Cryogenic Cannabinoid Nanoparticle Purification by Impact Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in producing pure and reproducible cannabinoid nanoparticles for commercial and therapeutic applications, often resulting in products with impurities and non-compliance with FDA regulations.
Innovation Solution
A cryomilling process involving homogenization of a cannabinoid emulsion with a cryogenic carrier fluid, followed by collision with an impact surface to produce nanoparticles, and subsequent centrifugal distillation for purification, yielding nanoparticles with sizes less than 500 nm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional nanoparticle production methods are used, then the process is simpler, but the nanoparticle purity and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The nanoparticle production process is divided into distinct sequential steps: homogenization of cannabinoid emulsion, collision with impact surface, and centrifugal distillation for purification. Each step performs a specific function, allowing for controlled production of high-purity nanoparticles while maintaining process reproducibility through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A cryogenic carrier fluid is introduced as an intermediary medium to facilitate the collision process. The carrier fluid transports the homogenized cannabinoid emulsion to the impact surface and controls the collision dynamics, enabling precise nanoparticle formation while separating the cannabinoid material from impurities through subsequent centrifugal distillation.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional nanoparticle production methods are used, then the equipment is simpler, but the nanoparticle size control and distribution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The homogenization step employs mechanical vibration and high-shear mixing to break down agglomerates and create uniform cannabinoid emulsion droplets of controlled size. This mechanical action, combined with the subsequent collision process, enables precise control over nanoparticle size distribution while using equipment that is not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The collision process utilizes pneumatic pressure to deliver the homogenized emulsion to the impact surface at controlled velocities. The pneumatic system regulates the flow rate and impact energy, enabling precise control over nanoparticle size generation while using a relatively simple equipment configuration compared to alternative methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If cannabinoids are processed using conventional methods, then the handling is easier, but the purity and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The process replaces conventional mechanical handling and filtration methods with a cryogenic collision system that uses cold temperatures to control material properties. The cryogenic carrier fluid and impact surface work together to form nanoparticles that are inherently easier to handle and filter, while the centrifugal distillation step removes toxic impurities to achieve high purity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The process utilizes phase transitions of the cryogenic carrier fluid (between liquid and gas phases) to control the collision dynamics and nanoparticle formation. The phase change provides a natural mechanism for separating cannabinoids from impurities and controlling the physical state of the final nanoparticle product, improving both purity and handling characteristics.
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 process produces high-purity cannabinoid nanoparticles suitable for various formulations, ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and enhancing product quality and reproducibility.
Implementation Method 1
Mixing the homogenized cannabinoid emulsion with a cryogenic carrier fluid under pressure to obtain a cryogenic cannabinoid stream
Implementation Method 2
Delivering the cryogenic cannabinoid stream under high speed to a nozzle within a collision chamber to collide the cryogenic cannabinoid stream with an impact surface to obtain cannabinoid nanoparticles
Implementation Method 3
a novel centrifugal distillation system that comprises a low pressure chamber having disposed therein a stationary outer condenser/collector with a rotating inner distiller unit having a rotating heated disk surface, wherein the cannabinoid-containing oil is introduced into the center of the rotating heated disk surface and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across the top surface of the rotating heated disk surface
Implementation Method 4
more volatile fractions evaporate more rapidly and will either evaporate and condense or roll off the rotating heated disk surface
Implementation Method 5
more volatile fractions evaporate more rapidly and will either evaporate and condense or roll off the rotating heated disk surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to a cryogenic process for making cannabinoid nanoparticles and compositions made thereby.