Study on humectant performance and pyrolytic behavior of okra polysaccharides in tobacco

ZHANG Junsong; HU Yunyi; ZHANG Xinlong; WANG Jiaqi; YU Guofeng; LIANG Miao; ZHANG Xiao

doi:10.12187/2026.01.008

Abstract：[Objective]This study aims to investigate the application potential of okra polysaccharides(OPs)as a novel green humectant in tobacco and elucidate their dual mechanisms of moisture retention and pyrolysis-induced aroma enhancement.[Methods]Multiple detection and analytical techniques were employed to investigate on the monosaccharide composition of OPs,the microstructure of tobacco cut surface,the occurrence state of water,humectant performance,and the mechanism of pyrolysis-induced aroma enhancement.[Results]OPs were primarily composed of galactose(44.6%),rhamnose(25.8%)and galacturonic acid(15.6%),with abundant hydroxyl functional groups.After the application of OPs,the tobacco cut surface became fuller,with a significant increase in the proportion of bound water under low-humidity conditions(temperature(22±1)℃,relative humidity(32±2)%).The equilibrium moisture content of OPs-treated tobacco under the high-humidity environment(temperature(22±1)℃,relative humidity(84±2)%)and low-humidity conditions was 41.93%and 6.98%,respectively.The drying rate constant(k=0.684 5)decreased by 7.5%compared to the blank control group,indicating that its humectant performance was superior to propylene glycol and close to that of glycerol.Pyrolysis analysis revealed that OPs could generate various aromatic substances,including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural,furfuryl alcohol,2,5-dimethylpyrazine,and guaiacol,helping to enhance the richness of cigarette aroma and improve sensory comfort.[Conclusion]OPs possess dual functions of efficient humectant property and pyrolysis-induced aroma enhancement,demonstrating potential to replace traditional polyol-based humectants,thus providing a reference for the development of natural functional tobacco additives.