Impact of Tipping Paper Permeability on Cooling Agent Delivery Efficiency Using a Cell Membrane Simulation

Abstract

Tipping paper permeability plays a critical role in influencing the delivery and perception of cooling agents in cigarette smoke, which in turn affects product design and sensory quality. In this study, a CHO-TRPM8 cell system expressing the TRPM8 receptor was employed in combination with FLIPR (Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader) technology to monitor real-time intracellular calcium ion concentration changes. This approach enabled accurate determination of the relative cooling intensity values in tobacco filler and mainstream smoke under different levels of tipping paper permeability, and the calculation of the cooling transfer efficiency based on variations in cooling intensity. The results demonstrated that tipping paper permeability significantly affected the cooling transfer efficiency of mainstream cigarette smoke. The transfer rates and cooling transfer efficiencies of six commonly used cooling agents decreased by 41-53% and 37-51%, approximately, as the tipping paper permeability increased from 0 CU to 500 CU, closely mirroring their migration patterns. This trend was observed across compounds including L-menthol, WS-23, menthone, WS-3, WS-5, and menthyl acetate. Sensory evaluation revealed that increasing permeability improved certain attributes, such as smoothness, irritation, and aroma quality, while negatively impacting others, such as smoke density, salivation, and aroma intensity. Ratings for off-notes, aftertaste, and dryness showed a non-linear trend, initially increasing and then decreasing. These findings provide a scientific basis for informed decision-making in cigarette product development and quality control.