Simulated Moving Bed Chromatography for Cannabinoid Isomer Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying cannabinoid compounds, such as trans-(-)-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and trans-(-)-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin, are inefficient and costly, particularly in achieving high purity levels on a large scale due to the structural similarity of isomers which complicates separation.
Innovation Solution
The use of simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB) in combination with additional extraction steps to separate and purify cannabinoid compounds, allowing for the simultaneous continuous separation and purification of desired compounds with reduced eluant usage and minimal material loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional chromatography methods are used to purify cannabinoid compounds, then separation of isomers can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive, particularly at large scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies simulated moving bed chromatography where the stationary phase is dynamically switched between different regions (loading, separation, elution, regeneration) through periodic valve switching. This dynamic operation allows continuous purification at industrial scale, resolving the contradiction between achieving high purity and reducing purification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMB system enables continuous operation where multiple columns work in sequence to maintain continuous purification flow. The feed stream continuously enters the system and pure product continuously exits, eliminating the batch processing time losses associated with conventional chromatography while maintaining high purity levels.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional chromatography methods are used to purify cannabinoid compounds, then separation of isomers can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The purification system is divided into multiple identical chromatography columns arranged in series, with each column performing a specific function in the cyclic process. This segmentation allows the complex purification function to be distributed across simpler, identical units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high purification performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic valve switching to cycle through different operational modes (loading, separation, elution, regeneration) for each column. This periodic action simplifies control by using repeated cyclic operations rather than continuous complex control, making the system more manageable while achieving high purity separation.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional purification methods are used, then isomer separation can be achieved, but material loss increases and eluant consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The SMB system recovers and reuses the mobile phase (eluant) throughout the cyclic operation. The eluant that has passed through the columns is collected and reused in subsequent cycles, significantly reducing material loss and eluant consumption compared to conventional methods where eluant is continuously consumed and discarded.
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 method achieves high purity levels with isomers below detection limits, enabling large-scale production while reducing costs and time, as demonstrated by the successful purification of delta-9-THC and delta-9-THCV with minimal residual impurities.
Implementation Method 1
purifying cannabinoid compounds via simulated moving bed chromatography
Implementation Method 2
the cannabinoid compound(s) is/are obtained in the extract and/or the raffinate with the total amount of isomeric impurities being below detection level
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for purifying one or two cannabinoid compounds using simulated moving bed chromatography, wherein the cannabinoid compound(s) is/are obtained in the extract and/or the raffinate with the total amount of isomeric impurities being below detection level. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for the purification of cannabidiol, trans-(-)-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidivarin, trans-(-)-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin and cannabigerol which have been obtained by enantiopure synthesis.