CBD Isolation via Microwave Decarboxylation and Aprotic Solvents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for extracting cannabinoids from cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), face challenges in achieving high yields and efficient conversion from cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) due to limitations in solvent choice and processing techniques.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using aprotonic solvents like ethyl acetate and microwave irradiation to convert CBDA into CBD, optimizing extraction conditions such as temperature and time to achieve high CBD content in cannabis extracts, and employing chromatography for isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional extraction methods are used, then the extraction process is simple, but the CBD yield and conversion efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCBD yieldVSAvoidextraction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing extraction conditions including using specific aprotonic solvents (ethyl acetate, acetone, 2-butanone), controlling temperature ranges (40-60°C for extraction, 60-100°C for decarboxylation), and adjusting time parameters to maximize CBD yield while maintaining process feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical extraction systems with microwave-assisted extraction, using electromagnetic energy to accelerate the extraction and decarboxylation processes, thereby increasing CBD yield without proportionally increasing process complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If protonic solvents like ethanol are used for extraction, then the extraction process is straightforward, but the cannabinoid extraction efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannabinoid contentVSAvoidextraction process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the extraction solvent from protonic (ethanol) to aprotonic solvents (ethyl acetate, acetone, 2-butanone), which fundamentally alters the extraction mechanism and significantly improves cannabinoid solubility and extraction efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses aprotonic solvents as intermediaries that bridge the non-polar cannabinoid molecules and the extraction system, enabling efficient transfer of cannabinoids from plant material to solvent without requiring complex processing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If CBDA is not converted to CBD, then the extraction process is simpler, but the pharmaceutical efficacy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepharmaceutical efficacyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs decarboxylation as a preliminary action during the extraction process itself, converting CBDA to CBD in situ at temperatures of 60-100°C before final isolation, ensuring pharmaceutical efficacy is achieved without requiring separate processing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the extraction and decarboxylation steps into a single integrated process, where CBDA is extracted and simultaneously converted to CBD in the same reaction mixture, thereby maintaining pharmaceutical efficacy while minimizing additional processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach significantly increases the CBD content in cannabis extracts, improving its pharmaceutical efficacy and yield compared to traditional methods, with CBD being effectively isolated and utilized in various compositions for medical, food, and cosmetic applications.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating microwaves to a reaction mixture including a Cannabis sp. plant or an extract thereof and a solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave irradiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

convert CBDA into CBD, optimizing extraction conditions such as temperature and time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

employing chromatography for isolation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromatography: Chromatography

Data Source

PatentUS11458087B2Method of isolating cannabidiol from <i>Cannabis </i>plant and use thereof

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 KOREA INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

Provided are a method of preparing a cannabis processed product having an increased CBD content in an efficient and economic manner, through decarboxylic acid reaction by microwave irradiation of cannabis using various extraction solvents, and use of the processed product having an increased CBD content prepared by the method, a fraction thereof, and a single ingredient of CBD, in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.