CONTROLLED RELEASE ACTIVE MATERIALS FOR ORAL PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF PREPARING THE SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/730,010, filed on Dec. 10, 2024. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to oral products, and more specifically, to oral products including controlled release active materials and to methods of using and forming the same.

Description of Related Art

Oral nicotine products are available in a variety of formats, including, for example, gums, sprays, lozenges, dissolvable tablets, non-dissolvable chews, films, gels, capsules, sticks (for example, coated wooden dowels and/or singular dissolvable sticks), and pouches (for example, containing fibers or granules). Oral products may have selected nicotine levels to create familiar experiences for adult tobacco consumers.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to a method for encapsulating an active material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may include contacting an absorbing matrix material with a solution to impregnate the absorbing matrix material with an active material, where the solution includes the active material and a solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may be a dry powder having a moisture level less than or equal to about 5%.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may include soaking the absorbing matrix material in the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may further include, during the soaking, applying a mixing force to the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material to remove the solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying may include transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may be a first impregnation, the solution may be a first solution, and the method may further include transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluid bed for a second impregnation, where the fluid bed includes a second solution. The second impregnation may include fluidized bed impregnation.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, after the second impregnation, drying the twice impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may include spraying the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material may include a first spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include a second spraying of the solution on the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material between the first spraying and the second spraying.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, before the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material, transferring the absorbing matrix material into a fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed to remove the solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, before the transferring of the absorbing matrix material to the fluidized bed, contacting a hydrogel forming ingredient to the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the hydrogel forming ingredient may include Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the active material may include a sweetener, a flavorant, a bio-active, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include sucralose, neotame, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may include an inert filler.

In at least one example embodiment, the inert filler may include microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, or a combination the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide.

In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent of the active material.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides another method of making an oral product.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may include encapsulating an active material to form an encapsulated active material and adding the encapsulated active material to a precursor oral product. The encapsulating may include contacting an absorbing matrix material with a solution to impregnate the absorbing matrix material with an active material, where the solution includes the active material and a solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may include a dry powder having a moisture level less than or equal to about 5%.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may include soaking the absorbing matrix material in the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may further include, during the soaking, applying a mixing force to the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material to remove the solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying may include transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may be a first impregnation, the solution may be a first solution, and the method may further include transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluid bed for a second impregnation, where the fluid bed includes a second solution, and the second impregnation includes fluidized bed impregnation.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, after the second impregnation, drying the twice impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may include spraying the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material mya be a first spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include a second spraying of the solution on the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material between the first spraying and the second spraying.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, before the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material, transferring the absorbing matrix material into a fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed to remove the solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, before the transferring of the absorbing matrix material to the fluidized bed, contacting a hydrogel forming ingredient to the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the hydrogel forming ingredient may include Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the active material may include a sweetener, a flavorant, a bio-active, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include sucralose, neotame, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may include an inert filler.

In at least one example embodiment, the filler may include microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, or a combination the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide.

In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent of the active material.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a gum, and the adding the encapsulated active material may include combining the encapsulated active material with a gum matrix.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides an encapsulated active material.

In at least one example embodiment, the encapsulated active material may include an absorbing matrix material and an active material absorbed in the matrix material.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides an oral product including an encapsulated active material.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an encapsulated active material and an oral product matrix material. The encapsulated active material may include an absorbing matrix material and an active material absorbed in the matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product matrix material may include a gum composition.

At least one example embodiment relates to a method for encapsulating an active material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may include contacting an absorbing matrix material with a solution, where the solution includes the active material and a solvent, to impregnate the absorbing matrix material with the active material.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may be a dry powder having a moisture level less than or equal to about 5%.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may include soaking the absorbing matrix material in the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may further include, during the soaking, applying a mixing force to the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material to remove the solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying may include transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may be a first impregnation, the solution may be a first solution, and the method may further include transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluid bed for a second impregnation. The fluid bed may include a second solution. The second impregnation may include fluidized bed impregnation.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, after the second impregnation, drying the twice impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting may include spraying the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material may be a first spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include a second spraying of the solution on the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matric material between the first spraying and the second spraying.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, before the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material, transferring the absorbing matrix material into a fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed to remove the solvent.

In at least one example embodiment, the method may further include, before the transferring of the absorbing matrix material to the fluidized bed, contacting a hydrogel forming ingredient to the solution.

In at least one example embodiment, the hydrogel forming ingredient may include Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the active material may include a sweetener, a flavorant, a bio-active, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include sucralose, neotame, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may include an inert filler. The inert filler may include microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, or a combination of the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide.

In at least one example embodiment, the solution may include greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent of the active material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having a circular shaped cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having an oval shaped cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having a rectangular shaped cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having an elongated rectangular shaped cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having a lens or football shaped cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having a boomerang shaped cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having a shield shaped cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having a pillow or cushion shape in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum having a wedge shape in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example chewing gum having a coating in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating another example method for preparing an oral product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a pouch product in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for the purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or groups thereof.

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value includes a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when the terms “generally” or “substantially” are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, regardless of whether numerical values or shapes are modified as “about,” “generally,” or “substantially,” it will be understood that these values and shapes should be construed as including a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical values or shapes.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The present disclosure relates to oral products, and more specifically, to oral products including controlled release active materials, and to methods of using and forming the same.

The oral product may include, for example, loose material (e.g., loose cellulosic material), shaped material (e.g., plugs or twists), pouched material, tablets, lozenges, chews, gums, films, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include oral tobacco product, an oral non-tobacco product, an oral Cannabis product, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include chewing tobacco, snus, moist snuff tobacco, dry snuff tobacco, other smokeless tobacco products for oral consumption, non-tobacco products for oral consumption, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, for example, when the oral product includes an oral tobacco product that includes a smokeless tobacco product, the smokeless tobacco product may include tobacco that is whole, shredded, cut, granulated, reconstituted, cured, aged, fermented, pasteurized, or otherwise processed. For example, tobacco may be present as whole or portions of leaves, flowers, roots, stems, extracts (e.g., nicotine), or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a tobacco extract, such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract and/or synthetic nicotine. The oral product may include the tobacco-derived nicotine extract and/or synthetic nicotine alone or in combination with a carrier. The carrier may be a non-tobacco material (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) or a tobacco material (e.g., tobacco fibers having reduced or eliminated nicotine content, which may be referred to as “exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers”). In at least one example embodiment, the exhausted tobacco plant tissue or fibers may be treated to remove at least 25% (e.g., at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) of the nicotine. The tobacco plant tissue may be, for example, washed with water or another solvent to remove the nicotine.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include nicotine, a nicotine derivative, or a combination of the nicotine and the nicotine derivative. For example, the oral product may include a complex of nicotine or a salt of nicotine. The complex of nicotine may include, for example, nicotine polacrilex. The salt of nicotine may include, for example, nitrate, monotartrate, bitartrate, bitartrate dihydrate, salicylate, sulfate or bisulfate, phosphate or acid phosphate, acetate, lactate, succinate, maleate, fumarate, gluconate, saccharate, benzoate, methanesulfonate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine, the nicotine derivative, or the combination of the nicotine and the nicotine derivative in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 milligram (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 milligram, greater than or equal to about 2 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 4 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 6 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 8 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 12 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 14 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 16 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 18 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 20 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 22 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine, the nicotine derivative, or the combination of the nicotine and the nicotine derivative in an amount less than or equal to about 24 milligrams (e.g., less than or equal to about 22 milligrams, less than or equal to about 20 milligrams, less than or equal to about 18 milligrams, less than or equal to about 16 milligrams, less than or equal to about 14 milligrams, less than or equal to about 12 milligrams, less than or equal to about 10 milligrams, less than or equal to about 8 milligrams, less than or equal to about 6 milligrams, less than or equal to about 4 milligrams, less than or equal to about 2 milligrams, or less than or equal to about 1 milligram). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nicotine, the nicotine derivative, or the combination of the nicotine and the nicotine derivative in an amount ranging from about 0.1 milligram to about 24 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.1 to less than or equal to about 14 milligrams or greater than or equal to about 3 milligrams to less than or equal to about 8 milligrams).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a Cannabis material, such as Cannabis plant tissue, Cannabis extracts, or a combination of the Cannabis plant tissue and the Cannabis extracts. The Cannabis material may include, for example, leaf material and/or flower material from one or more species of Cannabis plants. The Cannabis material may include, for example, Cannabis extracts from the one or more species of Cannabis plants. The one or more species of Cannabis plants may include, for example, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the Cannabis material may include fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the Cannabis material may include a cannabinoid, a terpene, a flavonoid, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the Cannabis material may include a Cannabis-derived Cannabis material, such as a Cannabis-derived cannabinoid, a Cannabis-derived terpene, a Cannabis-derived flavonoid, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more compounds or elements or components such as a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a sensate or chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier (or pH adjustor), a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, a carrier, an oil, a base polymer, a masking agent, one or more additives, an effervescent, a permeation enhancer, a buccal-adhesive polymer, a saliva-absorbing polymer, a viscosity-modifier, a absorbent, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof. It should be appreciated that a single compound or element or component may belong to more than one of the above noted categories.

As used herein, “mouth-soluble” means that the polymer experiences significant disintegration when exposed to saliva within an oral cavity of an adult consumer over a period of, for example, about four hours. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble polymer disintegrates when exposed to saliva having a normal human body temperature (i.e., 98.6° F.) for a period of less than or equal to about an hour (e.g., less than or equal to about 30 minutes, less than or equal to about 15 minutes, less than or equal to about 10 minutes, or less than or equal to about 5 minutes).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a mouth soluble polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a mouth soluble polymer. The mouth-soluble polymer may include, for example, a cellulosic polymer, a natural polymer, a seaweed-derived polymer, a microbial-derived polymer, an extract, an exudate, a synthetic polymer, or any combination thereof. Other useful mouth-soluble polymers are known in the art, for example, see Krochta et al., Food Technology (1997) at 51:61-74; Glicksman Food Hydrocolloids CRC 1982; Krochta Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality Technomic 1994; Industrial Gums Academic 1993; and/or Nussinovitch Water-Soluble Polymer Applications in Foods Blackwell Science 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In at least one example embodiment, the cellulosic polymer may include, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the natural polymer may include, for example, a starch, a modified starch, konjac, collagen, inulin, soy protein, whey protein, casein, wheat gluten, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the seaweed-derived polymer may include, for example, a carrageenan, an alginate, or a combination of a carrageenan and an alginate. In at least one example embodiment, the carrageenan may include, for example, kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, lambda carrageenan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the alginate may include, for example, propylene glycol alginate. In at least one example embodiment, the microbial-derived polymer may include, for example, xanthan, dextran, pullulan, curdlan, gellan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the extract may include, for example, locust bean gum, guar gum, tara gum, gum tragacanth, pectin (e.g., low methoxy and amidated), agar, zein, karaya, gelatin, psyllium seed, chitin, chitosan, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the exudate may include, for example, gum acacia (arabic), shellac, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the synthetic polymer may include, for example, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, “mouth stable” means that the polymer does not appreciably dissolve or disintegrate when exposed to saliva at the normal human body temperature (e.g., 98.6° F.) over a period of, for example, about one hour. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer includes a biodegradable polymer that is configured to break down over a period of days, weeks, months, or years but does not appreciably break down when held in an oral cavity and exposed to saliva for a period of about one hour. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer is stable within an oral cavity and exposed to saliva at the normal human body temperature for a period of greater than or equal to about 2 hours (e.g., greater than or equal to about 6 hours, greater than or equal to about 12 hours, greater than or equal to about 1 day, or greater than or equal to about 2 days). Accordingly, an oral product including a mouth-stable polymer according to at least one example embodiment is configured to remain intact when placed in an adult consumer's mouth. After a period of time, the mouth-stable polymer and any other mouth-stable elements may be removed from the adult consumer's mouth and discarded.

The mouth-stable polymer may be biocompatible and biostable. The mouth-stable polymer may generally be recognized as safe and in compliance with applicable food-contact regulations by an appropriate regulatory agency (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)). In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may have a flexural modulus of greater than or equal to about 5 MPa (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10 MPa) when tested according to ASTM Testing Method D790 or ISO 178 at 23° C.

In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include, for example, a polyurethane, a silicone, a polyester, a polyacrylate, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polyetheramide, a polystyrene, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyvinyl chloride, a polybutyl acetate, a butyl rubber, poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS), poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS), any copolymer thereof, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer includes, for example, a food-grade or medical-grade polymer, such as medical-grade polyurethane.

In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include, for example, a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may include a thermoplastic elastomer. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may include a thermoplastic elastomer meeting the requirements of the FDA-modified ISO 10993, Part 1 “Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices” tests with human tissue contact time of 30 days or less. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-stable polymer may have a shore Hardness of 50D or softer, a melt flow index of about 3 g/10 min at 200° C./10 kg, a tensile strength of greater than or equal to about 10 MPa (using ISO 37), and/or an ultimate elongation of less than about 100% (using ISO 37).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a sweetener. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a sweetener. The sweetener may include, for example, a synthetic sweetener, a natural sweetener, or a combination of a synthetic sweetener and a natural sweetener. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an encapsulated sweetener.

In at least one example embodiment, the natural sweetener may include, for example, a sugar such as monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a polysaccharide, or any combination thereof. The natural sweetener may include, for example, sucrose, honey, a mixture of low-molecular-weight sugars excluding sucrose, glucose (i.e., grape sugar, corn sugar, dextrose), molasses, corn sweetener, glucose syrup (i.e., corn syrup), fructose (i.e., fruit sugar), lactose (i.e., milk sugar), maltose (i.e., malt sugar, maltobiose), sorghum syrup, fruit juice concentrate, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include a sugar alcohol. The sugar alcohol may include, for example, ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fucitol, iditol, inositol, volemitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriitol, maltotetraitol, polyglycitol, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include a non-nutritive sweetener. The non-nutritive sweetener may include, for example, stevia, saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sweetener in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sweetener in an amount less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sweetener in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 40 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an energizing agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an energizing agent. The energizing agent may include, for example, caffeine, taurine, citicoline, glucaronalactone, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, guarana, or any combination thereof. The caffeine may include, for example, synthetic caffeine, natural caffeine, or a combination of synthetic caffeine and natural caffeine.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams (e.g., greater than or equal to about 25 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 50 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 75 milligrams, greater than or equal to about 100 milligrams, or greater than or equal to about 150 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in an amount less than or equal to about 200 milligrams (e.g., less than or equal to about 150 milligrams, less than or equal to about 100 milligrams, less than or equal to about 75 milligrams, less than or equal to about 50 milligrams, or less than or equal to about 25 milligrams). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount greater than or equal to about 10 milligrams to less than or equal to about 200 milligrams.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g. greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the energizing agent (for example, the caffeine) in amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent.

As used herein, “soothing agents” are those selected to provide a soothing sensation to the throat and/or oral cavity of an adult consumer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a soothing agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a soothing agent. The soothing agent may include, for example, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, theanine, melatonin, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the soothing agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the soothing agent in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the soothing agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a focusing agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a focusing agent. The focusing agent may include, for example, ginkgo biloba.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the focusing agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.2 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the focusing agent in an amount less than or equal to about 40 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the focusing agent in an amount ranging from about 0.2 weight percent to about 40 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a plasticizer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a plasticizer. The plasticizer may include, for example, a triglyceride (e.g., long, medium, and/or short chain), triacetin, propylene glycol, glycerin, vegetable oil, a phthalate, an ester of a polycarboxylic acid with a linear or branched aliphatic alcohol of moderate chain length, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the plasticizer may be present in addition to triglycerides and/or other oils in the liquid mixture.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the plasticizer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the plasticizer in an amount less than or equal to about 35 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the plasticizer in an amount ranging from about 0.5 weight percent to about 35 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a mouth-soluble fiber. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a mouth-soluble fiber. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers may include maltodextrin, psyllium, starch, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-soluble fibers include soluble dietary fibers. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include partially soluble fibers, such as sugar beet fibers.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mouth-soluble fiber in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 60 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 75 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 80 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 85 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mouth-soluble fiber in an amount less than or equal to about 90 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 85 weight percent, less than or equal to about 80 weight percent, less than or equal to about 75 weight percent, less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, less than or equal to about 65 weight percent, less than or equal to about 60 weight percent, less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 35 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mouth-soluble fiber in an amount ranging from about 1 weight percent to about 90 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of minerals in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and/or vegetables. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include minerals in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and/or vegetables. The minerals may include, for example, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, potassium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, and any combination thereof.

The amount of minerals incorporated into the oral product for adult human consumption can vary according to the type of mineral and the intended adult consumer. The amount of minerals may be formulated to include an amount less than or equal to the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowances.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mineral in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 26 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 28 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mineral in an amount less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 2 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the mineral in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of vitamins in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and/or vegetables. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more vitamins in addition to any that may be present due to the inclusion, for example, of fruits and/or vegetables. The one or more additional vitamins may include, for example, vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (cholecalciferol), vitamin E group, vitamin K group (phylloquinones and menaquinones), thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, niacinamide, pyridoxine (vitamin B6 group), folic acid, choline, inositol, vitamin B12 (cobalamins), PABA (para aminobezoic acid), biotin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and any combination thereof.

The amount of vitamins may be chosen so as to provide an amount less than or equal to the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowances.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include, for example, the vitamin in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 20 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 22 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 24 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 26 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 28 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include, for example, the vitamin in an amount less than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, less than or equal to about 26 weight percent, less than or equal to about 24 weight percent, less than or equal to about 22 weight percent, less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 2 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the vitamin in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent.

As used herein, the term “nutraceuticals” refers to any ingredient in foods that has a beneficial effect on human health. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of nutraceuticals. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a nutraceutical. The nutraceutical may include, for example, particular compounds and/or compositions isolated from natural food sources and/or genetically modified food sources. The nutraceutical may include, for example, phytonutrients derived from natural plants and/or genetically engineered plants.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nutraceutical in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nutraceutical in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the nutraceutical in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a coloring agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a coloring agent. The coloring agent may include a natural colorant, an artificial colorant, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the coloring agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the coloring agent in an amount less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the coloring agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a sensate or chemesthesis agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a sensate or chemesthesis agent. The sensate or chemesthesis agent may include any soothing, cooling, and/or warming agent. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent may include, for example, mint, menthol, cinnamon, pepper, jambu, capsaicin, pipeline, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, (8)-gingerole, menthol, menthyl lactate, WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-isopropyl N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), Evercool 180™ (available from Givaudan SA), or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent includes, for example, capsaicin, pipeline, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, (8)-gingerole, or any combination thereof, which are selected to provide a warm, tingling or burning sensation. In at least one example embodiment, the sensate or chemesthesis agent may include, for example, menthol, menthyl lactate, WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-isopropyl N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), Evercool 180™ (available from Givaudan SA), or any combination thereof, which are selected to provide a cooling sensation.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sensate or chemesthesis agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sensate or chemesthesis agent in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the sensate or chemesthesis agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an amino acid. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an amino acid. The amino acid may include, for example, the eight essential amino acids that cannot be biosynthetically produced in humans, including valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine, or any combination thereof. The amino acid may include, for example, non-essential amino acids, such as alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, tyrosine, and any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the amino acid in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the amino acid in an amount less than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the amino acid in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an antioxidant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an antioxidant. The antioxidant includes, for example, tocopherol derivative, ascorbic acid, an ascorbic acid derivative (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the antioxidant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the antioxidant in an amount less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 7.5 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a surfactant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a surfactant. The surfactant may include, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Tween 20, Tween 80, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), benzalkonium chloride, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan trioleate, Pluronic F68, Pluronic F127, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 1500, polyethylene glycol 4000, polyethylene glycol 6000, sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate, sodium taurocholate, sodium taurodeoxycholate, bile salts, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), remophor EL, Cremophor RH40, Labrasol, Lauroglycol FCC, glycerol monostearate, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl tristearate, PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, caprylocaproyl macrogolglycerides, caprylyl/Capryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, tetraoleate sorbitan, tetraoleate sorbitol, tetraoleate mannitol, tetraoleate sucrose, tetraoleate polyglyceryl, ethoxylated castor oil, oleic acid, caprylic/capric triglyceride, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), isopropyl myristate, polyglyceryl oleate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, propylene glycol laurate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, sodium oleate, sodium stearate, sodium palmitate, sodium cocoate, sodium caprylate, sodium laurate, sodium myristate, sodium caprate, sodium octanoate, sodium linoleate, sodium ricinoleate, oleoyl polyoxyl-6 glycerides, stearoyl polyoxyl-6 glycerides, oleic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, linoleic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, linolenic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, palmitic acid polyoxyl-6 glycerides, glycereth cocoate, glycereth laurate, glycereth stearate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl laurate, glycereth palmitostearate, glycereth-26, glyceryl caprylate/caprate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, isostearyl alcohol, sodium stearyl fumarate, sodium stearyl lactate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS), sulfobetaine surfactants, phospholipids, poloxamine surfactants, poloxamers, lecithin, sodium docusate, slliphor RH40, vitamin E TPGS, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the surfactant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the surfactant in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the surfactant in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a pH modifier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a pH modifier. The pH modifier may include, for example, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the pH modifier in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the pH modifier in an amount less than or equal to about 2 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the pH modifier in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to 2 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a wax. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a wax. The wax may include, for example, paraffin, microcrystalline wax, or both paraffin and microcrystalline wax.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the wax in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the wax in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the wax in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a lubricant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a lubricant. The lubricant may include, for example, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, stearic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), talc, silicon dioxide, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-4000, PEG-6000, PEG-8000, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), ethyl cellulose, cetyl alcohol, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the lubricant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the lubricant in an amount less than or equal to about 7.5 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the lubricant in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 7.5 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a filler. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a filler. The filler may be configured to alter a texture or pliability of the oral product. The filler may include mouth-soluble elements, mouth-insoluble elements, or both mouth-soluble and mouth-insoluble elements. Mouth-soluble elements may be configured to dissolve or disintegrate when in an adult consumer's mouth so as to render the oral product more pliable. The filler may include, for example, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, a clay, silica, glass particles, glyceryl palmitostearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, certain other compounds or elements or components, including, for example, mouth-soluble fibers, sweeteners, minerals, as described, may be classified as fillers. For example, in at least one example embodiment, cellulosic materials may be present in the oral product as fillers in addition to or as an alternative to being carriers for the liquid mixture.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the filler in an amount less than or equal to 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to 15 weight percent, less than or equal to 10 weight percent, less than or equal to 9 weight percent, less than or equal to 8 weight percent, less than or equal to 7 weight percent, less than or equal to 6 weight percent, less than or equal to 5 weight percent, less than or equal to 4 weight percent, less than or equal to 3 weight percent, less than or equal to 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the filler in an amount greater than or equal to about 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the filler in an amount ranging from 0 weight percent to about 8 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a flavorant. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an encapsulated flavorant. The flavorant may be natural or artificial. The flavorant may include, for example, a fruit flavorant (e.g., bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, and/or orange), a liquor or liqueur flavorant (e.g., bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey, and/or DRAMBUIE brand liqueur), a mint flavorant (e.g., Japanese mint, menthol, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, and/or mint oils from a species of the genus Mentha), a floral flavorant (e.g., geranium, lavender, and/or rose), a spice, an herb, or another botanical or botanical-derived flavorant (e.g., anise, apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, cocoa, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, and/or ylang-ylang), honey essence, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the flavorant includes bergamot, berry, cherry, lemon, orange, bourbon, cognac, scotch, whiskey,, anise, apium graveolens, caraway, cardamom, cascarilla, cassia, cinnamon, chamomile, clove, coffee, coriander, fennel, ginger, jasmine, licorice, nutmeg, pimenta, sage, sandalwood vanilla, ylang-ylang, honey essence, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the flavorant in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the flavorant in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.01 weight percent to about 20 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a carrier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a carrier. The carrier may include a liquid carrier. The liquid carrier may include, for example, water, propylene, glycol, glycerin, ethanol, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the carrier in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 16 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 18 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the carrier in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 18 weight percent, less than or equal to about 16 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the carrier in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an oil. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an oil. The oil may include, for example, a triglyceride, triacetin, a flavor oil, or any combination thereof. The flavor oil may be or may include a flavorant.

An amount of oil may be selected to achieved a desired texture and/or softness. For example, the softness of the oral product may be increased as an amount of the oil in the oral product increases. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include, for example, the oil in an amount greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 15 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include, for example, the oil in an amount less than or equal to about 20 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 8 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product maty include, for example, the oil in an amount ranging from about 8 weight percent to about 16 weight percent (e.g., about 10 weight percent to about 14 weight percent, about 11 weight percent to about 13 weight percent, or about 12 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a base polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a base polymer. The gum base polymer may include a single polymer or a combination of polymers. In at least one example embodiment, the base polymer includes a resin, an elastomer, or a combination of a resin and an elastomer. The resin may include, for example, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), glycerol esters of gum, terpene resins, or any combination thereof. The elastomer may include, for example, couma macrocarpa, loquat, tunu, jelutong, chicle, styrene butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the base polymer includes a natural latex, a vegetable gum (e.g., chicle), a spruce gum, a mastic gum, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the base polymer an amount greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 35 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 45 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 55 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the base polymer in an amount less than or equal to about 60 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 55 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 45 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 40 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the base polymer in an amount ranging from about 35 weight percent to about 55 weight percent (e.g., about 40 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, about 43 weight percent to about 47 weight percent, about 44 weight percent to about 46 weight percent, or about 45 weight percent).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an effervescent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an effervescent. The effervescent includes, for example, carbon dioxide, which may be embedded, for example, in a flavorant.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the effervescent in an amount greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the effervescent in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 2 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the effervescent in an amount ranging from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a permeation enhancer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a permeation enhancer. The permeation enhancer includes, for example, sodium caprate, sodium myristate, sorbitan laurate, palmitoyl carnitine, sorbitan laurate, lauroyl choline, sucrose palmitate, sodium fusidate, sodium taurodihydrofusidate, sodium deoxycholate, sodium glycodeoxycholate, sodium glycocholate, sodium taurocholate, medium chain glycerides, monohexanoin, phospholipids, sodium methoxysalicylate, salicylic acid, aspirin, cyclodextrins, menthol, benzalkonium chloride, azone, phenothiazines, soybean derivative glucosides, alpha-acid derivatives, zonula occluden toxin, nitric acid donors, poly-l-arginines, citicholine, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and its derivatives, polycarbophil and its derivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, glyceryl monolaurate, Brij-35, sodium lauryl sulfate, glyceryl monolaurate, polysorbate-80, lysophosphatidylcholine, polyethyleneglycol-8-laurate, laurenth-9, EDTA, disodium EDTA, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the permeation enhancer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the permeation enhancer in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the permeation enhancer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a buccal-adhesive polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a buccal-adhesive polymer. The buccal-adhesive polymer may include, for example, carbopol, chitosan, sodium alginate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(acrylic acid), polyethylene glycol (PEG), xanthan gum, gellan gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), eudragit, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), poly(acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate), poly(acrylic acid-co-ethylhexyl acrylate), poly(acrylic acid-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), poloxamers (pluronics), carrageenan, polyethyleneimine (PEI), glycerol monostearate (GMS), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) (PIBCA), poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA), poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(ortho esters), poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA), poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid) (PVM/MA), poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVA/PVAc), poly(acrylic acid-co-vinyl alcohol) (PAA/PVA), poly(acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid) (PAA/IA), poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(ethylene glycol diacetate) (PEGDAc), poly(acrylamide), poly(caprolactone) (PCL), poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylamide), poly(ethylene oxide-co-propylene oxide) (PEO/PPO), poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVP/VA), poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA/PE), poly(ethylene glycol-co-propylene glycol) (PEG/PPG), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(vinyl acetate-co-crotonic acid) (PVAc/CA), poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEHA), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl chloride) (PVAc/PVC), poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAA/MA), poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate-co-crotonic acid) (PVP/VA/CA), poly(caprolactam-co-ethylene oxide) (PCL/PEO), poly(ethylene glycol-co-vinyl alcohol) (PEG/PVA), poly(acrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PAA/HEMA), poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PEHA/MMA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PEGDA/MMA), poly(ethylene glycol-co-butylene glycol) (PEG/BG), poly(isobutylene-co-maleic anhydride) (PIMA), Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PE/VA), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-maleic anhydride) (PE/VA/MA), poly(ethylene oxide-co-terephthalate) (PEO/PT), poly(vinyl acetate-co-ethylene) (PVAc/PE), poly(ethylene glycol-co-vinyl acetate) (PEG/VA), poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PBMA), poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA), poly(vinyl alcohol-co-2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PVA/EOX), poly(acrylic acid-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PAA/NVP), poly(caprolactone-co-glycolide) (PCL/GA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-ethylene oxide) (PVAc/EO), poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethyl acrylate) (MAA/EA), poly(ethylene glycol-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PEG/PCL), poly(ethyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (EA/MAA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PVAc/EHA), poly(ethylene glycol diacetate-co-glyceryl monostearate) (PEGDA/GMS), poly(vinyl acetate-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVAc/NVP), poly(methacrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (MAA/HEMA), poly(caprolactone-co-ethylene oxide) (PCL/EO), or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the buccal-adhesive polymer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the buccal-adhesive polymer in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the buccal-adhesive polymer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a saliva-absorbing polymer. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a saliva-absorbing polymer. The saliva-absorbing polymer includes, for example, polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate, cellulose and its derivatives, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the saliva-absorbing polymer in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the saliva-absorbing polymer in an amount less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the saliva-absorbing polymer in an amount ranging from about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a viscosity-modifier. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a viscosity-modifier. The viscosity-modifier includes, for example, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, acacia gum, tragacanth gum, pectin, sodium alginate, gellan gum, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), carbopol, sodium starch glycolate (SSG), croscarmellose sodium, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), poloxamers (Pluronics), sodium hyaluronate, locust bean gum, tricalcium phosphate, silica, bentonite, magnesium aluminum silicate, stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl guar gum, polyacrylic acid (PAA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-VA), sodium alginate, gelatin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose-polyethylene oxide graft copolymer (CMC-PEO), sodium starch octenylsuccinate (SSOS), alginic acid, polydextrose, cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), ethylcellulose acetate (ECA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), polyacrylamide-co-acrylic acid (PAM/AA), poly(acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (PAA/MMA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-crotonic acid) (PVAc/CA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl alcohol) (PVAc/PVA), poly(vinyl acetate-co-vinyl laurate) (PVAc/VL), hydroxypropyl starch, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAA/MA), hydroxyethyl starch (HES), sodium polyacrylate-acrylamide copolymer, carrageenan-grafted acrylic acid, pectin-chitosan conjugate, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the viscosity-modifier in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the viscosity-modifier in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the viscosity-modifier in an amount ranging from about 0.05 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of an absorbent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include an absorbent. The absorbent includes, for example, silica gel, bentonite, zeolites, montmorillonite, talc, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, crosslinked polymers (e.g., crosslinked PVP), activated carbon, kaolin, attapulgite, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, porous silica, pectin, guar gum, acacia gum, sodium alginate, carrageenan, chitosan, cyclodextrins, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge, polyacrylate superabsorbents, polyethylene oxide (PEO), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), crosslinked polyacrylic acid (PAA), crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), crosslinked polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), calcium alginate, crosslinked dextran, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads, polyurethane foam, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel, chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol blend, cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), gelatin, hydrogel-based systems (e.g., polyacrylamide hydrogels), crosslinked alginate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), poly(acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (PAA/MMA), polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (PVP-VA), polyethylene glycol-co-vinyl acetate (PEG/VA), poly(acrylic acid-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PAA/HEMA), polyvinyl acetate-co-ethylene (PVAc/PE), or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the absorbent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 10 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 11 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 12 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 13 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 14 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the absorbent in an amount less than or equal to about 15 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 14 weight percent, less than or equal to about 13 weight percent, less than or equal to about 12 weight percent, less than or equal to about 11 weight percent, less than or equal to about 10 weight percent, less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the absorbent in an amount ranging from about 0.5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may be free of a taste masking agent. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a taste masking agent. The taste masking agent may include, for example, sucrose, fructose, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, stevia, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, anise oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, vanilla extract, citrus flavors (e.g., orange, lemon), fruit flavors (e.g., strawberry, cherry), lipid-based taste-masking coatings, cyclodextrins (e.g., β-cyclodextrin), gelatin, pectin, arabic gum, sodium alginate, chitosan, eudragit polymers, miracle fruit (synsepalum dulcificum) extract, gymnema sylvestre extract, L-glutamine, zinc salts, magnesium salts, tannins, monosodium glutamate (MSG), guanidine hydrochloride, lecithin, sucrose fatty acid esters, sodium lauryl sulfate, carrageenan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), acacia gum, cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylcellulose, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the taste masking agent in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 1 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 3 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 4 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 5 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 6 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 7 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 8 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 9 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the taste masking agent in an amount less than or equal to about 10 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 9 weight percent, less than or equal to about 8 weight percent, less than or equal to about 7 weight percent, less than or equal to about 6 weight percent, less than or equal to about 5 weight percent, less than or equal to about 4 weight percent, less than or equal to about 3 weight percent, less than or equal to about 2 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 1 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include the taste masking agent in an amount ranging from about 0.05 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.

The oral product may have various ranges of moisture. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a moisture content greater than or equal to 5 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to 10 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 15 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 20 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 25 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 30 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 35 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 40 percent by weight, greater than or equal to 45 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to 50 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a moisture content less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight (e.g. less than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 45 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 40 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 25 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 20 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 15 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a moisture content ranging from about 5 percent by weight to about 55 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 10 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 20 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 40 percent by weight to less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a dry oral product having a moisture content greater than or equal to about 5 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 6 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 7 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 8 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 9 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a dry oral product having a moisture content less than or equal to about 9 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 8 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 7 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 6 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a dry oral product having a moisture content ranging from about 5 percent by weight to about 10 percent by weight.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a medium moisture content greater than or equal to about 20 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 21 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 22 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 23 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 24 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 25 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 26 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 27 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 28 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 29 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 31 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 32 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 33 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 34 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a medium moisture content less than or equal to about 35 percent by weight (e.g., less than or equal to about 34 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 33 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 32 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 31 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 30 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 29 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 28 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 27 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 26 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 25 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 24 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 23 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 22 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 21 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a medium moisture content, such as a moisture content ranging from about 20 percent by weight to about 35 percent by weight.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a wet oral product having a moisture content greater than or equal to about 40 percent by weight (e.g., greater than or equal to about 41 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 42 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 43 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 44 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 45 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 46 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 47 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 48 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 49 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 51 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 52 percent by weight, greater than or equal to about 53 percent by weight, or greater than or equal to about 54 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a wet oral product having a moisture content less than or equal to about 55 percent by weight (e.g., less than or equal to about 54 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 53 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 52 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 51 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 50 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 49 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 48 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 47 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 46 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 45 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 44 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 43 percent by weight, less than or equal to about 42 percent by weight, or less than or equal to about 41 percent by weight). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a wet oral product having a moisture content ranging from about 40 percent by weight to about 55 percent by weight.

The oral product may be manufactured to have a variety of different sizes and/or shapes and/or configurations. The oral product may be sized and/or shaped and/or configured to be wholly received in an oral cavity of an adult consumer. The oral product may have, for example, an overall general oval shape, an overall general rounded shield shape, an overall general flat shield shape, an overall general elliptical shape, an overall general elongated elliptical shape, an overall general semi-circular shape, an overall general square shape, an overall general rounded-edge square shape, an overall general rectangular shape, an overall general elongated rectangular shape, an overall general rounded-edge rectangular shape, an overall general football shape, an overall general boomerang shape, an overall general teardrop shape, an overall general comma shape, an overall general bowtie shape, an overall general peanut shape, or any combination thereof. The oral product may have, for example, an overall general oval-shaped cross section, an overall general rectangular cross section, an overall general elongated rectangular cross section, an overall general lens or football shaped cross section, an overall general boomerang-shaped cross section, an overall general shield-shaped cross section, or any combination thereof. In each instance, for example, as further detailed below, the size and/or shape and/or configuration of the oral product may be selected to promote desired positioning of the oral product within the oral cavity and/or packaging. The size and/or shape and/or configuration of the oral product includes no sharp points or portions.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have dimensions ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 25 millimeters (e.g., about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters, about 1 millimeter to about 5 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters, about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, about 10 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, about 15 millimeters to about 20 millimeters, or about 20 millimeters to about 25 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a first dimension (e.g., smallest dimension or thickness) ranging from about 1 millimeter to about 10 millimeters (e.g., about 2.5 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, the oral product has a largest dimension (e.g., diameter, height, or width) ranging from about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters (e.g., about 12 millimeters).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may have a weight ranging from about 1 milligram to about 10 grams (e.g., greater than or equal to less than or equal to about 50 milligram to about 10 grams, greater than or equal to less than or equal to about 1 gram to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 4 grams, greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 3 grams greater than or equal to about 1 gram to less than or equal to about 2 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 4 grams, greater than or equal to about 2 grams to less than or equal to about 3 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 3 grams to less than or equal to about 4 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 4 grams to less than or equal to about 5 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 5 grams to less than or equal to about 6 grams, greater than or equal to about 6 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 6 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, greater than or equal to about 6 grams to less than or equal to about 7 grams, greater than or equal to about 7 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams, greater than or equal to about 7 grams to less than or equal to about 8 grams, or greater than or equal to about 8 grams to less than or equal to about 9 grams).

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes a uniform unitary structure. In at least one example embodiment, the oral product includes two or more continuous or distinct layers. The two or more layers may be separable or inseparable. Each of the two or more layers may have the same or different compositions. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the two or more layers may have different flavors, different amounts of active ingredients (e.g., nicotine or nicotine derivative including no nicotine or nicotine derivative), textures, softnesses, different release relates, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include two or more distinct portions or regions and/or one or more distinct patterns. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more first layers and one or more second layers disposed around or between or on the one or more first layers.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more binders adhering the one or more first layers and the one or more second layers and/or other layers. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more binders may include film-forming binders. The film-forming binders may include, for example, pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, SOLUPLUS®, starch, modified starch, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more coatings. The one or more coatings may include any of the described materials. Each of the one or more coatings may include the same or different compositions and structure. For example, in at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings may include a mouth-soluble polymer. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings may include a nicotine or a nicotine derivative. In at least one example embodiment, one of the one or more coatings may include a flavorant, a sweetener, or any combination thereof. The weight percentages described herein refer to an uncoated oral product or a body of a coated oral product.

Each of the one or more coatings may partially or fully surround a body of the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings may cover greater than or equal to about 5% of a total surface area of the body (e.g., greater than or equal to about 10%, greater than or equal to about 15%, greater than or equal to about 20%, greater than or equal to about 25%, greater than or equal to about 30%, greater than or equal to about 35%, greater than or equal to about 40%, greater than or equal to about 45%, greater than or equal to about 50%, greater than or equal to about 55%, greater than or equal to about 60%, greater than or equal to about 65%, greater than or equal to about 70%, greater than or equal to about 75%, greater than or equal to about 80%, greater than or equal to about 85%, greater than or equal to about 90%, greater than or equal to about 95%, greater than or equal to about 98%, greater than or equal to about 99%, greater than or equal to about 99.5%).

In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometers (e.g., greater than or equal to about 0.001 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.01 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 0.5 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 1 millimeters, greater than or equal to about 1.5 millimeters, or greater than or equal to about 2 millimeters). In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings may have an average thickness less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters (e.g., less than or equal to about 2,500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 2,000 micrometers, less than or equal to about 1,500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 1,000 micrometers, less than or equal to about 500 micrometers, less than or equal to about 100 micrometers, less than or equal to about 10 micrometers, or less than or equal to about 1 micrometer). In at least one example embodiment, each of the one or more coatings may have an average thickness greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometers to less than or equal to about 2.5 millimeters.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include one or more binders adhering the one or more coatings to the one or more regions or surfaces of the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more binders may include film-forming binders. The film-forming binders may include, for example, pectin, gelatin, sodium alginate, maltodextrin, pullulan, xanthan, gum acacia, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Kollicoat IR, Soluplus®, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a functional and/or decorative indicia. The indicia may include, for example, a trademark, a product name, an image, a flavor indicator, a decoration, a date, a product identifier, a manufacturer identifier, a lot number, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the indicia are embossed or debossed on an exterior surface of the oral product. In at least one example embodiment, the indicia are in the form of a dissolvable film on the exterior surface of the oral product.

In at least one example embodiment, the oral product may include a chewing gum. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum may be a controlled-release chewing gum.

In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum may define a thickness and a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the thickness, where the term thickness refers to the smallest dimension of the chewing gum. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum does not have a single smallest dimension, such as when the chewing gum has a substantially spherical shape or a substantially cube shape. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum may have a substantially uniform thickness. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum may have a non-uniform thickness.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5100 having a circular cross-section in accordance with at least one example embodiment.

In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include an absorbing matrix material and an active material. In at least one example embodiment, the active material may impregnate the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 66 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 67 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 68 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 69 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 70 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 71 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 72 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 73 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 74 weight percent) of the absorbing matrix material. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include less than or equal to about 75 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 74 weight percent, less than or equal to about 73 weight percent, less than or equal to about 72 weight percent, less than or equal to about 71 weight percent, less than or equal to about 70 weight percent, less than or equal to about 69 weight percent, less than or equal to about 68 weight percent, less than or equal to about 67 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 66 weight percent) of the absorbing matrix material. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include greater than or equal to about 65 weight percent to less than or equal to about 75 weight percent of the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 26 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 27 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 28 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 29 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 31 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 32 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 33 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 34 weight percent) of the active material. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include less than or equal to about 35 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 34 weight percent, less than or equal to about 33 weight percent, less than or equal to about 32 weight percent, less than or equal to about 31 weight percent, less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, less than or equal to about 29 weight percent, less than or equal to about 28 weight percent, less than or equal to about 27 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 26 weight percent) of the active material. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include greater than or equal to about 25 weight percent to less than or equal to about 35 weight percent of the active material.

In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may have a weight ratio of the absorbing matrix material to the active material of greater than or equal to about 1.9:1. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may have a weight ratio of the absorbing matrix material to the active material of less than or equal to about 3:1. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may have a weight ratio of the absorbing matrix material to the active material of greater than or equal to about 1.9:1 to less than or equal to about 3:1.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may have a high surface area to mass ratio.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may include a dry powder. The absorbing matrix material may include, for example, a dry powder having a moisture level of less than or equal to about 5% (e.g., less than or equal to about 4.5%, less than or equal to about 4%, less than or equal to about 3.5%, less than or equal to about 3%, less than or equal to about 2.5%, less than or equal to about 2%, less than or equal to about 1.5%, or less than or equal to about 1%). In at least one example embodiment, the comparatively low moisture level of the absorbing matrix material may help to stabilize the chewing gum 5100.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may include an inert filler. In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, gum karaya, gum arabic, konjac, gelatin, carrageenan, carboxy methyl cellulose, cellulose gums, silicon dioxide, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, gum karaya, gum arabic, konjac, gelatin, carrageenan, carboxy methyl cellulose, cellulose gums, silicon dioxide, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material may include microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, or a combination the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide. When the absorbing matrix material includes microcrystalline cellulose in combination with the colloidal silicon dioxide, the absorbing matrix material may have a surface area that is about 5 times greater than the surface area of the microcrystalline cellulose alone.

In at least one example embodiment, the active material may include a sweetener, a flavorant, a bio-active, or any combination thereof. The sweetener may include sweeteners like those detailed above. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the sweetener may include sucralose, neotame, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any combination thereof. The flavorant may include flavorants like those detailed above. The bio-active may include bio-actives like those detailed above. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the bio-active may include nicotine, caffeine, silicon dioxide, or any combination thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5100 may include one or more of the other materials detailed above. For example, in at least one example embodiment the chewing gum 5100 may include a mouth-stable polymer, a mouth-soluble polymer, a sweetener, an energizing agent, a soothing agent, a focusing agent, a plasticizer, mouth-soluble fibers, an alkaloid, a mineral, a vitamin, a dietary supplement, a nutraceutical, a coloring agent, an amino acid, a sensate or chemesthetic agent, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a food-grade emulsifier, a pH modifier (or pH adjustor), a botanical, a tooth-whitening agent, a therapeutic agent, a processing aid, a stearate, a wax, a stabilizer, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a preservative, a filler, a flavorant, flavor masking agents, a bitterness receptor site blocker, a receptor site enhancers, a carrier, an oil, a base polymer, a masking agent, one or more additives, an effervescent, a permeation enhancer, a buccal-adhesive polymer, a saliva-absorbing polymer, a viscosity-modifier, a absorbent, a taste masking agent, or any combination thereof. The other materials may be included with the active material or separated from the active material. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the other materials may impregnate the absorbing matrix material.

In at least one example embodiment, after being chewed by a consumer for about 10 minutes, less than 95 weight percent of the active material (e.g., less than 90 weight percent of the active material, less than 85 weight percent of the active material, or less than 80 weight percent of the active material) may be released from the chewing gum 5100.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5200 having an oval shaped cross-section.

The chewing gum 5200 illustrated in FIG. 2 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5200 has a substantially oval shaped cross-section. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially over shaped cross-section may be a substantially elliptical cross section.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5300 having a rectangular shaped cross-section.

The chewing gum 5300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5300 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially rectangular cross section may be a substantially square cross-section. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially rectangular cross-section may have rounded corners.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5400 having an elongated rectangular shaped cross-section.

The chewing gum 5400 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5400 has a substantially elongated rectangular shaped cross-section. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially elongated rectangular shaped cross-section may have rounded corners.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5500 having a lens or football shaped cross-section.

The chewing gum 5500 illustrated in FIG. 5 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5500 has a substantially lens or football shaped cross-section. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially lens or football shaped cross-section may have rounded corners.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5600 having a boomerang shaped cross-section.

The chewing gum 5600 illustrated in FIG. 6 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5600 has a substantially boomerang shaped cross-section. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially boomerang shaped cross-section may have rounded corners.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5700 having a shield shaped cross-section.

The chewing gum 5700 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5700 has a substantially shield shaped cross-section. In at least one example embodiment, the chewing gum 5700 may have reflection symmetry about a center plane. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially shield shaped cross-section may be a substantially triangular shaped cross section. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially shield shaped cross-section may have rounded corners.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5800 having a pillow or cushion shape.

The chewing gum 5800 illustrated in FIG. 8 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5800 has a substantially pillow or cushion shape. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially pillow or cushion shape may have rounded corners. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially pillow or cushion shape may be elongated.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example chewing gum 5900 having a wedge shape.

The chewing gum 5900 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the chewing gum 5800 has a substantially wedge shape. In at least one example embodiment, the substantially wedge shape may have rounded corners.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example chewing gum 6000 having a coating.

The chewing gum 6000 illustrated in FIG. 10 may be the same as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or the chewing gum 5200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and/or the chewing gum 5300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and/or the chewing gum 5400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and/or the chewing gum 5500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and/or the chewing gum 5600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and/or the chewing gum 5700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and/or the chewing gum 5800 illustrated in FIG. 8 and/or the chewing gum 5900 illustrated in FIG. 9 except that the chewing gum 6000 includes one or more coatings 5404 disposed on an outer surface 5406 of a body 5402 of the chewing gum 600.

In at least one example embodiment, the one or more coatings 5404 may include one or more of the other materials as introduced above. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more coatings 5404 may include a bio-active as introduced above. In at least one example embodiment, the one or more coatings 5404 may include a combination of the one or more of the other materials and the bio-active.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example method 1100 for forming the oral product, including, for example, the as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or the chewing gum 5200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and/or the chewing gum 5300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and/or the chewing gum 5400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and/or the chewing gum 5500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and/or the chewing gum 5600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and/or the chewing gum 5700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and/or the chewing gum 5800 illustrated in FIG. 8 and/or the chewing gum 5900 illustrated in FIG. 9 and/or the chewing gum 6000 illustrated in FIG. 10.

In at least one example embodiment, the method 1100 may include contacting S1130 an absorbing matrix material 1132 and a solution 1134 to impregnate the absorbing matrix material with the active material. The absorbing matrix material 1132 may be an absorbing matrix material such as detailed above. The solution 1134 may include an active material and a solvent. The active material may be an active material such as detailed above. The solvent may include water, ethanol, or a combination of water and ethanol.

In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may include the active material in an amount greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 32 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 34 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 36 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 38 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 42 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 44 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 46 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 48 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 52 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 54 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 56 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 58 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may include the active material in an amount less than or equal to about 60 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 58 weight percent, less than or equal to about 56 weight percent, less than or equal to about 54 weight percent, less than or equal to about 52 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 48 weight percent, less than or equal to about 46 weight percent, less than or equal to about 44 weight percent, less than or equal to about 42 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 38 weight percent, less than or equal to about 36 weight percent, less than or equal to about 34 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 32 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may include the active material in an amount greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may further include one or more of the other materials such as detailed above. In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may further include a hydrogel-forming ingredient. The hydrogel-forming ingredient may include, for example, Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may include an amount of the hydrogel-forming ingredient greater than or equal to 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to 0.1 weight percent, greater than or equal to 0.15 weight percent, greater than or equal to 0.2 weight percent, or greater than or equal to 0.25 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may include an amount of the hydrogel-forming ingredient less than or equal to about 0.3 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 0.25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the solution 1134 may include an amount of the hydrogel-forming ingredient greater than or equal to 0 weight percent to less than or equal to about 0.3 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting S1130 may include disposing the absorbing matrix material 1132 in the solution 1134. For example, the contacting S1130 may include soaking at least a portion of the absorbing matrix material 1132 in the solution 1134.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting S1130 may include applying a mixing force to the solution 1134. For example, the contacting S1130 may include applying a low shear mixing force.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting S1130 may include spraying the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132. In at least one example embodiment, the spraying may occur using a fluidized bed. For example, the contacting S1130 of the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132 may include transferring the absorbing matrix material 1132 to the fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132 may occur using an airflow greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute (e.g., greater than or equal to about 35 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 40 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 45 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 55 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 65 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 75 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 85 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 90 liters per minute, or greater than or equal to about 95 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132 may occur using an airflow less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute (e.g., less than or equal to about 95 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 90 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 85 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 75 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 65 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 55 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 45 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 40 liters per minute, or less than or equal to about 35 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132 may occur using an airflow greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute to less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute.

In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132 may occur at an inlet temperature greater than or equal to about 25° C. (e.g., greater than or equal to about 26° C., greater than or equal to about 27° C., greater than or equal to about 28° C., greater than or equal to about 29° C., greater than or equal to about 30° C., greater than or equal to about 31° C., greater than or equal to about 32° C., greater than or equal to about 33° C., or greater than or equal to about 34° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132 may occur at an inlet temperature less than or equal to about 35° C. (e.g., less than or equal to about 34° C., less than or equal to about 33° C., less than or equal to about 32° C., less than or equal to about 31° C., less than or equal to about 30° C., less than or equal to about 29° C., less than or equal to about 28° C., less than or equal to about 27° C., or less than or equal to about 26° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the solution 1134 onto the absorbing matrix material 1132 may occur at an inlet temperature greater than or equal to about 25° C. to less than or equal to about 35° C.

In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material 1132 may be contacted with the solution 1134 for a time period greater than or equal to about 50 minutes (e.g., greater than or equal to about 52 minutes, greater than or equal to about 54 minutes, greater than or equal to about 56 minutes, greater than or equal to about 58 minutes, greater than or equal to about 60 minutes, greater than or equal to about 62 minutes, greater than or equal to about 64 minutes, greater than or equal to about 66 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 68 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material 1132 may be contacted with the solution 1134 for a time period less than or equal to about 70 minutes (e.g., less than or equal to about 68 minutes, less than or equal to about 66 minutes, less than or equal to about 64 minutes, less than or equal to about 62 minutes, less than or equal to about 60 minutes, less than or equal to about 58 minutes, less than or equal to about 56 minutes, less than or equal to about 54 minutes, or less than or equal to about 52 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the absorbing matrix material 1132 may be contacted with the solution 1134 for a time period greater than or equal to about 50 minutes to less than or equal to about 70 minutes. In at least one example embodiment, when the solution 1134 is sprayed onto the absorbing matrix material 1132, the time period may include two or more spray on and two or more spray off, such that the solution 1134 is not constantly sprayed allowing some drying to occur between spraying cycles, where each spray cycle includes one spray on and one spray off.

In at least one example embodiment, the method 110 may further include drying S1140 the impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136. In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may include using a fluidized bed having a constant heated air flow such that the solvent is evaporated. In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may include transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 to the fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the heat airflow during the drying S1140 may be greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute (e.g., greater than or equal to about 40 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, or greater than or equal to about 90 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the heat airflow during the drying S1140 may be less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute (e.g., less than or equal to about 90 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, or less than or equal to about 40 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the heat airflow during the drying S1140 may be greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute to less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may occur at a temperature greater than or equal to about 25° C. (e.g., greater than or equal to about 30° C., greater than or equal to about 35° C., greater than or equal to about 40° C., greater than or equal to about 45° C., greater than or equal to about 50° C., or greater than or equal to about 55° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may occur at a temperature less than or equal to about 60° C. (e.g., less than or equal to about 55° C., less than or equal to about 50° C., less than or equal to about 45° C., less than or equal to about 40° C., less than or equal to about 35° C., or less than or equal to about 30° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may occur at a temperature greater than or equal to about 25° C. to less than or equal to about 60° C.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may occur for a time period greater than or equal to about 45 minutes (e.g., greater than or equal to about 46 minutes, greater than or equal to about 47 minutes, greater than or equal to about 48 minutes, greater than or equal to about 49 minutes, greater than or equal to about 50 minutes, greater than or equal to about 51 minutes, greater than or equal to about 52 minutes, greater than or equal to about 53 minutes, greater than or equal to about 54 minutes, greater than or equal to about 55 minutes, greater than or equal to about 56 minutes, greater than or equal to about 57 minutes, greater than or equal to about 58 minutes, greater than or equal to about 59 minutes, greater than or equal to about 60 minutes, greater than or equal to about 61 minutes, greater than or equal to about 62 minutes, greater than or equal to about 63 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 64 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may occur for a time period less than or equal to about 65 minutes (e.g., less than or equal to about 64 minutes, less than or equal to about 63 minutes, less than or equal to about 62 minutes, less than or equal to about 61 minutes, less than or equal to about 60 minutes, less than or equal to about 59 minutes, less than or equal to about 58 minutes, less than or equal to about 57 minutes, less than or equal to about 56 minutes, less than or equal to about 55 minutes, less than or equal to about 54 minutes, less than or equal to about 53 minutes, less than or equal to about 52 minutes, less than or equal to about 51 minutes, less than or equal to about 50 minutes, less than or equal to about 49 minutes, less than or equal to about 48 minutes, less than or equal to about 47 minutes, or less than or equal to about 46 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1140 may occur for a time period greater than or equal to about 45 minutes to less than or equal to about 65 minutes.

Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the method 1100 may include obtaining or preparing the absorbing matrix material 1132. Although not illustrated, it should be appreciated that, in various example embodiments, the method 1100 may include obtaining or preparing the solution 1134. In at least one example embodiment, the obtaining or preparing of the absorbing matrix material 1132 may occur simultaneous with or subsequent to the obtaining or preparing of the solution 1134. In at least one example embodiment, preparing the solution 1134 may include contacting the active material and the solvent. For example, the active material may be added to the solvent. In at least one example embodiment, the contacting of the active material and the solvent to prepare the solution 1134 may include applying a mixing force.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example method 1200 for forming the oral product, including, for example, the as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or the chewing gum 5200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and/or the chewing gum 5300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and/or the chewing gum 5400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and/or the chewing gum 5500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and/or the chewing gum 5600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and/or the chewing gum 5700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and/or the chewing gum 5800 illustrated in FIG. 8 and/or the chewing gum 5900 illustrated in FIG. 9 and/or the chewing gum 6000 illustrated in FIG. 10.

The method 1200 as illustrated in FIG. 12 may be the same as the method 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 except that the method 1200 includes a second impregnation. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the method 1200 may include, after the contacting S1130, contacting S1235 the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 and a second solution 1236. The second solution 1236 may be the same as or different from the first solution 1134. The second solution 1236 may include a second active material and a second solvent. The second active material may be an active material such as detailed above. The second active material of the second solution 1236 may be same as or different from the first active material of the first solution 1134. The second solvent may include water, ethanol, or a combination of water and ethanol. The second solvent of the second solution 1236 may be the same as or different from the first solvent of the first solution 1134.

In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may include the second active material in an amount greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to about 32 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 34 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 36 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 38 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 40 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 42 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 44 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 46 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 48 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 52 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 54 weight percent, greater than or equal to about 56 weight percent, or greater than or equal to about 58 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may include the second active material in an amount less than or equal to about 60 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 58 weight percent, less than or equal to about 56 weight percent, less than or equal to about 54 weight percent, less than or equal to about 52 weight percent, less than or equal to about 50 weight percent, less than or equal to about 48 weight percent, less than or equal to about 46 weight percent, less than or equal to about 44 weight percent, less than or equal to about 42 weight percent, less than or equal to about 40 weight percent, less than or equal to about 38 weight percent, less than or equal to about 36 weight percent, less than or equal to about 34 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 32 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may include the second active material in an amount greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may further include one or more of the other materials such as detailed above. In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may further include a second hydrogel-forming ingredient. The second hydrogel-forming ingredient may be the same as or different from the first hydrogel-forming ingredient. The second hydrogel-forming ingredient may include, for example, Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may include an amount of the second hydrogel-forming ingredient greater than or equal to 0 weight percent (e.g., greater than or equal to 0.05 weight percent, greater than or equal to 0.1 weight percent, greater than or equal to 0.15 weight percent, greater than or equal to 0.2 weight percent, or greater than or equal to 0.25 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may include an amount of the second hydrogel-forming ingredient less than or equal to about 0.3 weight percent (e.g., less than or equal to about 0.25 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.2 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.15 weight percent, less than or equal to about 0.1 weight percent, or less than or equal to about 0.05 weight percent). In at least one example embodiment, the second solution 1236 may include an amount of the second hydrogel-forming ingredient greater than or equal to 0 weight percent to less than or equal to about 0.3 weight percent.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting S1235 of the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 and the second solution 1236 may include disposing the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 in the second solution 1236. For example, the contacting S1235 of the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 and the second solution 1236 may include soaking at least a portion of the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 om the second solution 1236.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting S1235 of the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 and the second solution 1236 may include applying a second mixing force to the second solution 1236. For example, the contacting S1235 may include applying a low shear mixing force.

In at least one example embodiment, the contacting S1235 of the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 and the second solution 1236 may include spraying the second solution 1236 onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136. In at least one example embodiment, the spraying may occur using a fluidized bed. For example, the contacting S1235 of the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 and the second solution 1236 may include transferring the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 to the fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the second solution 1236 onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may occur using an airflow greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute (e.g., greater than or equal to about 35 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 40 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 45 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 55 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 65 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 75 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 85 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 90 liters per minute, or greater than or equal to about 95 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the second solution 1236 onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may occur using an airflow less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute (e.g., less than or equal to about 95 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 90 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 85 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 75 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 65 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 55 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 45 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 40 liters per minute, or less than or equal to about 35 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the second solution 1236 onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may occur using an airflow greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute to less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute.

In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the second solution 1236 onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may occur at an inlet temperature greater than or equal to about 25° C. (e.g., greater than or equal to about 26° C., greater than or equal to about 27° C., greater than or equal to about 28° C., greater than or equal to about 29° C., greater than or equal to about 30° C., greater than or equal to about 31° C., greater than or equal to about 32° C., greater than or equal to about 33° C., or greater than or equal to about 34° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the second solution 1236 onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may occur at an inlet temperature less than or equal to about 35° C. (e.g., less than or equal to about 34° C., less than or equal to about 33° C., less than or equal to about 32° C., less than or equal to about 31° C., less than or equal to about 30° C., less than or equal to about 29° C., less than or equal to about 28° C., less than or equal to about 27° C., or less than or equal to about 26° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the spraying of the second solution 1236 onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may occur at an inlet temperature greater than or equal to about 25° C. to less than or equal to about 35° C.

In at least one example embodiment, the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may be contacted with the second solution 1236 for a time period greater than or equal to about 50 minutes (e.g., greater than or equal to about 52 minutes, greater than or equal to about 54 minutes, greater than or equal to about 56 minutes, greater than or equal to about 58 minutes, greater than or equal to about 60 minutes, greater than or equal to about 62 minutes, greater than or equal to about 64 minutes, greater than or equal to about 66 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 68 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may be contacted with the second solution 1236 for a time period less than or equal to about 70 minutes (e.g., less than or equal to about 68 minutes, less than or equal to about 66 minutes, less than or equal to about 64 minutes, less than or equal to about 62 minutes, less than or equal to about 60 minutes, less than or equal to about 58 minutes, less than or equal to about 56 minutes, less than or equal to about 54 minutes, or less than or equal to about 52 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 may be contacted with the second solution 1236 for a time period greater than or equal to about 50 minutes to less than or equal to about 70 minutes. In at least one example embodiment, when the second solution 1236 is sprayed onto the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136, the time period may include two or more spray on and two or more spray off, such that the second solution 1236 is not constantly sprayed allowing some drying to occur between spraying cycles, where each spray cycle includes one spray on and one spray off.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example method 1300 for forming the oral product, including, for example, the as the chewing gum 5100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or the chewing gum 5200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and/or the chewing gum 5300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and/or the chewing gum 5400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and/or the chewing gum 5500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and/or the chewing gum 5600 illustrated in FIG. 6 and/or the chewing gum 5700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and/or the chewing gum 5800 illustrated in FIG. 8 and/or the chewing gum 5900 illustrated in FIG. 9 and/or the chewing gum 6000 illustrated in FIG. 10.

The method 1300 as illustrated in FIG. 13 may be the same as the method 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12 except that the method 1300 includes a second drying step. For example, in at least one example embodiment, the method 1300 may include drying S1140 the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 before the contacting S1235 of the first impregnated absorbing matrix material 1136 and the second solution 1236 and subsequently drying S1342 the second impregnated absorbing matrix material 1238.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 of the second impregnated absorbing matrix material 1238 may include using a fluidized bed having a constant heated air flow such that the solvent is evaporated. In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 of the second impregnated absorbing matrix material 1238 may include transferring the second impregnated absorbing matrix material 1238 to the fluidized bed.

In at least one example embodiment, the heat airflow during the drying S1342 may be greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute (e.g., greater than or equal to about 40 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, greater than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, or greater than or equal to about 90 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the heat airflow during the drying S1342 may be less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute (e.g., less than or equal to about 90 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 80 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 70 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 60 liters per minute, less than or equal to about 50 liters per minute, or less than or equal to about 40 liters per minute). In at least one example embodiment, the heat airflow during the drying S1342 may be greater than or equal to about 30 liters per minute to less than or equal to about 100 liters per minute.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 may occur at a temperature greater than or equal to about 40° C. (e.g., greater than or equal to about 45° C., greater than or equal to about 50° C., or greater than or equal to about 55° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 may occur at a temperature less than or equal to about 60° C. (e.g., less than or equal to about 55° C., less than or equal to about 50° C., or less than or equal to about 45° C.). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 may occur at a temperature greater than or equal to about 45° C. to less than or equal to about 60° C.

In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 may occur for a time period greater than or equal to about 45 minutes (e.g., greater than or equal to about 46 minutes, greater than or equal to about 47 minutes, greater than or equal to about 48 minutes, greater than or equal to about 49 minutes, greater than or equal to about 50 minutes, greater than or equal to about 51 minutes, greater than or equal to about 52 minutes, greater than or equal to about 53 minutes, greater than or equal to about 54 minutes, greater than or equal to about 55 minutes, greater than or equal to about 56 minutes, greater than or equal to about 57 minutes, greater than or equal to about 58 minutes, greater than or equal to about 59 minutes, greater than or equal to about 60 minutes, greater than or equal to about 61 minutes, greater than or equal to about 62 minutes, greater than or equal to about 63 minutes, or greater than or equal to about 64 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 may occur for a time period less than or equal to about 65 minutes (e.g., less than or equal to about 64 minutes, less than or equal to about 63 minutes, less than or equal to about 62 minutes, less than or equal to about 61 minutes, less than or equal to about 60 minutes, less than or equal to about 59 minutes, less than or equal to about 58 minutes, less than or equal to about 57 minutes, less than or equal to about 56 minutes, less than or equal to about 55 minutes, less than or equal to about 54 minutes, less than or equal to about 53 minutes, less than or equal to about 52 minutes, less than or equal to about 51 minutes, less than or equal to about 50 minutes, less than or equal to about 49 minutes, less than or equal to about 48 minutes, less than or equal to about 47 minutes, or less than or equal to about 46 minutes). In at least one example embodiment, the drying S1342 may occur for a time period greater than or equal to about 45 minutes to less than or equal to about 65 minutes.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a pouch product including the encapsulated active material described herein. In at least one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, an oral pouch product 1400 includes a pouch wrapper 1402 includes one or more seals or seams fin seals 1406. In at least one example embodiment, the seals 1406 may have a dimension of less than about 1 mm. The sealing function can be accomplished by a food grade adhesive or by mutually sealing the overlapping edge portions, using thermal or sonic techniques.

In at least one example embodiment, a filler 1412 including the encapsulated active material may be held within the inner cavity 1410. In at least one example embodiment, the filler 1412 completely fills the interior cavity 1410 of the oral pouch product 1400. In other example embodiments, the filler 1412 only partially fills the interior cavity 1410 of the oral pouch product 1400.

While some example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Although described with reference to specific examples and drawings, modifications, additions and substitutions of example embodiments may be variously made according to the description by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different with that of the methods described, and/or elements such as the described system, architecture, devices, circuit, and the like, may be connected or combined to be different from the above-described methods, or results may be appropriately achieved by other elements or equivalents.

Illustrative embodiment 1. A method for encapsulating an active material, the method comprising: contacting an absorbing matrix material with a solution, the solution including the active material and a solvent, to impregnate the absorbing matrix material with the active material.

Illustrative embodiment 2. The method of illustrative embodiment 1, wherein the absorbing matrix material is a dry powder having a moisture level less than or equal to about 5%.

Illustrative embodiment 3. The method of illustrative embodiment 2, wherein the contacting includes soaking the absorbing matrix material in the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 4. The method of illustrative embodiment 3, wherein the contacting further comprises: during the soaking, applying a mixing force to the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 5. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 3 and 4, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material to remove the solvent.

Illustrative embodiment 6. The method of illustrative embodiment 5, wherein the drying includes transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 7. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 3-6, wherein the contacting is a first impregnation, the solution is a first solution, and the method further comprises: transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluid bed for a second impregnation, the fluid bed including a second solution, the second impregnation including fluidized bed impregnation.

Illustrative embodiment 8. The method of illustrative embodiment 7, further comprising: after the second impregnation, drying the twice impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 9. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 2-8, wherein the contacting includes spraying the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 10. The method of illustrative embodiment 9, wherein the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material is a first spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 11. The method of illustrative embodiment 10, further comprising: a second spraying of the solution on the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 12. The method of illustrative embodiment 11, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material between the first spraying and the second spraying.

Illustrative embodiment 13. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 9-12, further comprising: before the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material, transferring the absorbing matrix material into a fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 14. The method of illustrative embodiment 13, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed to remove the solvent.

Illustrative embodiment 15. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 13 and 14, further comprising: before the transferring of the absorbing matrix material to the fluidized bed, contacting a hydrogel forming ingredient to the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 16. The method of illustrative embodiment 15, wherein the hydrogel forming ingredient includes Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 17. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-16, wherein the active material includes a sweetener, a flavorant, a bio-active, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 18. The method of illustrative embodiment 17, wherein the sweetener includes sucralose, neotame, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 19. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-18, wherein the absorbing matrix material includes an inert filler.

Illustrative embodiment 20. The method of illustrative embodiment 19, wherein the inert filler includes microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, or a combination the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Illustrative embodiment 21. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 1-20, wherein the solution includes greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent of the active material.

Illustrative embodiment 22. A method of making an oral product comprising: encapsulating an active material to form an encapsulated active material, the encapsulating including, contacting an absorbing matrix material with a solution, the solution including the active material and a solvent, to impregnate the absorbing matrix material with the active material; and adding the encapsulated active material to a precursor oral product.

Illustrative embodiment 23. The method of illustrative embodiment 22, wherein the absorbing matrix material is a dry powder having a moisture level less than or equal to about 5%.

Illustrative embodiment 24. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 22 and 23, wherein the contacting includes soaking the absorbing matrix material in the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 25. The method of illustrative embodiment 24, wherein the contacting further comprises: during the soaking, applying a mixing force to the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 26. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 24 and 25, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material to remove the solvent.

Illustrative embodiment 27. The method of illustrative embodiment 26, wherein the drying includes transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 28. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 24-27, wherein the contacting is a first impregnation, the solution is a first solution, and the method further comprises: transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluid bed for a second impregnation, the fluid bed including a second solution, the second impregnation including fluidized bed impregnation.

Illustrative embodiment 29. The method of illustrative embodiment 28, further comprising: after the second impregnation, drying the twice impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 30. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 22-29, wherein the contacting includes spraying the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 31. The method of illustrative embodiment 30, wherein the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material is a first spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 32. The method of illustrative embodiment 31, further comprising: a second spraying of the solution on the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 33. The method of illustrative embodiment 32, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material between the first spraying and the second spraying.

Illustrative embodiment 34. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 30-33,further comprising: before the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material, transferring the absorbing matrix material into a fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 35. The method of illustrative embodiment 34, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed to remove the solvent.

Illustrative embodiment 36. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 34 and 35, further comprising: before the transferring of the absorbing matrix material to the fluidized bed, contacting a hydrogel forming ingredient to the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 37. The method of illustrative embodiment 36, wherein the hydrogel forming ingredient includes Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 38. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 33-37, wherein the active material includes a sweetener, a flavorant, a bio-active, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 39. The method of illustrative embodiment 38, wherein the sweetener includes sucralose, neotame, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 40. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 22-40, wherein the absorbing matrix material includes an inert filler.

Illustrative embodiment 41. The method of illustrative embodiment 40, wherein the filler includes microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, or a combination the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Illustrative embodiment 42. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 22-41, wherein the solution includes greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent of the active material.

Illustrative embodiment 43. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 22-42, wherein the oral product is a gum, and the adding the encapsulated active material includes combining the encapsulated active material with a gum matrix.

Illustrative embodiment 44. An encapsulated active material comprising: an absorbing matrix material; and an active material absorbed in the matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 45. An oral product including an encapsulated active material, the oral product comprising: an encapsulated active material including, an absorbing matrix material, and an active material absorbed in the matrix material; and an oral product matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 46. The oral product of illustrative embodiment 45, wherein the oral product matrix material includes a gum composition.

Illustrative embodiment 47. A method for encapsulating an active material, the method comprising: contacting an absorbing matrix material with a solution, the solution including the active material and a solvent, to impregnate the absorbing matrix material with the active material.

Illustrative embodiment 48. The method of illustrative embodiment 47, wherein the absorbing matrix material is a dry powder having a moisture level less than or equal to about 5%.

Illustrative embodiment 49. The method of illustrative embodiment 48, wherein the contacting includes soaking the absorbing matrix material in the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 50. The method of illustrative embodiment 49, wherein the contacting further comprises: during the soaking, applying a mixing force to the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 51. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 49 and 50, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material to remove the solvent.

Illustrative embodiment 52. The method of illustrative embodiment 51, wherein the drying includes transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 53. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 49-52, wherein the contacting is a first impregnation, the solution is a first solution, and the method further comprises: transferring the impregnated absorbing matrix material to a fluid bed for a second impregnation, the fluid bed including a second solution, the second impregnation including fluidized bed impregnation.

Illustrative embodiment 54. The method of illustrative embodiment 53, further comprising: after the second impregnation, drying the twice impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 55. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 49-54 wherein the contacting includes spraying the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 56. The method of illustrative embodiment 55, wherein the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material is a first spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 57. The method of illustrative embodiment 56, further comprising: a second spraying of the solution on the absorbing matrix material.

Illustrative embodiment 58. The method of illustrative embodiment 57, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matric material between the first spraying and the second spraying.

Illustrative embodiment 59. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 55-58, further comprising: before the spraying of the solution onto the absorbing matrix material, transferring the absorbing matrix material into a fluidized bed.

Illustrative embodiment 60. The method of illustrative embodiment 59, further comprising: drying the impregnated absorbing matrix material using the fluidized bed to remove the solvent.

Illustrative embodiment 61. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 59 and 60, further comprising: before the transferring of the absorbing matrix material to the fluidized bed, contacting a hydrogel forming ingredient to the solution.

Illustrative embodiment 62. The method of illustrative embodiment 61, wherein the hydrogel forming ingredient includes Guar gum, gum Arabic, pectin, xanthan gum, konjac, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 63. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 47-62, wherein the active material includes a sweetener, a flavorant, a bio-active, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 64. The method of illustrative embodiment 63, wherein the sweetener includes sucralose, neotame, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, stevia, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative embodiment 65. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 47-64, wherein the absorbing matrix material includes an inert filler, the inert filler including microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, or a combination of the microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide.

Illustrative embodiment 66. The method of any of illustrative embodiments 47-65, wherein the solution includes greater than or equal to about 30 weight percent to less than or equal to about 60 weight percent of the active material.