Cannabinoid Separation Using Immiscible Liquid Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol from other cannabinoids are inefficient, requiring excessive solvents and multiple stages, and lack specificity in extracting targeted cannabinoids from mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a heterogeneous liquid mixture with distinct immiscible phases, where delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol preferentially associates with one phase and other cannabinoids with another, allowing for selective extraction and purification using a continuous process with reduced solvent use and stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional separation methods are used to separate delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol from other cannabinoids, then separation can be achieved, but excessive solvents and multiple stages are required, reducing productivity and increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a segmented approach by using multiple immiscible liquid phases (typically three phases: water, organic solvent, and supercritical fluid) that separate into distinct layers. Each phase selectively partitions different cannabinoid components, allowing simultaneous separation of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol from other cannabinoids in a single operational stage rather than requiring multiple sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary supercritical fluid phase (such as supercritical carbon dioxide) that acts as a mediator between the aqueous phase and organic phase. This intermediary phase selectively extracts delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol from the mixture, facilitating efficient separation while reducing the need for excessive solvents and multiple processing stages.
2Productivity
If conventional separation methods are used, then cannabinoids can be separated, but excessive solvents are required, increasing loss of substance and environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transitions, specifically the transition of carbon dioxide between supercritical and gaseous states, to control the extraction and separation process. By adjusting pressure and temperature, the supercritical fluid can be converted to a gas, automatically separating from the liquid phases and leaving behind the purified cannabinoids without requiring large amounts of additional solvents for recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters (pressure and temperature) to control the solubility and partitioning behavior of cannabinoids across different phases. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves high extraction efficiency with minimal solvent consumption, as the supercritical fluid's density and solvent power can be precisely tuned to selectively extract target compounds.
3Productivity
If conventional separation methods are used, then cannabinoids can be isolated, but specificity is lacking, reducing manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating distinct chemical environments in each liquid phase, where each phase has specific properties optimized for selecting certain cannabinoids. The aqueous phase, organic phase, and supercritical fluid phase each provide different polarity, solubility, and interaction characteristics, enabling highly selective partitioning of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol from structurally similar cannabinoids based on their local chemical environment preferences.
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 achieves high extraction efficiency and specificity for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, reducing operational costs and solvent requirements while enhancing the purification of cannabinoid oils from raw biomass.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a mixture comprising the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and the one or more additional cannabinoids to a heterogeneous liquid mixture, wherein the heterogeneous liquid mixture comprises a first liquid phase and a second liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to the separation of chemical species using multiple liquid phases.