sCPC Separation of Cannabinoids from Plant Extracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating and purifying cannabinoids from cannabis plant extracts are inefficient, particularly in achieving high purity and yield, due to limitations in existing chromatography techniques which struggle with complex multi-component mixtures and the presence of fats that impair separation performance.
Innovation Solution
The method employs Sequential Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (sCPC) with a continuous change between stationary and mobile phases, utilizing a two-phase solvent system and high-speed centrifugal separation to effectively separate and purify cannabinoids, optimizing rotor speed and flow rates to prevent phase bleeding and achieve targeted enrichment and depletion of desired compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional chromatography techniques are used for separating cannabinoids, then the separation process can be performed, but the purity and yield are insufficient due to inefficiency with complex multi-component mixtures and fats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically optimizing multiple parameters including rotor speed (1,000-5,000 rpm), flow rates of mobile and stationary phases, temperature (4°C to 40°C), and solvent composition ratios. These parameter adjustments enable the sCPC system to achieve both high purity (>98%) and high productivity by finding optimal operating conditions that conventional chromatography cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the continuous switching between stationary and mobile phases in the sCPC system. The rotor alternates between rotation and stationary positions, and phases are dynamically exchanged during the separation process. This dynamic operation allows the system to handle complex multi-component mixtures efficiently while maintaining high purity, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and productivity
2Device complexity
If conventional chromatography methods are used, then the process can be simple, but the separation performance deteriorates in the presence of fats and complex mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a centrifugal field as a mediating force that enhances the separation mechanism. The centrifugal force acts as an intermediary that amplifies the partitioning effect between phases, enabling effective separation of fats and complex mixtures. This allows the system to maintain relatively simple operation while achieving superior separation performance that conventional methods cannot provide
3Productivity
If high rotor speed is used to improve separation, then separation efficiency increases, but phase bleeding occurs that impairs separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing cyclic switching between stationary and mobile phases at optimized time intervals. The system alternates between high-speed rotation for efficient separation and stationary positions for phase equilibration. This periodic operation prevents phase bleeding while maintaining high separation efficiency, as the system spends optimized time in each state to achieve both productivity and precision
4Adaptability or versatility
If liquid-liquid chromatography with solid column material is used, then the process is conventional, but the separation capability is limited compared to solid-free systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solid column material from the chromatography system, creating a solid-free liquid-liquid partition system. By removing the solid stationary phase and using only liquid phases with centrifugal force for separation, the system achieves enhanced adaptability and versatility for handling diverse cannabinoid mixtures and fats, while maintaining manageable process complexity through the sCPC operational framework
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 enables the efficient separation and purification of cannabinoids, achieving high purity and yield by leveraging the differential distribution coefficients of substances in a centrifugal column, effectively managing phase changes and flow rates to isolate specific fractions and pure substances like cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor is accelerated to approximately 1,000 rpm or more, so that centrifugal force causes the separation of the two liquid phases due to the density differences in the individual chambers.
Implementation Method 2
The separation of substances occurs due to different adsorption in the mobile or stationary phase or the respective partition coefficient (K) of a substance to the mobile/stationary phase
Implementation Method 3
With the aid of a pump, a mobile liquid phase (continuously) flows through the stationary liquid phase in the rotor.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating natural substance mixtures, in particular those consisting of plant extracts, and for isolating and purifying and obtaining same, by means of sequential centrifugal partition chromatography (sCPC).