CBD Purification via DMSO Extraction and Decarboxylation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating and purifying cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp plants face challenges in achieving high yields and purity, particularly in reducing undesired THC levels and obtaining terpene-rich fractions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The methods involve decarboxylation of CBD-A and THC-A, followed by DMSO Extractive Fractionation, Ethanol Extraction Fractionation, or Thermal Fractionation, combined with chromatographic techniques like reverse phase and centrifugal partition chromatography to separate and purify CBD from THC, and produce a terpene-rich fraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional solvent extraction methods are used to obtain CBD from hemp, then CBD can be extracted from the plant material, but the yield and purity are limited and undesired materials such as waxes and sugars remain in the extract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing decarboxylation of CBD-A and THC-A before extraction. This pre-treatment step converts the acid forms into the desired cannabinoid forms, improving both yield and purity of the final CBD product while reducing undesired materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using DMSO as an extractive solvent instead of traditional solvents like ethanol or hydrocarbons. This parameter change in solvent selection enables selective extraction of CBD while leaving waxes and sugars behind, achieving both high purity and high yield simultaneously
2Manufacturing precision
If chromatographic purification steps are added to reduce THC levels below 0.3%, then CBD purity is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by using DMSO to selectively extract CBD from the plant matrix, separating it from THC and other undesired materials in a single step. This eliminates the need for multiple chromatographic purification steps while achieving THC levels below 0.3%, thus reducing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses DMSO as an intermediary solvent that facilitates selective extraction of CBD. This intermediary enables separation of CBD from THC without requiring complex chromatographic systems, simplifying the overall process while meeting the THC threshold requirement
3Manufacturing precision
If winterization step is used to remove waxes and sugars from the extract, then purity is improved, but additional processing time and energy are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by using DMSO as a selective solvent that extracts CBD while inherently leaving waxes and sugars in the plant material. This eliminates the need for winterization step entirely, reducing processing time and energy requirements while maintaining high purity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves the purification effect of winterization through a different mechanism - using DMSO extraction to selectively transfer CBD to the solvent phase while leavingundesired materials behind. This alternative approach achieves the same purity goal without the time-consuming winterization step
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
These methods enhance the yield and purity of CBD, reduce THC levels below 0.3%, and produce a terpene-rich byproduct, improving processing efficiency without the need for winterization, thereby addressing the limitations of existing CBD purification techniques.
Implementation Method 1
liquid-liquid extraction steps to improve the purity of the desired cannabinoid
Implementation Method 2
chromatographic techniques like reverse phase and centrifugal partition chromatography to separate and purify CBD from THC
Implementation Method 3
the related compounds CBD-A and THC-A are decarboxylated in an initial heating step
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a plurality of methods which may be employed as a single method or a plurality of sequential method steps in the isolation and purification of Cannabidiol from Hemp plants. It also provides methods for having a terpene-rich fraction as a byproduct of the method. Depending upon the ultimate objective, the individual method components may be used separately or combined with one or more method steps to accomplish the objectives.