Cannabinoid Crystallization via Temperature Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and purifying cannabinoids from cannabis often rely on flammable solvents, resulting in chemical impurities and requiring expensive, safety-regulated equipment, and do not provide zero-waste processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving selective crystallization of cannabinoids without traditional solvents, using temperature modulation and nucleation factors like vacuum exposure and mechanical agitation to produce pure cannabinoid crystals, which are then filtered to achieve high purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional solvent extraction methods are used, then cannabinoid extraction efficiency is improved, but safety hazards and chemical impurities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the extraction system by using temperature modulation (heating to dissolve, cooling to crystallize) and pressure changes (vacuum application) instead of relying on chemical solvents. This transforms the extraction mechanism from chemical dissolution to physical phase change, eliminating solvent-related hazards and impurities while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits phase transitions of cannabinoids between solid and liquid states. By heating the extract to dissolve cannabinoids and then cooling to induce crystallization, the method achieves selective purification without solvents. The vacuum application further facilitates solvent-free crystallization by reducing pressure and promoting phase change
2Manufacturing precision
If flammable solvents are used for extraction, then cannabinoid purification is improved, but equipment cost and safety regulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful solvent component from the extraction system entirely. By using the cannabinoid's own phase transition properties and the natural extract matrix as the medium, the method removes the need for flammable solvents, thereby eliminating the need for expensive explosive-proof equipment and stringent safety regulations
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction medium (natural extract or CO2) serves the dual function of both solvent and purification agent. The system uses itself to achieve purification through temperature and pressure modulation, eliminating the need for additional safety equipment and complex regulatory compliance measures
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional extraction methods are used, then cannabinoid isolation is achieved, but waste production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses the extraction medium (CO2 or natural extract) through the cyclic process of heating and cooling. The CO2 that evaporates during heating can be captured and reused in subsequent extractions, and the natural extract matrix remains intact throughout the process, eliminating waste generation while maintaining isolation purity
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
This method yields pure, organic cannabinoid products with zero waste, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and flammable solvents, while ensuring safety and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
decreasing the temperature of the solution to about −5° C. or lower to produce a cooled solution wherein the selected cannabinoid crystallizes out of solution, thereby forming crystals of the selected cannabinoid
Implementation Method 2
providing a solution containing a plurality of cannabinoids, wherein the selected cannabinoid is present in the solution at a concentration greater than or equal to its supersaturation point
Implementation Method 3
increasing the temperature of the solution until the selected cannabinoid is substantially dissolved in the solution
Implementation Method 4
the cooled solution is exposed to a nucleation factor, wherein the nucleation factor is selected from the group consisting of introducing a crystal of the selected cannabinoid into the cooled solution, introducing the cooled solution to a vacuum or a vacuum oven
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods for selectively crystallizing cannabinoids from solutions containing a plurality of cannabinoids. The present disclosure further provides methods for separating a crystallized cannabinoid from a mixture of cannabinoids.