Cannabinoid Preservation in Hemp Biomass Using Bacillus Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving cannabinoids and terpenes in hemp biomass are inefficient and costly, leading to significant losses during the drying and extraction process, with existing preservation techniques like drying or freezing being ineffective and nitrogen preservation resulting in significant losses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of cannabinoid-preserving bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus species, is applied to hemp biomass in an aqueous solution, where the bacteria are grown to an exponential phase and cultured under ambient temperature conditions to maintain cannabinoid concentration, potentially extending the preservation process for several days.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If drying or freezing methods are used to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, then the biomass can be stored, but significant losses of cannabinoids and terpenes occur
Solution Approach 1:
Nitrogen gas is introduced as an intermediary atmosphere to replace oxygen and prevent oxidative degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes during storage. The nitrogen creates an inert environment that mediates between the biomass and degrading factors, allowing long-term storage without significant compound loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert storage environment by filling storage containers with nitrogen gas, eliminating reactive oxygen that would otherwise cause degradation of sensitive cannabinoid and terpene compounds. This inert atmosphere preserves the chemical integrity of the biomass during storage periods.
2Quantity of substance
If nitrogen preservation is used to maintain cannabinoid concentration, then storage is improved, but significant losses still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring and maintenance of nitrogen atmosphere conditions throughout the storage period, ensuring uninterrupted protection against oxidation. This continuous inert environment maintains cannabinoid concentration by preventing degradation throughout the entire storage duration rather than providing intermittent protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled storage environment that replicates ideal preservation conditions by using nitrogen atmosphere to mimic the protective effect of freezing without the metabolic damage that freezing can cause to living plant material. This copied protective environment maintains cannabinoid integrity more effectively than direct freezing.
3Manufacturing precision
If decarboxylation is performed by heating to 40-100°C, then carboxylic acids are converted, but terpene loss and degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the decarboxylation process parameters by using enzymatic catalysts to enable the reaction to proceed at lower temperatures and shorter durations than traditional thermal decarboxylation. This parameter change allows efficient carboxylic acid conversion while minimizing terpene degradation that occurs at higher temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal decarboxylation method (heating to 40-100°C) with a biochemical approach using enzymes as catalysts. This substitution eliminates the need for high thermal energy input, thereby preventing terpene loss while still achieving efficient decarboxylation of cannabinoid acids.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The application of these bacteria results in up to two times the cannabinoid concentration and retention of terpene odors, significantly improving the yield and reducing waste, as demonstrated in a pilot-scale experiment with frozen hemp flower.
Implementation Method 1
culturing the hemp biomass with the bacteria under conditions in which the cannabinoid concentration is maintained
Implementation Method 2
growing the bacteria to an exponential (log) grow phase prior to use
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a method of preserving cannabinoid concentration in a biomass comprising: providing a hemp biomass in an aqueous solution; adding a culture of a cannabinoid preserving Bacillus bacteria to the hemp biomass solution; and culturing the hemp biomass with the Bacillus bacteria under conditions in which the cannabinoid concentration is maintained.