Biotechnological Advances in the Modulation of Plant-Based Products: Bio-molecular Innovations in Tobacco Imitation Tea

Linjian Dai
College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China
Yuan Chen
College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China
Zhenxiang Zhao
Hunan Zhong yan Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China
Changjian Deng
Hunan Zhong yan Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China
Yu Peng
Hunan Zhong yan Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China
Yukun Liu
College of Agriculture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China
Dongbo Zhou
Hunan Zhong yan Co., Ltd., Changsha, Hunan, 410007, China

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5912/jcb1864

Abstract:

The production of carcinogenic substances during tobacco modulation presents significant health risks. This study aims to innovate safer processes by integrating biotechnological methods in the modulation of tobacco into imitation tea. Initially, we analyzed existing tobacco modulation technologies and tea preparation processes to establish a refined process flow for creating tobacco imitation tea. A comprehensive review of the literature allowed us to identify key biomolecules affecting tobacco quality during the tea imitation process. Experimentally, we utilized tryptic soy agar medium to culture bacteria from sun-dried tobacco leaves of the self-sun-dried yellow variety. Four fertilization treatments were tested: organic fertilizer, compound fertilizer, a mix of organic and compound fertilizers, and microbial fertilizer to assess their impact on bio-molecular changes during tobacco imitation tea modulation. The modulation experiment measured the dynamics of water, pigment, and organic biomolecules in various parts of the tobacco leaf. Results indicated significant bio-molecular transformations; chlorophyll content reduced by approximately 59% to 71% at 35°C, carotenoid content decreased by about two-thirds at 40°C, and rapid dehydration occurred with water molecules on the leaf surface and inside decreasing by 0.46% and 0.8% per minute, respectively. The overall reduction in organic biomolecules was documented, underscoring the potential of biotechnological advancements to enhance the safety and quality of tobacco imitation tea products.