Solvent-less Extraction of Cannabinoid Acids Using Terpene Saturants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting cannabinoid acids from cannabis plants often involve harsh chemicals, leading to residual contaminants and degradation of these sensitive compounds, making it difficult to achieve high-purity, solvent-less extraction and resulting in the need for synthetically produced forms which pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of terpenes like D-Limonene, Myrcene, Phellandrene, and Alpha-Pinene for solvent-less extraction, combined with methods such as ultrasound, microwave, and heat excitation, along with controlled temperature and vacuum processing to preserve cannabinoid acids like THC-A and CBD-A, while avoiding decarboxylation and degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If harsh chemicals such as butane or ethanol are used for extraction, then the extraction efficiency is improved, but residual chemicals remain in the product and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful solvent component from the extraction system entirely, replacing butane/ethanol with supercritical carbon dioxide which is then completely separated from the extract, leaving no residual contaminants in the final product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses supercritical carbon dioxide as an inert extraction medium that does not leave harmful residues. The CO2 creates a controlled inert atmosphere during extraction and is then completely removed, leaving only the desired cannabinoid compounds without chemical contaminants
2Productivity
If heat and pressure are applied during extraction, then the extraction process is accelerated, but decarboxylation occurs and converts cannabinoid acids to non-acidic forms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the temperature and pressure parameters of the supercritical CO2 extraction to maintain conditions below the decarboxylation threshold. By optimizing CO2 density and temperature parameters, the process achieves fast extraction kinetics while preserving the acid form of cannabinoids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs extraction before decarboxylation occurs, using supercritical CO2 to selectively extract cannabinoid acids in their native acid form. The process is designed to complete extraction at low temperatures that prevent thermal decarboxylation, preserving the acid compounds for subsequent controlled decarboxylation if needed
3Ease of manufacture
If secondary processes using heat are used to evaporate solvent, then solvent removal is achieved, but additional degradation of cannabinoid compounds occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the harmful solvent (supercritical CO2) from the system through pressure reduction, eliminating the need for secondary heating processes. The CO2 simply transitions from supercritical to gaseous state upon pressure release, naturally separating from the extract without requiring thermal evaporation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal solvent removal with a mechanical/physical phase transition process. Instead of using heat to evaporate solvent, the system uses pressure control to induce CO2 phase change from supercritical to gaseous state, achieving solvent removal through physical means rather than thermal processing
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 near 100% efficient, clean extraction of cannabinoid acids with controlled terpene and process variables to achieve specific potency and flavor profiles, maintaining compound integrity and reducing health risks associated with synthetic alternatives.
Implementation Method 1
The plant-based material and, terpene collection media, or 'saturant', can be excited or agitated using ultrasound
Implementation Method 2
The plant-based material and, terpene collection media, or 'saturant', can be excited or agitated using microwave
Implementation Method 3
The extraction process may utilize an excitation method, including microwave, ultrasound, sonication, heat input through radiation or conductive elements
Implementation Method 4
Vacuum may be used in order to remove oxygen from the process, helping to maintain the integrity of the chemical compounds and reducing the likelihood of combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extracting compounds, including stable natural cannabinoid acids, from plant material, utilizing terpenes as a saturant is described. The invention includes the excitation of the plant material and terpene solvent with microwave, ultrasound, sonication, heat input, and physical agitation or combinations thereof. The invention particularly covers the process as it relates to the extraction of THC-A, CBG-A, and CBD-A and their derivatives from cannabis and hemp for the use in products for medical and recreational use. The combinations of terpene saturant, plant material strain and process variables can be tuned in order to dial in the final resultant product for several variables including but not limited to terpene content, THC-A, CBG-A or CBD-A potency, ratios of THC-A, CBD-A, CBG-A and their derivatives, or flavor profile.