Tableted Cannabinoid Gum Extrusion and Particle Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing tableted cannabinoid chewing gum are labor-intensive, prone to gum base sticking issues, and lack efficient release and sensorics properties, leading to adverse side effects and suboptimal delivery of cannabinoids.
Innovation Solution
An automated process involving extrusion through a die into a liquid-filled chamber to produce round-shaped particles with a smooth surface, combining water-insoluble and water-soluble gum base populations for improved release and sensorics, with at least 10% of cannabinoids in unbound form for enhanced delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual mixing and milling methods are used, then the process can be simple, but extensive labor work is required and gum base sticking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing and milling operations with an automated extrusion system. The extruder mechanically processes the gum base through a die, automatically forming particles without requiring manual intervention for mixing or milling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and processing parameters of the gum base by heating it to a molten state during extrusion. This parameter change allows the gum base to flow through the die and form particles automatically, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing sticking issues.
2Ease of operation
If gum base is processed through traditional mixing and milling, then it can be handled, but the sticking nature of gum base causes problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling operations with an automated extrusion system that continuously processes the gum base. The extruder maintains consistent processing conditions, eliminating the variability and sticking problems associated with manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a die as an intermediary component between the gum base and the final particle form. The die controls the flow and shaping of the gum base, preventing direct contact between the gum base and processing surfaces that would cause sticking.
3Manufacturing precision
If milling is used to create particles, then particle size can be controlled, but the process is labor-intensive and causes gum base to stick to surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the milling process with an extrusion process that forms particles directly through a die. This substitution eliminates the need for separate milling equipment and operations while maintaining particle size control through die geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gum base into particles through the die structure, which divides the continuous gum base flow into discrete particles as they exit the die. This segmentation occurs automatically during extrusion without requiring additional milling equipment.
4Device complexity
If conventional gum base formulations are used, then the structure is simple, but release properties and sensorics are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite gum base formulation containing multiple components including polyvinyl acetate elastomer, polyethylene, glycerol triacetate, and terpenes. This composite formulation provides optimized release properties and sensorics while maintaining structural integrity during processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates specific functional components in the gum base formulation to address local requirements: polyvinyl acetate elastomer for release properties, terpenes for sensorics, and glycerol triacetate for plasticization. Each component performs a specific function to optimize overall performance.
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 method reduces labor costs, minimizes gum base sticking, and achieves a rapid and controlled release of cannabinoids with improved sensorics properties, such as initial chew and texture, enhancing both systemic and local delivery while reducing adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the pressure of the gum composition in the extruder of the present invention, the gum composition will inherently expand due to the pressure difference upon entrance to the liquid filled chamber
Implementation Method 2
Due to the pressure of the gum composition in the extruder of the present invention, the gum composition will inherently expand due to the pressure difference upon entrance to the liquid filled chamber
Data Source
Figure 1a~3b
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of producing a tableted chewing gum composition for oral administration of cannabinoids, the method comprises the steps of: i) feeding a gum composition comprising water-insoluble gum base into an extruder from one or more feeding inlets, optionally including additional ingredients, ii) pressurizing the gum composition in the extruder while controlling temperature and pressure of the gum composition, optionally including further ingredients from one or more feeding inlets, iii) extruding the gum composition through a die means, iv) cutting the extruded gum composition in a liquid filled chamber, thereby obtaining a first population of particles comprising water-insoluble gum base, v) including the first population of particles with a second population of particles comprising water-soluble chewing gum ingredients and one or more cannabinoids, the second population of particles being free of water-insoluble gum base, thereby obtaining a chewing gum composition and vi) tableting the chewing gum composition in a tablet pressing apparatus, thereby obtaining a tableted chewing gum composition.