SMB Chromatography for THC Removal from Cannabinoids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying cannabinoids, such as those used in cannabis extraction, face challenges in achieving high purity levels of cannabinoids like CBD and CBC while minimizing THC content, particularly in removing THC and THCA from hemp and cannabis leaves.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a multi-step process using simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography with specific chromatographic resins like OR-1, OR-2, OR-3, OR-5, and OR-11, which involves preparing feedstock streams and passing them through chromatographic resins in SMB configurations to achieve THC removal and increase cannabinoid purity, with optional solvent removal and regeneration steps to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods (butane, supercritical CO2, ethanol) are used to extract cannabinoids, then high cannabinoid yield is achieved, but THC contamination remains in the extract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes THC from the cannabinoid extract using chromatographic resins. The process involves passing the extract through columns containing chromatographic resin that selectively adsorbs THC while allowing desired cannabinoids to pass through, thereby separating the harmful THC component from the beneficial cannabinoids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chromatographic resins as intermediary substances to facilitate THC removal. These resins act as mediators between the extract and the purification process, selectively interacting with THC molecules to enable their separation from the cannabinoid mixture through adsorption mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple purification steps are implemented to reduce THC content, then THC levels decrease to acceptable levels, but process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the purification process into discrete stages using multiple chromatographic columns with different resin types. Each column is optimized for specific purification functions, allowing systematic progression from crude extract to high-purity cannabinoid product with controlled THC reduction at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes different chromatographic resins with varying physical and chemical parameters (porosity, surface area, functional groups) to optimize THC separation. By changing resin characteristics between columns, the process achieves progressive purification while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If chromatographic resins with high THC adsorption capacity are used, then THC removal efficiency increases, but resin cost and regeneration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a regeneration system that recovers and reuses chromatographic resins after they have captured THC. The resins are treated with regenerating solutions to desorb and remove accumulated THC, restoring their capacity for subsequent purification cycles, thereby reducing the need for continuous resin replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a continuous purification process where chromatographic columns operate in sequence, with feed stream continuously passing through multiple columns. This continuous operation maintains consistent THC removal efficiency while allowing resin regeneration to occur during transitions between processing cycles.
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 effectively reduces THC levels to less than 0.3 wt% and increases the weight percentage of desired cannabinoids, enabling their use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications with high purity.
Implementation Method 1
passing the first feedstock stream through a first chromatographic resin arranged in a simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography configuration
Implementation Method 2
passing the first feedstock stream through a first chromatographic resin arranged in a simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing THC and/or THCA from a mixture is provided, the mixture including at least one other cannabinoid. The method comprises passing a first feedstock stream through a first chromatographic resin arranged in a simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography configuration to provide a primary raffinate stream, preparing a second feedstock stream, the second feedstock stream comprising the primary raffinate stream or a concentrated primary raffinate stream, and passing the second feedstock stream through a second chromatographic resin to provide an eluate stream, the eluate stream having less than 0.3 wt % THC on a solvent free basis. The cannabinoid products can be used in various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.