Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches

Seok Chan Park; Fadi Aldeek

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches

Seok Chan Park^*

, Fadi Aldeek

Published in Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry (Volume 13, Issue 2)

Received: 24 April 2025 Accepted: 8 May 2025 Published: 16 June 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

As nicotine pouches have emerged as a potentially reduced-risk alternative to smoking cigarettes, accurate determination of nicotine concentration in these pouches is vital for ensuring regulatory compliance and product consistency. Although chromatographic methods such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) have proven effective for determining nicotine content in nicotine pouches, they involve multiple steps and time-consuming procedures. In this study, we developed and validated a simple ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry method for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches. The UV spectrophotometry method simplifies the process of nicotine quantitation by reducing reagent preparation, extraction steps, and analysis time, offering ease of implementation and making it suitable for routine testing. The method was validated using 12 nicotine pouches of four flavor variants (original, citrus, mint, and wintergreen) and three nicotine levels (2, 4, and 8 mg per pouch). The method demonstrated an accuracy ranging from 95.2% to 107.7% recovery, repeatability with less than 8.02% relative standard deviation (RSD), and intermediate precision with less than 8.44% RSD. Robustness tests showed a less than 2% change for varying extraction times and devices. We demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of this UV method by comparing the nicotine quantitation results to results obtained from a standardized chromatographic Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) Recommended Method (CRM). We believe this method is a valuable tool for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches, supporting product development, quality control, and regulatory reporting.

Published in	Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry (Volume 13, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13
Page(s)	55-62
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Nicotine, UV Spectrophotometry, Method Development, Method Validation, Nicotine Pouches

References

[1]	Patwardhan, S.; Fagerström, K. The New Nicotine Pouch Category: A Tobacco Harm Reduction Tool? Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2022, 24(4), 623-625. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntab198
[2]	CORESTA. No. 62: Determination of Nicotine in Tobacco and Tobacco Products by Gas Chromatographic Analysis. TTPA-284-2-CRM-62 2021.
[3]	Avagyan, R.; Spasova, M.; Lindholm, J. Determination of Nicotine-Related Impurities in Nicotine Pouches and Tobacco-Containing Products by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Separations 2021, 8(6), 77.
[4]	Stanfill, S.; Tran, H.; Tyx, R.; Fernandez, C.; Zhu, W.; Marynak, K.; King, B.; Valentín-Blasini, L.; Blount, B. C.; Watson, C. Characterization of Total and Unprotonated (Free) Nicotine Content of Nicotine Pouch Products. Nicotine & Tobacco Research 2021, 23(9), 1590-1596. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntab030
[5]	Aldeek, F.; Mccutcheon, N. B.; Smith, C.; Miller, J. H.; Danielson, T. Dissolution Testing of Nicotine Release from OTDN Pouches: Product Characterization and Product-to-Product Comparison. Separations 2021, 8, 7.
[6]	Jablonski, J. J.; Cheetham, A. G.; Martin, A. M. Market Survey of Modern Oral Nicotine Products: Determination of Select HPHCs and Comparison to Traditional Smokeless Tobacco Products. Separations 2022, 9(3), 65.
[7]	Mallock, N.; Schulz, T.; Malke, S.; Dreiack, N.; Laux, P.; Luch, A. Levels of nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines in oral nicotine pouches. Tobacco Control 2024, 33(2), 193. https://doi.org/10.1136/tc-2022-057280
[8]	Aldeek, F.; Sarkar, M. A. Method Development and Applications for Reduced-Risk Products. Separations 2022, 9(3), 78.
[9]	Back, S.; Masser, A. E.; Rutqvist, L. E.; Lindholm, J. Harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in two novel nicotine pouch products in comparison with regular smokeless tobacco products and pharmaceutical nicotine replacement therapy products (NRTs). BMC Chemistry 2023, 17(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-023-00918-1
[10]	Aldeek, F.; Lopez, V.; Miller, J. H. Salting-Out-Assisted Liquid–Liquid Extraction Method for the Determination of Nicotine from Oral Traditional and Innovative Tobacco Products Using UPLC-MS/MS. ACS Omega 2023, 8(34), 31256-31264. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c03474
[11]	Aldeek, F.; Miller, J. H.; Danielson, T. Evaluation of Dissolution Release Profiles of Nicotine and Three Distinct Flavor Markers in Loose Moist Smokeless Tobacco Products. Contributions to Tobacco & Nicotine Research 2024, 33(3), 157-163. https://doi.org/10.2478/cttr-2024-0005
[12]	Miller, J. H.; Danielson, T.; Pithawalla, Y. B.; Brown, A. P.; Wilkinson, C. T.; Wagner, K. A.; Aldeek, F. Method development and validation of dissolution testing for nicotine release from smokeless tobacco products using flow-through cell apparatus and UPLC-PDA. Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences 2020, 1141, 122012.
[13]	Aldeek, F.; Lopez, V.; Miller, J. H.; Gao, F. Nicotine Gums Mastication: Method Development and Product Comparisons. Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2022, 10(3), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20221003.11
[14]	Swain, M. L.; Eisner, A.; Woodward, C. F.; Brice, B. A. Ultraviolet Absorption Spectra of Nicotine, Nornicotine and Some of Their Derivatives. Journal of the American Chemical Society 1949, 71(4), 1341-1345. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja01172a057
[15]	Clayton, P. M.; Vas, C. A.; Bui, T. T. T.; Drake, A. F.; McAdam, K. Spectroscopic Studies on Nicotine and Nornicotine in the UV Region. Chirality 2013, 25(5), 288-293. https://doi.org/10.1002/chir.22141
[16]	Palazzolo, D.; Nelson, J. M.; Hudson, Z. The Use of HPLC-PDA in Determining Nicotine and Nicotine-Related Alkaloids from E-Liquids: A Comparison of Five E-Liquid Brands Purchased Locally. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16(17), 3015.
[17]	Alhusban, A. A.; Ata, S. A. Simple HPLC method for rapid quantification of nicotine content in e-cigarettes liquids. Acta Chromatographica AChrom 2021, 33(3), 302-307. https://doi.org/10.1556/1326.2020.00832
[18]	Al-Tamrah, S. A. Spectrophotometric determination of nicotine. Analytica Chimica Acta 1999, 379(1), 75-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00517-0
[19]	Wei, X. N.; Liu, Y.; Tang, Y. L. Nicotine content of tobacco leaf estimated by UV spectrum. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 2018, 185(1), 012017. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/185/1/012017

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Park, S. C., Aldeek, F. (2025). Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches. Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 13(2), 55-62. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Park, S. C.; Aldeek, F. Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches. Sci. J. Anal. Chem. 2025, 13(2), 55-62. doi: 10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Park SC, Aldeek F. Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches. Sci J Anal Chem. 2025;13(2):55-62. doi: 10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13,
  author = {Seok Chan Park and Fadi Aldeek},
  title = {Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry},
  volume = {13},
  number = {2},
  pages = {55-62},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjac.20251302.13},
  abstract = {As nicotine pouches have emerged as a potentially reduced-risk alternative to smoking cigarettes, accurate determination of nicotine concentration in these pouches is vital for ensuring regulatory compliance and product consistency. Although chromatographic methods such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) have proven effective for determining nicotine content in nicotine pouches, they involve multiple steps and time-consuming procedures. In this study, we developed and validated a simple ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry method for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches. The UV spectrophotometry method simplifies the process of nicotine quantitation by reducing reagent preparation, extraction steps, and analysis time, offering ease of implementation and making it suitable for routine testing. The method was validated using 12 nicotine pouches of four flavor variants (original, citrus, mint, and wintergreen) and three nicotine levels (2, 4, and 8 mg per pouch). The method demonstrated an accuracy ranging from 95.2% to 107.7% recovery, repeatability with less than 8.02% relative standard deviation (RSD), and intermediate precision with less than 8.44% RSD. Robustness tests showed a less than 2% change for varying extraction times and devices. We demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of this UV method by comparing the nicotine quantitation results to results obtained from a standardized chromatographic Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) Recommended Method (CRM). We believe this method is a valuable tool for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches, supporting product development, quality control, and regulatory reporting.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches

AU  - Seok Chan Park
AU  - Fadi Aldeek
Y1  - 2025/06/16
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13
T2  - Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry
JF  - Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry
JO  - Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry
SP  - 55
EP  - 62
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-8053
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13
AB  - As nicotine pouches have emerged as a potentially reduced-risk alternative to smoking cigarettes, accurate determination of nicotine concentration in these pouches is vital for ensuring regulatory compliance and product consistency. Although chromatographic methods such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) have proven effective for determining nicotine content in nicotine pouches, they involve multiple steps and time-consuming procedures. In this study, we developed and validated a simple ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry method for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches. The UV spectrophotometry method simplifies the process of nicotine quantitation by reducing reagent preparation, extraction steps, and analysis time, offering ease of implementation and making it suitable for routine testing. The method was validated using 12 nicotine pouches of four flavor variants (original, citrus, mint, and wintergreen) and three nicotine levels (2, 4, and 8 mg per pouch). The method demonstrated an accuracy ranging from 95.2% to 107.7% recovery, repeatability with less than 8.02% relative standard deviation (RSD), and intermediate precision with less than 8.44% RSD. Robustness tests showed a less than 2% change for varying extraction times and devices. We demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of this UV method by comparing the nicotine quantitation results to results obtained from a standardized chromatographic Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) Recommended Method (CRM). We believe this method is a valuable tool for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches, supporting product development, quality control, and regulatory reporting.

VL  - 13
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Seok Chan Park

Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, United States

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6292-1935
Fadi Aldeek

Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, United States

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1652-3952

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Park, S. C., Aldeek, F. (2025). Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches. Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 13(2), 55-62. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Park, S. C.; Aldeek, F. Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches. Sci. J. Anal. Chem. 2025, 13(2), 55-62. doi: 10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Park SC, Aldeek F. Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches. Sci J Anal Chem. 2025;13(2):55-62. doi: 10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13,
  author = {Seok Chan Park and Fadi Aldeek},
  title = {Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches
},
  journal = {Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry},
  volume = {13},
  number = {2},
  pages = {55-62},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjac.20251302.13},
  abstract = {As nicotine pouches have emerged as a potentially reduced-risk alternative to smoking cigarettes, accurate determination of nicotine concentration in these pouches is vital for ensuring regulatory compliance and product consistency. Although chromatographic methods such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) have proven effective for determining nicotine content in nicotine pouches, they involve multiple steps and time-consuming procedures. In this study, we developed and validated a simple ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry method for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches. The UV spectrophotometry method simplifies the process of nicotine quantitation by reducing reagent preparation, extraction steps, and analysis time, offering ease of implementation and making it suitable for routine testing. The method was validated using 12 nicotine pouches of four flavor variants (original, citrus, mint, and wintergreen) and three nicotine levels (2, 4, and 8 mg per pouch). The method demonstrated an accuracy ranging from 95.2% to 107.7% recovery, repeatability with less than 8.02% relative standard deviation (RSD), and intermediate precision with less than 8.44% RSD. Robustness tests showed a less than 2% change for varying extraction times and devices. We demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of this UV method by comparing the nicotine quantitation results to results obtained from a standardized chromatographic Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) Recommended Method (CRM). We believe this method is a valuable tool for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches, supporting product development, quality control, and regulatory reporting.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Simple and Effective UV Spectrophotometric Method for Nicotine Determination in Nicotine Pouches

AU  - Seok Chan Park
AU  - Fadi Aldeek
Y1  - 2025/06/16
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13
T2  - Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry
JF  - Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry
JO  - Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry
SP  - 55
EP  - 62
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-8053
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjac.20251302.13
AB  - As nicotine pouches have emerged as a potentially reduced-risk alternative to smoking cigarettes, accurate determination of nicotine concentration in these pouches is vital for ensuring regulatory compliance and product consistency. Although chromatographic methods such as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) have proven effective for determining nicotine content in nicotine pouches, they involve multiple steps and time-consuming procedures. In this study, we developed and validated a simple ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry method for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches. The UV spectrophotometry method simplifies the process of nicotine quantitation by reducing reagent preparation, extraction steps, and analysis time, offering ease of implementation and making it suitable for routine testing. The method was validated using 12 nicotine pouches of four flavor variants (original, citrus, mint, and wintergreen) and three nicotine levels (2, 4, and 8 mg per pouch). The method demonstrated an accuracy ranging from 95.2% to 107.7% recovery, repeatability with less than 8.02% relative standard deviation (RSD), and intermediate precision with less than 8.44% RSD. Robustness tests showed a less than 2% change for varying extraction times and devices. We demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of this UV method by comparing the nicotine quantitation results to results obtained from a standardized chromatographic Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) Recommended Method (CRM). We believe this method is a valuable tool for nicotine analysis in nicotine pouches, supporting product development, quality control, and regulatory reporting.

VL  - 13
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download