Self-Emulsifying Cannabinoid Nanoemulsion for Consistent Onset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cannabis-infused products, such as edibles and topicals, face challenges with unpredictable onset times and variability in cannabis active molecule content, leading to adverse effects and consumer safety concerns, which hinder market growth due to lack of consistency and control.

Innovation Solution

A self-emulsifying cannabinoid system comprising a cannabinoid component, an emulsifier, polyhydric alcohol, and monohydric alcohol, forming a nanoemulsion with controlled particle size and stability, allowing for faster and more consistent cannabis-associated effects in products like beverages and foodstuffs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cannabis-infused products are used, then the products are available on the market, but the onset time is unpredictable and varies significantly between consumers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveonset time consistencyVSAvoidonset time variability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of cannabis delivery by formulating nanoemulsions with specific particle sizes (20-200 nm), controlled droplet dimensions, and optimized surfactant concentrations. These parameter changes ensure consistent absorption kinetics and predictable onset times across different consumers, resolving the reliability issue of traditional products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments cannabis compounds into nanoemulsion droplets with controlled size distribution, creating uniformly sized particles that dissolve and absorb at consistent rates. This segmentation approach eliminates the variability in onset time by ensuring each dose delivers cannabis molecules in identical physical forms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional cannabis-infused products are used, then the products can be manufactured, but the amount of cannabis active molecules varies across batches and within single products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannabis active molecule consistencyVSAvoidcannabis active molecule content
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control in manufacturing by using standardized nanoemulsion formulation protocols that monitor and adjust surfactant ratios, phase separation conditions, and mixing parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures batch-to-batch consistency in cannabis active molecule content, achieving precise manufacturing control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains consistent cannabis content by controlling critical parameters including emulsion pH, ionic strength, surfactant concentration, and phase separation temperature. These parameter controls prevent variability in active molecule content across batches and within single products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If high concentrations of cannabis are used to ensure effect, then the intended effect is achieved, but adverse effects and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffect predictabilityVSAvoidadverse effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the delivery parameters by using nanoemulsion technology to achieve rapid and complete absorption at lower doses. The controlled particle size and surfactant system enhance bioavailability, allowing effective doses to be delivered without the need for high concentrations that cause adverse effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces surfactants as intermediary substances that facilitate controlled release and absorption of cannabis compounds. These intermediaries enable predictable pharmacokinetics at lower doses, reducing the risk of adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic or recreational efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If conventional emulsification methods are used, then the cannabis can be delivered in liquid form, but the particle size is large and absorption is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption speedVSAvoidparticle size
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition during emulsion formation and stabilization, controlling the transition from macroemulsion to nanoemulsion state. This phase transition process creates uniformly small particles (20-200 nm) that rapidly dissolve and absorb, achieving fast onset without requiring mechanical size reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves rapid absorption by controlling the physical parameters of the emulsion, specifically maintaining particle sizes in the 20-200 nm range through optimized surfactant selection and concentration. These parameter changes ensure quick dissolution and mucosal penetration, dramatically increasing absorption speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 cannabinoid system provides a stable and fast-acting cannabis experience, enhancing user safety and commercial viability by ensuring consistent bioavailability and onset times, while maintaining product clarity and shelf stability.

Implementation Method 1

a self-emulsifying cannabinoid system comprising a cannabinoid component including a cannabinoid, and an emulsifier, for use with a water phase comprising a polyhydric alcohol and a monohydric alcohol to generate a nanoemulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

the water phase and oil phase combine to generate a nanoemulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-emulsification: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20240189329A1Water-soluble cannabis cannabinoid systems for infusing products with nanoemulsions having nanoscale sizes
Publication Date: 2024.06.13 HEXO OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure addresses the need to obtain cannabinoid emulsification systems that are capable of generating controllable, stable small particle size for making cannabis-infused products. The disclosure relates to self-emulsifying cannabinoid systems comprise a water phase comprising a polyhydric alcohol and a monohydric alcohol, and an oil phase comprising an emulsifier and a cannabinoid component, the cannabinoid component including a cannabinoid. The water phase and oil phase combine to generate the nanoemulsion.