of fibrous tow filter material includes an adsorbent material dispersed therein and the other segment is substantially free of adsorbent material. A cigarette that includes such a filter element is also provided.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking device comprises a porous mass of active particles adapted to enhance a tobacco smoke flowing over said active particles and binder particles. The active particles comprises about 1-99% weight of the porous mass, and the binder particles comprises about 1-99% weight of said porous mass. The active particles and said binder particles are bound together at randomly distributed points throughout the porous mass. The active particles have a greater particle size than the binder particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cigarette filter material useful for selectively and efficiently reducing formaldehyde while maintaining a palatable component such as nicotine or tar. The cigarette filter material is obtained by coating-treating a substrate (such as a cellulose acetate fiber) with a solution (particularly, an aqueous solution) containing a polysaccharide having an amino group (e.g. chitosan) and a polar solvent (e.g., water) [and optionally an acid such as a hydroxy acid (e.g., lactic acid)]. A cigarette filter of such a cigarette filter material can efficiently and selectively reduce formaldehyde. For example, the cigarette filter ensures a retention of formaldehyde of not more than 65% while maintaining retentions of nicotine and tar of not less than 80%, respectively, in main stream smoke.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an at least partially transparent cigarette filter tipping film comprising a biodegradable substrate, and softener in an amount of less than 25% by weight of the biodegradable substrate, and a cigarette filter comprising a filtration material encased in a cylinder of the said tipping film.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biodegradable cigarette filter tow comprising composite filaments of cellulose and cellulose acetate, and a process for making such a filter tow comprising providing a solution dope comprising a blend of cellulose and cellulose acetate in an ionic liquid or in N-methylmorphilone-N-oxide (NMMO), and spinning casting the blend into a protic solvent to generate fibres or films, and converting the fibres or films into cigarette filter tow. The invention also concerns cigarette filters and cigarettes made from such a filter tow.

Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to TSNAs are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of TSNAs from biological fluids. Such polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.

Abstract: A smoking article includes an aerosol-generating section and a filter section attached to the aerosol-generating section. The filter section contains a plurality of flavor-releasing particles each containing a water-soluble matrix containing a flavor component. The plurality of flavor-releasing particles has respective particle diameters ranging from 1 to 100 ?m and has an average particle diameter of 20 ?m or less.

Abstract: A filter material adapted for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material including at least one segment of fibrous tow having a plurality of degradable particles dispersed therein, the degradable particles comprising a starch material. Exemplary starch materials include naturally-occurring starch, hydroxyalkylated starch, starch esters, ionically modified starch, oxidized starch, hydrolyzed starch, plasticized starch, gelatinized starch, grafted starch, crosslinked starch, transglycosylated starch, starch ethers, and mixtures thereof, as well as blends of starch with other polymers. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided. A method of preparing polymer fibers for use in filter elements is also provided, the method including adding the starch material to a fiber precursor solution prior to fiber extrusion or dry-blending the starch material with the polymer material to be formed into fibers.

Abstract: An absorptive polymer, which is an aqueous emulsion made from copolymerization of neutral unsaturated monomers, unsaturated lipophilic monomers and unsaturated hydrophilic monomers, in the proportion of 50:26-37:14-25 in weight. A compound fiber comprising cigarette filter rod fiber as core and surface layer absorptive polymer; the cigarette filter rod fiber is polypropylene fiber or cellulose acetate fiber; lipophilic groups of the absorptive polymer are attached to polypropylene fiber of cigarette filter rod.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a cylindrical plug of a substantially homogeneous filtering material of circumference between 14.0 and 23.2 mm, wherein the substantially homogeneous filtering material comprises a plurality of randomly oriented staple fibres.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate fibers can be modified to have physical imperfections and then incorporated into cigarette filter plugs as filtering materials. Cellulose acetate fiber modification can be achieved by etching with a gas phase etchant or a liquid phase etchant comprising hydrogen peroxide. Modification of cellulose acetate fibers may be performed at various stages during the manufacture of cigarette filter plugs. Furthermore, cigarette filter plugs containing modified cellulose acetate fibers can also have spaced apart slits along the length of the cigarette filter plugs.

Abstract: Smoking articles which involve the use of amphiphile-modified sorbents are disclosed. The amphiphile-modified sorbent has at least one amphiphilic compound bound to an inorganic molecular sieve substrate. The amphiphile-modified sorbent selectively removes certain constituents from cigarette smoke, while maintaining other constituents, such as those that contribute to flavor. Methods for making cigarette filters and smoking articles using amphiphile-modified sorbents, as well as methods for smoking a cigarette containing an amphiphile-modified sorbent, are also provided.

Abstract: Highly cohesive composite materials, formed of at least one polymer and at least one compound selected from among the mineral oxides, silicoaluminates and activated carbon, have: a number median particle size of at least 150 ?m; a pore volume (Vd1), constituted of pores of diameter ranging from 3.6 to 1000 nm, of at least 0.4 cm3/g; and a cohesion index CIN, equal to the ratio (number median particle size after an air pressure stress of 4 bar)/(number median particle size without air pressure stress (0 bar)), greater than 0.40. Such composite materials are useful, e.g., as liquid supports, catalyst supports, additives or for liquid or gas filtration, in particular in cigarette filters.

Abstract: Fibrous structures composed of electrostatically prepared polysaccharide micro- and nanofibers are described which contain active agents such as drugs and/or flavorants encapsulated within the structures. When exposed to moisture, the structures are disrupted and the active agent rapidly released. The fibrous structures containing active agents such as flavorants can be incorporated into smoking articles which, when smoked, release the flavorants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cigarette mainstream smoke component adsorbent including particulate activated carbon, and a glucan film supported by the particulate activated carbon. Also, the present invention provides a cigarette filter including the cigarette mainstream smoke component adsorbent.

Abstract: Disclosed are filter elements constructed of a filter support material coated with an acetoacetate-functional polymeric composition that reacts with and removes aldehydes, especially formaldehyde, present in gases such as air. Also disclosed are methods for the removal of aldehydes utilizing the coated filter support materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to the role of Acr-DNA adducts in p53 mutagenesis in CS-related lung cancer. The distribution of Acr-DNA adducts was mapped at the sequence level in the p53 gene of lung cells using the UvrABC incision method in combination with ligation-mediated PCR. It was determined that Acr preferentially binds at methylated CpG sites. Also, Acr can greatly reduce the DNA repair capacity for damage induced by benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide. Together these results suggest that Acr is a major etiological agent for CS-related lung cancer and that it contributes to lung carcinogenesis through DNA damage and inhibition of DNA repair. Methods and compositions are provided for either removing an exogenous toxic agent from a combustion product or for preventing the toxic or mutagenic effect of these toxic agents on cells and tissues. Methods are also provided for screening for candidate compounds that protect cells from toxic combustion products.

Abstract: A smoking cessation device is provided. The smoking cessation device includes a dispensing member comprising porous plastic defining a matrix of an internal network of passages in communication with pores on the exterior of the device. The device is preferably sized and structured like a cigarette or other combustible smoking device. Residing within the matrix is a dispensate extractable therefrom upon exposure to a fluid. In one form the dispensate may be a tobacco derivative including one or more of nicotine, tobacco flavoring, menthol, vitamins, minerals, therapeutic agents, and/or additional flavoring.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to obtain filter tows or filtering materials for manufacturing filters for smoking products which make it possible to prevent or at least reduce health risks due to the release of the filter components and external contamination of cigarettes by filter components. According to the invention, a filter element is manufactured of starch and/or a mixture of a starch-based polymer and eventually incorporated activated-carbon layers and provided with pores and/or channels. The filter particles eventually adherent to such filtering materials or released during cigarette smoking can be dissolved in a corresponding moisture-containing environment. They do not come into consideration for health-damaging effects.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter (10) can comprise a spiral core (11) of impermeable or semi-permeable material. A filter spiral core (11) is surrounded by filter material (12) such as cellulose acetate and wrapped in paper (13).

Abstract: Composite materials having high cohesive strength, formed from at least one polymer and from at least one compound selected from among mineral oxides, aluminosilicates and active carbon, are characterized by a mean particle size of at least 100 mm, a pore volume (Vd1) formed by pores having a diameter ranging from 3.6 to 1,000 nm, equal to at least 0.2 cm3/g, a cohesive strength such that its content of particles having a size of less than 100 mm, obtained after being subjected to an air pressure of 2 bar, of less than 1.5%, preferably 0.0%, by volume; such composite materials are formed into useful liquid supports, catalyst supports, additives, or liquid or gas filters, in particular into cigarette filters.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a polymer blend of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), wherein the poly(vinylacetate) is present in an amount ranging between about 20 wt % and about 80 wt %, and poly(acrylic acid) is present in an amount ranging between about 80 wt % and about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the blend. In another embodiment is provided a fiber produced from this polymer blend, and which has cells therein. In another embodiment is provided a flavorant release material comprising the porous fiber disclosed herein, and one or more flavorants disposed in a longitudinally extending core within the fiber. In another embodiment is provided a polymer fiber membrane containing a hollow, porous fiber formed from the polymer blend disclosed herein. In another embodiment is provided a filter containing the fiber described herein.

Abstract: A degradable cigarette filter includes a filter element of a bloomed cellulose acetate tow, a plug wrap surrounding the filter element, and either a coating or a pill in contact with the tow. The coating and/or pill may be composed of a material adapted to catalyze hydrolysis of the cellulose acetate tow and a water-soluble matrix material. The material may be an acid, an acid salt, a base, and/or a bacterium adapted to generate an acid. The coating may be applied to the tow, the plug wrap, or both. The pill may be placed in the filter element. When water contacts the water-soluble matrix material, the material adapted to catalyze hydrolysis is released and catalyzes the hydrolysis, and subsequent degradation, of the cellulose acetate tow. The foregoing is also applicable to articles made of cellulose esters.

Abstract: Improved filters useful for tobacco products, such as cigarettes, and novel cigarettes having such filters are disclosed. The filters include adsorbents such as activated carbon which reduce amounts of one or more gas phase constituents of mainstream tobacco smoke. The adsorbents are treated with off-taste suppressants which reduce the off-taste associated with adsorbent containing filters and substantially restore the taste normally associated with tobacco smoke.

Abstract: A porous carbon material suitable for incorporation in smoke filters for cigarettes has a BET surface area of at least 800 m2/g and a pore structure that includes mesopores and micropores. The pore volume (as measured by nitrogen adsorption) is at least 0.9 cm3/g and from 15 to 65% of the pore volume is in mesopores. The pore structure of the material provides a bulk density generally less than 0.5 g/cc. The material may be produced by carbonising and activating organic resins and may be in the form of beads for ease of handling.

Abstract: Biodegradable cigarette filters comprise shaped fiber of PHBV. Included among these fiber shapes in cross section are Y, V, C, Triad, 4-DG and JC shapes. The shaped fibers may include micro cavities with adsorbents and/or flavorants in the cavities.