Low-Temperature Fractionation of Terpene-Reduced Cannabinoid Adjuncts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in producing a plant-based cannabinoid adjunct that is low in terpenes and suitable for use as a food additive, as terpenes can impart bitter tastes when ingested and their control during processing is difficult due to varying profiles based on plant variety and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A process involving solvent extraction and fractionation at low temperatures to enhance the cannabinoid to terpene (C/T) ratio, followed by combining the cannabinoid fraction with a soluble fiber, resulting in a terpene-reduced cannabinoid adjunct suitable for edible products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional extraction methods are used to obtain cannabinoids from plant matter, then the extraction process is simple, but the terpene content remains high causing bitter taste when ingested
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is divided into multiple sequential steps: initial extraction, filtration, concentration, and winterization. Each step separates and removes specific components, progressively purifying the cannabinoid extract while removing terpenes that cause bitter taste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically extracts and removes terpenes from the cannabinoid extract through multiple stages including filtration to remove plant material, concentration to remove solvent, and winterization to remove waxes and remaining terpenes, leaving a purified cannabinoid product.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If terpene content is reduced through processing, then the bitter taste is eliminated, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters at each processing stage: temperature changes during extraction and winterization, concentration changes during evaporation, and phase changes during filtration. These parameter changes enable selective separation of terpenes from cannabinoids without requiring complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The winterization step exploits phase transitions by cooling the extract to freeze out waxes and remaining terpenes, which then separate as solid particles that can be easily filtered. This natural phase change simplifies the removal of bitter-tasting components.
3Manufacturing precision
If high C/T ratio is achieved through fractionation, then the adjunct is suitable for edibles, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions in each processing step to prepare the extract for the next stage: initial filtration removes bulk plant material, concentration pre-purifies by removing solvent, and winterization pre-separates waxes and terpenes. This sequential preparation reduces the complexity and time of final purification.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing method allows the extract to self-separate components based on their physical properties: cannabinoids remain in solution while terpenes and waxes freeze out during winterization, or are removed during concentration. This natural separation reduces the need for additional active processing steps.
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 a terpene-reduced cannabinoid adjunct with a high C/T ratio, enabling its use as a neutral-tasting ingredient in edible products, maintaining flavor and aroma while enhancing mixability with other ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a first plant matter having a first cannabinoid to terpene (C/T) ratio with a solvent at a temperature below about 0° C. for at least 1 hour producing a first solvent fraction
Implementation Method 2
fractionating the first solvent fraction producing a second solvent fraction, a terpene fraction and a solvent-free cannabinoid fraction
Data Source
AI summary
Herein are described processes for the preparation of a cannabinoid adjunct. The process includes contacting a first plant matter having a first cannabinoid to terpene (C/T) ratio with a solvent at a temperature below about 0° C. for at least 1 hour producing a first solvent fraction. The first solvent fraction is separated from the first plant matter and fractionated providing a second solvent fraction, a terpene fraction and a solvent-free cannabinoid fraction. The cannabinoid fraction has a second C/T ratio that is greater than or equal to the first C/T ratio. The cannabinoid fraction can be combined with a soluble fiber thereby producing the cannabinoid adjunct. The cannabinoid adjunct is suitable for use in edible products.