Patent Application
20240228492
It is known that extracts and chemical components from plant materials have medicinal and beneficial purposes. However, although certain quantities have successfully been extracted for teas, supplements, pharmaceuticals, and the like, purifying such components for these commercial purposes has generally been challenging for a variety of reasons.
In particular, purifying alkaloids and similar chemical components from plant material in high concentrations and in large quantities has generally been difficult. Many have tried to do so but often with little success. Prior to the present invention, extraction techniques often resulted in a purity of the alkaloid from about 1-45% by weight.
Accordingly, a need exists to purify chemical components from plant material in higher concentrations, as compared to traditional methods. Additionally, a need exists to do so in large quantities. Finally, yet another need exists to efficiently and effectively purify and extract chemical components that have medicinal and beneficial properties for incorporation into a variety of applications. An additional need exists for performing such a purification with “green” solvents, bases, and acids.
The present invention relates to methods for purifying one or more chemical components from a starting plant material e.g., on a large or industrial scale. The starting plant material has a weight greater than 100 kilograms, e.g., ranging from about 100 kilograms to about 1000 kilograms (e.g., about 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, or 1000 kilograms), wherein the starting plant material has about 1% to about 2% (e.g., about 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 1.75%, 2%) by weight of the chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) to be isolated and purified. The inventive methods include the steps of:
The amount of purified crystalline solid product having the one or more chemical components ranges from about 1% to about 2% (e.g., about 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 1.75%, 2%) by weight of the raw starting material. The starting plant material has about 1% to about 2% by weight of the chemical components. As such, most or all of the chemical components present in the starting plant material is recovered by the inventive methodology and present in the final product on an industrial/commercial scale. Hence, in certain embodiments, the methodology described herein provides a product wherein about 90% to about 100% (e.g., about 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100%) of the amount of the chemical component is recovered from that in the starting raw plant material. The methods of the present invention result in an efficient highly purified product. The ratio of the weight of the starting plant material to the weight of the of the chemical component in the purified crystalline product ranges between about 100:1 to about 100:2. In an aspect, the product has an amount of the chemical component present in a range from about 55% to about 100% (e.g., at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100) by weight.
In an embodiment, the starting plant material can be optionally pretreated with an acid to remove fatty acids and/or a solvent to remove certain components such as chlorophyll and non-structural carbohydrates. Examples of fatty acids include chlorophyll, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, iridoids, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and glucosinates. These can be summarized as secondary metabolites. Carbohydrates that can be removed include, for example, cellulose, oligosaccarhides, polysaccharides, glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, glucomannan, xyloglucan, mannan, glucans, pectin, plant gums, fructans, galactose, ribose, maltose, lactose, raffinose, fructooligosaccharide, manaoligosaccharide, inulin, and starch.
The plant material used in the methodology includes e.g., bark, pollen, root system, root stem, shoot system, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit. The starting plant material for the present invention can be derived from any plants with medicinal or beneficial properties and examples are further described herein.
In an embodiment, the solubilizer that can be used for the methodology can be any base e.g., a mineral alkaline material. Bases for use in the present invention include calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate or a combination thereof. Similarly, acids that can be used as a solubilizers in the present invention include glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, carbonic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid, or a combination thereof. The present invention can utilize any Lewis acid or base. A Lewis acid refers to a chemical species that contains an empty orbital which is capable of accepting an electron pair from a Lewis base to form a Lewis adduct. A Lewis base, then, is any species that has a filled orbital containing an electron pair which is not involved in bonding but may form a covalent bond with a Lewis acid to form a Lewis adduct. Such acids and bases are known in the art or later developed and can be used with the methodology of the present invention.
The solvent used in the methods described herein can be any non-polar solvent. Solvents of the present invention include those with a dielectric constant below about 5. Solvents for use with the present invention include, for example, limonene, p-cymene, pinene, cyclopentyl ethyl ether, ethyl lactate, 2-methyloxolaine, glycerol, Isopopanol, n-propylacetate, i-propylacetate, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, sulpholane, anisole, ethylene, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, tert amyl methyl ether, methyl laurate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,2,5,5-tetramethyloxolane, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, dimethyldodecylamine oxide, sodium dodecyl sulfate, dimethoxyethane, methylene chloride, polyethylene glycol, ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, n-hexane, chloroform, methyl chloride, ethyl acetate, hexane, toluene, naptha, xylene, or combinations thereof.
Mechanically separating the mixture includes any technique that separates away the non-soluble plant material from the mixture. Such techniques include e.g., gravity separation, force separation, centrifuge separation, or a combination thereof.
The method of the present invention uses a salting agent (e.g., polarity changer, proton donor, Lewis acid or base), and can include, for example, glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, carbonic acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid, calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate or a combination thereof.
The method involves separating most or all of the solvent from the using phase separation e.g., performed in a conical fermenter.
The crystalizing step of the methodology can, in an aspect, use seed crystals along with heating, sonicating or both the salted solution to thereby obtain a crystalline solid having one or more chemical components.
The method of present invention further includes separating the salting agent (e.g., polarity changer or proton donor (e.g., acid)) from the crystalline solid having the one or more chemical components by performing one or more washes with a polar solvent. The method then includes dehydrating the purified crystalline solid into a powder comprises subjecting the purified crystalline solid having the one or more chemical components into a powder to a dehydrator or vacuum based oven at a temperature for a time period.
The resulting dried composition of the present invention has an amount ranging from 55% to 100% (e.g., at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%) of the chemical component by weight. Accordingly, the present invention includes the product made by the methodology described herein.
In yet another embodiment, the inventive methodology for purifying one or more chemical components from a starting plant material; includes the following steps:
The purification methodology of the present invention advantageously allows for extracted plant-derived chemical components in high concentrations and processed in large quantities. The inventive methodology results in alkaloid products having greater than 55% alkaloid by weight or greater.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
A description of preferred embodiments of the invention follows.
The present invention relates to a methodology for purifying chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) from plant material. The methodology involves at least three phases: Phase 1: Preparing the plant material and solubilization; Phase 2: Separation from plant material from solubilized chemical components and Salting; and Phase 3: Crystallization of the purified chemical component.
Referring to
The starting plant material has a weight ranging from about 100 kilograms to about 1000 kilograms (e.g., about 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, or 1000 kilograms), wherein the starting plant material has about 10 to about 2% (e.g., about 1%, 1.25%, 1.5%, 1.75%, 2%) by weight of the chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) to be isolated and purified.
Any plant material from any plant species can be used in this methodology. Examples of plant species that can be used with this purification methodology of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom (leaf)), Cannabis sativa, Piper methysticum, (kava root), Hypericum perforatum (St. johns wart), Lepidium meyenii (maca), Panax quinquefolius L. (ginseng), Nymphaea caerulea blue lotus. Common examples include Ashwagandha plant, Allium sativum, Vitex negundo, stinging nettle, Orange flowers, Chamomile flowers, aloe vera, lemon grass, fenugreek, rosemary, peppermint, thyme, lavender, tulsi, ginger, and curry leaves. Additionally, plants listed in Table 1 below are more examples of those that can be used in this methodology.
Acer saccharinum (Maple), Argemone Mexicana (Argemone - Prickly Poppy), Chionanthus virginicus
hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut), Agaricus blazei (mushroom), Agathosma betulina (Buchu), Agave
tequilana (Agave syrup), Agrimonia eupatoria L. (Agrimony), Agropyron repens (Couch grass), Alchemilla
vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) Aletris farinosa (Unicorn Root - Colic Root), Aleurites moluccanus (Kukui Nut
officinarum (Galangal Root), Althaea officinalis L. (Marsh Mallow Root), Anacardium occidentale (Cashew
Angelica archangelica (Angelica root), Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai), anthriscus cerefolium (Chervil),
Apium graveolens (Celery Seed), Aralia racemosa (Spikenard), Arctium lappa (Burdock root),
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Uva Ursi), Argania spinosa (Argan Oil), Aristolochia spp (Snakeroot), Armoracia
rusticana (Horseradish root), Arnica montana (Arnica), Artemisia absinthium L. (Wormwood), Artemisia
dracunculus (Tarragon), Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), Asarum canadense
linearis (Rooibos), Asparagus spp (Asparagus), astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus root), Atropa
belladonna (Belladonna), Avena sativa L. (Oats), Azadirachta Indica (Neem), Bacopa monnieri, Bacopa,
Berberis vulgaris L., Barberry, Betula alba, Birch bark & leaf, Bixa orellana, Annatto Seed, Borago
officinalis, Borage Seed Oil, Boswellia thurifera, Boswellia (Frankincense), Brassica napus, Canola oil
Butyrospermum parkii, Shea Nut Butter, Calendula officinalis, Calendula, Calophyllum inophyllum, Tamanu
sativa, Hemp Oil, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Shepherd's Purse, Capsicum minimum, Cayenne Pepper,
Caralluma fimbriata, Caralluma, Carapa guianensis, Andiroba Oil, Carica papaya, Papaya, Carthamus
tinctorius, Safflower Oil, Carum carvi, Caraway Seed, Cassia nomame, Cassia Nomame, Caulophyllum
thalictroides, Blue Cohosh Root, Ceanothus americanus, Red Root, Cedrus atlantica, Cedarwood, Atlas,
Centaurea cyanus, Cornflowers, Centaurium erythraea, Centaury, Centella asiatica (L.), Gotu Kola,
Ceratonia siliqua, Carob, Chamaelirium luteum, False Unicorn Root, Chelidonium majus, Celandine,
Chenopodium ambrosioides, pazote, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Oxeye Daisy, Chrysanthemum
morifolium, C. sinense, Chrysanthemum, Cichorium intybus, Chicory root, Cimicifuga racemosa, Black
C. cassia, Cinnamon, Citrus aurantifolia, Lime Oil, Citrus aurantium subsp. amara or Bigaradia, Neroli,
Citrus bergamia, Bergamot Oil, Citrus brigarade, Petitgrain Oil, Citrus limonum, Lemon, Citrus paradisi,
benedictus, Blessed Thistle, Coccinia grandis, Ivy gourd, Cocos nucifera, Coconut oil, Codonopsis pilosula,
Jalapa, Jalap, Copaifera Officinalis, Copaiba Balsam, Coptis spp, Coptis, Coriandrum sativum, Cilantro,
Coriandrum sativum, Coriander, Corydalis spp, Corydalis, Corylus avellana, Hazelnut Oil, Crataegus
monogyna, Hawthorn Berry, Crocus sativus, Saffron, Cucurbita pepo, Pumpkin Seed, Cuminum cyminum,
Cymopogon citratus, C. flexuosus, Lemongrass, Cynara scolymus, Artichoke, Globe, Datura spp, Datura,
Daucus carota L., Carrot, Wild, Digitalis purpurea, foxglove digitalis, Dioscorea villosa, Wild Yam Root,
Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea, Elettaria cardamomum, Cardamom, Eleutherococcus senticosus,
arvense, Horsetail, Erythroxylum catuaba, Catuaba, Erythroxylum coca, Coca, Eschscholzia californica,
officinalis, Fumitory, Galega officinalis, Goat's Rue, Galium aparine, Cleavers, Galium odoratum, Sweet
procumbens, Wintergreen Oil, Gentiana lutea, Gentian, Ginkgo biloba L., Ginkgo biloba, Glechoma
hederacea L, Ground Ivy, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Licorice Root, Grifola frondosa, Maitake mushroom,
Grindelia spp, Grindelia, Gymnema sylvestre, Gurmar, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Jiaogulan, Hamamelis
virginiana, Witch Hazel, Harpagophytum procumbens, Devil's Claw, Helianthemum canadense (L.) Michx.,
obtusa, Hepatica Liver-Leaf, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus, Hippophae rhamnoides, Sea Buckthorn Oil,
Hoodia Gordonii, Hoodia, Hordeum vulgare, Barley Grass, Humulus Lupulus, Hops, Hyacinthus
nonscriptus, Wild Hyacinth, Hydrastis canadensis, Goldenseal, Hyoscyamus niger, Henbane, Hypericum
perforatum, St. John's Wort, Hyssopus officinalis, Hyssop, Ilex paraguariensis, Yerba Mate, Impatiens
capensis, Jewel Weed, Inonotus obliquus, Chaga Mushroom, Inula helenium, Elecampane, Iris germanica,
Laurus nobilis, Bay Laurel, Lavandula spp, Lavender, Lawsonia inermis, Henna, Leonurus caridica L.,
Lonicera periclymenum, Honeysuckle, Lycium barbarum, Goji Berries, Lycopodium clavatum,, Club Moss,
Lycopus spp., Bugleweed, Magnolia Glauca, Magnolia, Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon Grape root, Malus
domestica, Apple, Maranta arundinacea, Arrowroot powder, Marrubium vulgare L., Horehound, Matricaria
recutita, Chamomile, Medicago sativa L., Alfalfa, Melaleuca alternifolia, Tea Tree oil, Melaleuca
leucadendron, M. leucadendra, Cajeput Oil, Melissa officinalis, Lemon Balm, Mentha piperita, Peppermint,
Mentha pulegium, PennyRoyal, Mentha spicata, Spearmint, Menyanthes trifoliata, Bogbean, Momordica
charantia, Bitter Melon, Monarda didyma, Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot, Morinda citrifolia, Noni, Myrica
cerifera, Bayberry, Myristica fragrans, Nutmeg, Myroxylon pereirae, Balsam of Peru, Myrtus communis,
Nepeta cataria, Catnip, Nigella sativa, Black Seed oil, Ocimum basilicum, Basil, Ocimum sanctum, Holy
Origanum majorana, Marjoram, Sweet, Origanum vulgare, Oregano, Paeonia albiflora, White Peony root,
Panax ginseng, Ginseng root, Panax quinquefolius, Ginseng Root, American, Papaver rhoeas, Red Poppy
Pelargonium graveolens, Geranium, Persea americana, Avocado, Petasites vulgaris, Butterbur, Petroselinum
crispum, Parsley, Peumus boldus Molina, Boldo, Pfaffia paniculata, Suma Root, Phaseolus vulgaris, White
Pimpinella anisum, Anise Seed, Pinus sylvestris, Pine, Piper cubeba, Cubeb, Piper longum, Long Pepper,
Pippali, Piper methysticum, Kava-Kava, Piper nigrum, Black Pepper, Piscidia piscipula, Jamaican Dogwood,
Plantago major, lanceolata L., Plantain, Plantago psyllium, Plantago ovata, Psyllium, Plectranthus barbatus,
Coleus Forskohlii, Podophyllum peltatum, May Apple, Pogostemon patchouli, Patchouli, Polygonatum
biflorum, Solomon's Seal, Polygonum multiflorum, Fo-Ti Root, Populus spp, Balm of Gilead, Prunella
vulgaris L., Self-Heal, Prunus africanum, Pygeum, Prunus armeniaca, Apricot Oil, Prunus dulcis, Almond
Pulsatilla nuttalliana, Pasque Flower, Punica granatum, Pomegranate, Quassia amara, Quassia, Quercus
robur, Oak Bark, Ravensara aromatica, Ravensara Oil, Rehmannia glutinosa, Rehmannia root, Rhamnus
frangula, Alder Buckthorn, Rhamnus purshiana DC, Cascara Sagrada, Rheum palmatum, Turkey Rhubarb,
Rhodiola rosea, Rhodiola, Ricinus communis, Castor Oil, Rosa spp, Rose, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosemary,
Rubus idaeus, Raspberry Leaf, Rumex acetosella var. vulgaris, Sheep Sorrel, Rumex crispus, Yellow Dock,
Ruscus aculeatus, Butcher's Broom, Ruta graveolens L., Rue, Salix Alba, White Willow Bark, Salvia
officinalis, Sage, Salvia sclarea, Clary Sage, Sambucus nigra, Elderberry, Sanguinaria canadensis L,
tortuosum, Sceletium, Schisandra chinensis, Schisandra, Scrophularia nodosa, Figwort, Scutellaria
lateriflora, Skullcap, Senna alexandrina Mill., Senna, Serenoa serrulata, Saw Palmetto, Sesamum indicum,
sonchifolius, Yacon Root, Smilax sarsaparilla, Sarsaparilla Root, Solidago virgaurea, Goldenrod, Spilanthes
acmella, Spilanthes, Stachys officinalis, Wood Betony, Stellaria media, Chickweed, Stevia rebaudiana
aromaticum, Clove Oil, Tabebuia spp, Pau d'arco, Tanacetum balsamita L., Costmary, Tanacetum
parthenium, Feverfew, Tanacetum vulgare, Tansy, Taraxacum officinale, Dandelion Root, Terminalia arjuna,
dioica, Stinging Nettle, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Cranberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Bilberry, Vaccinium spp,
Verbena hastata, V. officinalis, Vervain, Veronica officinalis, Speedwell, Vetiveria zizanoides, Vetiver Oil,
Viburnum opulus, Cramp Bark, Vinca minor, Periwinkle, Viola spp, Violet Leaf, Viscum coloratum, V.
album, Mistletoe, Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree, Vitis vinifera, Grapes, Withania somnifera,
officinale, Ginger Root
The chemical components being isolated or separated away from the plant material using this purification methodology includes phytocompounds, alkaloids, proteins, estragoles, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, bitters, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, glucosilinates, minerals, mucilage, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenes, vitamins, volatile oils, and the like. The methodology of the present invention provides for a highly purified product having greater than about 55% (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%) by weight of the chemical component. Such chemical components can be any component derived from the starting plant material described herein and utilizing the methodology described herein.
The methodology can include an optional pretreatment step. The pretreatment step can be done with an acid to remove fatty acids or with a solvent to remove non-polar components such as chlorophyll, and structural and non-structural carbohydrates. Examples of fatty acids include chlorophyll, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, iridoids, monoterpenoids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, glucosinates. These can be summarized as secondary metabolites. Such carbohydrates include, for example, cellulose, oligosaccarhides, polysaccharides, glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, xylan, glucuronoxylan, arabinoxylan, glucomannan, xyloglucan, mannan, glucans, pectin, plant gums, fructans, galactose, ribose, maltose, lactose, raffinose, fructooligosaccharide, manaoligosaccharide, inulin, and starch.
Methodology 100 shown in
Temperature and solubility (e.g., alkalinity when using a base) allow for the hydrolyzation exothermal reaction to release the alkaloids. Temperature can be applied to the water before it is added to or to the mixture after the water is added. Heating the mixture allows for the alkaloids to be released at an increase rate and is optional. The temperature ranges from about 100° F. to about 200° F. (e.g. 125° F. to about 135° F.). Heat can be applied using a heater. Examples of such devices include heat exchangers, including falling film heat exchangers and tubular heat exchangers. Heat exchangers are able to deliver heat as well as cool the plant material. In an embodiment in which a heat exchanger is not used, a heater/oven or other device can be used.
The methodology of the present invention includes solubilization steps and salting steps. In an embodiment, a solubilizer is a base that is used to solubilize the one or more chemical components in the starting plant material in a non-polar solvent (see Step 104, and Step 404) and an acid is used to salt or polarize the chemical components (see Step 214 and Step 412). In another embodiment, an acid can be used for solubilization and a base can be used for the salting step.
Solubility can occur with the addition of a solubilizer, such as any acid or base, including “green” or food grade acid or base. As used herein, “green” acids or bases are those deemed safe by the USDA or similar organization, depending on the country. As used herein, “solubilized compounds” refers to the chemical components being dissolved in liquid or put into solution. In an embodiment, acid or base (e.g., solubilizer) is added in a sufficient amount and concentration to allow the chemical component to dissolve or solubilize without denaturing it. Any acid or base can be used to adjust the pH to ranges described herein to solubilize the component. Examples of such bases include calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the base is a food grade, mineral base. In an embodiment, Step 404, calcium hydroxide is used and reacts with carbohydrates in plants and allows the alkaloids to be mobile/disassociate. Similarly, examples of acids that can be used for the present invention include glacial acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, carbonic acid, hydrofluoric acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid or a combination thereof. Other acids or bases, previously known or later developed, can be used in the steps of the present invention so long as they solubilize the chemical component under conditions described herein. The present invention can also utilize a Lewis acid or Lewis base. A Lewis acid is a chemical species that contains an empty orbital which is capable of accepting an electron pair from a Lewis base to form a Lewis adduct. A Lewis base, then, is any species that has a filled orbital containing an electron pair which is not involved in bonding but may form a covalent bond with a Lewis acid to form a Lewis adduct. The volume and concentration of the acid or base used to solubilize the chemical component at the desired pH will depend on the starting pH of the solution, the operating temperature of the equipment, and/or the volume of the solution being brought to the proper pH. The concentration of acid or base will depend on the particular acid or base being used and the composition (e.g., liquid or powder forms) but ranges between e.g., about 0.002M to about 0.00002M. The choice of the acid or base and its concentration should be one that does not denature the chemical component in the mixture. In an embodiment, to solubilize the component, the base adjusts the pH of the mixture to obtain a resulting pH in the range equal to or between about 9.0 and about 11 (e.g., about 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, or 11)). When using acid to solubilize the chemical component in the plant material, the acid adjusts the pH of the mixture to obtain a resulting pH in the range of equal to or between about 1.0 and about 5.0 (e.g., about 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5.0). In an embodiment, solubilization of the mixture refers to the chemical component or alkaloid being mostly solubilized or in solution. In another embodiment, solubilization refers to the solution having least about 75% (e.g., 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) of the chemical component solubilized. Once the chemical component is solubilized, it is referred to as a “solubilized chemical component” or “solubilized alkaloid” or in the instance of using kratom as the starting material a “solubilized kratom material” or “solubilized mitragynine.” Once the solubilizer is added to the water and plant material and has the proper moisture content, one can proceed to the next step, Step 106 or Step 406. Adding a solubilizer to the starting material results in a “mixed solubilized plant material” or a “plant mixture.”
In an embodiment, a base is used with kratom as the starting material. See Steps 402 and 404. In this case, it takes a hydrogen ion off the amine functional group of the mitragynine which allows the mitragynine to become a similar polarity as limonene (e.g., racemic mixture that includes d-limonene and/or 1-limonene). Using the principle of like dissolves like, this allows the mitragynine to effectively solubilize into the solvent, as described herein. Step 406.
In an embodiment, water is added such that the mixed solubilized plant material has a moisture content of between about 1% and about 70% (e.g., about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%), and in an embodiment has a content of between about 4% and about 6%. The moisture content depends on the ratio of liquid (water and base/acid) to plant material. The moisture content can be measured using a moisture meter. Any moisture meter can be used so long it is suitable for measuring moisture in a plant material. Moisture meters are commercially available, from e.g., Aroya SOLUS Soil Moisture Meter from Forever Green Indoors (Seattle WA, USA).
Step 106 or Step 406 of methodology 100 involves combining the plant material and a solvent. When the solvent is added, the mobile alkaloids of the plant mixture are further solubilized. This can be done in a mixing and/or mashing vessel such as a mash tun. The mash tun allows the mixed solubilized (alkaline (or acidic)) plant material to be mixed with a solvent to produce a “mash” type mixture. Such a vessel with a screen used for this mixing can include screens for filtering larger plant material. A 275 gallon IBC tote from Uline is commercially available and can be used for this step. Addition of the solvent in Step 106 or Step 406 results in a plant mixture with solubilized chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) & solvent.
The solvent used in this step can be any solvent that allows for further solubilization of one or more chemical components from the plant material. In an aspect, the solvent is added in a time frame ranging from 1 minute to about 30 minutes after adding the solubilizer in Step 104 or Step 404. In an embodiment, the solvent (e.g., limonene) is added before the mixture cools or as soon as possible after the exothermic reaction in Step 104 or Step 404.
A solvent can be any non-polar chemical substance that dissolves one or more of the chemical components in the mixture. Solvents of the present invention include those with a dielectric constant below about 5. Examples of such non-polar solvents include green and non-green solvents. Solvents for the present invention can also be food grade solvents as well. As used herein, “green” solvents are those deemed safe by the USDA or similar organization, depending on the country. Examples of green solvents include Limonene, p-cymene, pinene, cyclopentyl ethyl ether, ethyl lactate, 2-methyloxolaine, glycerol, Isopopanol, n-propylacetate, i-propylacetate, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, sulpholane, anisole, ethylene, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, tert amyl methyl ether, methyl laurate, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,2,5,5-tetramethyloxolane, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, dimethyldodecylamine oxide, sodium dodecyl sulfate, dimethoxyethane, methylene chloride, polyethylene glycol and combinations thereof. Other solvents including non-green solvents can be used in the methodology of the present invention and include e.g., ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, n-hexane, chloroform, methyl chloride, ethyl acetate, hexane, toluene, naptha, xylene, and combinations thereof. Using green solvents is more labor intensive and less effective. However, using green solvents is better for the health of workers doing the purification, easier to dispose of and healthier for consumers ingesting it. Despite using green solvents, the present invention still results in a highly purified product. Similar solvents now known or later discovered or developed can be used with the present invention. In an embodiment, green solvents or food grade solvents used in the present invention meet Hanson solubility parameters (Green Solvents, Hansen Solubility Parameters, https://www.hansen-solubility.com/HSPiP/green-solvents.php) or Gauss polarity parameters https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarization_density#Guass's_law_for_the_field_of_P. Solvents later discovered or known can be also used in the methodology of the present invention.
In an embodiment, kratom material having 4-6% moisture content is transferred to a mash tun and a solvent in a ratio of 1 kilogram of kratom to 1.8 liter of d-limonene is added and the mash processes occurs for a time period of 24 hours, repeated twice more for 2 hours each, to thereby obtain a kratom mixture with solubilized alkaloids and solvent. See Step 406 of
Phase 2 involves two basic steps: mechanical separation of the plant material (see Steps 202-212) and salting the solubilized chemical components (see Steps 214-215). The first basic step of Phase 2 involves mechanical separation (see Steps 202-212) of the plant material in the plant mixture from Step 106 having plant material, solubilized chemical components/alkaloids, and solvent, as shown in
Mechanical separation in the steps of the inventive methodology can occur in any number of ways using commercially available equipment. Mechanical separation techniques include, for example, gravity, pressing, filtration, sedimentation, centrifugation, or strainer. Mechanical separation equipment includes filters, screens, screw press, drip bins), centrifuges, filter press, and the like (e.g., to capture the solution when gravity or force (e.g., centrifugal or vacuum) is applied). In an embodiment, the mechanical separation technique used in the present invention includes hoisting dewatering bags and allowing gravity to separate the solubilized chemical components (e.g. alkaloids) & solvent solution from the plant material. See Step 206 or Step 406. In this case, the solution collects into a container. In another embodiment, a screw press is used to mechanically separate the solution having chemical components (e.g., alkaloids), & solvent solution from the plant material. See Step 208 or Step 408. A screw press applies force to squeeze the solution out of the plant material against a screen or filter and the solution is collected through the screen for collection. Screw presses are commercially available from, for example, Vincent Corporation (Model No. CP-6, Tampa, Florida USA). If the gravity method is utilized, any surplus can be process through the screw press to maximize recovery. In yet another embodiment, centrifugation can be used to separate plant material from the chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) & solvent with centrifugal force. Any method of mechanical separation can be used so long as the plant material is separated from the chemical component (e.g., alkaloids) & solvent solution.
After the plant mixture is separated from solubilized chemical components (e.g. alkaloids) & solvent by the dewatering bags in Step 206 or 406, screw press in Step 208 or Step 408, or the centrifuge in Step 209 or 409, the resulting solution is mechanically separated chemical component (e.g. alkaloids) & solvent solution.
Mechanical separation methods can be repeated or combined if needed. For example, in an embodiment, once the plant mixture with solubilized alkaloids has been processed by the dewatering bags in Step 206 or 406, screw press in Step 208 or Step 408, or the centrifuge in Step 209 or 409, the mechanically separated alkaloid solution can further be optionally processed by centrifugation as shown in Step 210 or Step 410.
In embodiment, for steps 209 and/or 210, a continuous centrifuge is used at about 5000 RPM for 30 minutes to about 90 minutes and feeds from the screw press to further separate the solids from the liquids and provide a high concentration of the chemical component (e.g., alkaloids)/solvent solution. Centrifugation can be done with or without a built-in filter. In another embodiment, centrifugation in Methodology 100 can also use a decanter centrifuge @ 3000 RPMs (500-3000 RPMs) or 1000-3000 G force. Centrifuges are commercially available, and for example, can be obtained from Alpha Laval (Beverly, Massachusetts USA). Any centrifugation settings can be used so long as the centrifuge separates the plant material from the chemical components (e.g., alkaloids)/solvent solution.
If the mechanically separated solution having solubilized chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) & solvent still has some plant material then it can optionally be further filtered with or without vacuum assistance in Step 212 or Step 412. See
Filtration can be vacuum assisted. In such an embodiment, a negative pressure vacuum can be used to pull the fluid through the filter. Alternatively, positive pressure directed air can be used to push the fluid through one or more filters.
The separation steps result in a separation of soluble chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) in a solvent from the plant material. The plant material is discarded. The remaining solution has the solvent, and the solubilized chemical components (e.g., alkaloids). The methodology then proceeds to the salting/precipitation Step 214 or Step 414.
The separated (e.g., mechanically separated) and/or filtered solution is transferred, in Step 214 or Step 414, to a vessel in which the solution is salted or precipitated. In the salting/precipitation step, a salting agent (e.g., acid or proton donor) is added to bind and/or precipitate the purified chemical components (e.g., alkaloid) and separate all or most of the solvent from the purified chemical component (e.g., alkaloid) solution. The addition of the salting agent (e.g., acid or proton donor) results in a salted solution having one or more purified chemical components (e.g., alkaloids), the salting agent and residual solvent, if any.
Various vessels used for the salting/precipitation Step 214 or Step 414 so long as the salting agent can be added and/or the separation of the solvent can occur. Such vessels include those used for phase separation. Examples of such include a shear mixer, an agitator, a static mixer, a percolator, conical fermenter and the like. In an embodiment, a vessel is a conical fermenter, which is commercially available from Hengcheng or Stout, Model No. 7BBLCV (Shandong China).
In an embodiment, salting/precipitating occurs by adjusting the pH of the solubilized solution into the isoelectric range of the plant involved. See Step 214 or Step 414. The isoelectric range for plants, in general, is a pH between about 3.0 and about 6.5 (e.g., about 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, or 6.5). The isoelectric range can depend, for instance, on conditions such as salt, the starting material, the type of chemical component (e.g., alkaloid), the charge of the component, the amino acids that make up the component, and the ionic strength of the solution to which the chemical component (e.g., alkaloid) has been subjected. Adjusting the pH to the aforementioned isoelectric range can be performed by adding either an acidic solution or a basic solution. If base was added in Steps 104 or 404 to solubilize the chemical component, then acid can be added in Steps 214 or 414 to salt the chemical component. Similarly, if an acid was added to solubilize the chemical component, then base can be added to salt the chemical component. Any acid or base (e.g., a polarity changer) can be used to adjust the pH to ranges described herein to precipitate the chemical component. As described above, examples of such bases include calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate or a combination thereof. Similarly, examples of acids that can be used for the present invention include glacial acetic acid (GAA), hydrochloric acid, carbonic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid or a combination thereof. Other acids or bases, including Lewis acids and bases, as described herein and those previously known or later developed, can be used in the steps of the present invention so long as they precipitate or bind with the chemical component (e.g., alkaloid) as described herein. The final range of the salted solution has a pH between about 3.0 and about 6.5 (e.g., about 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, or 6.5
In an embodiment, when there is a greater difference in pH between the starting pH of the salting agent (e.g. GAA) and ending pH, the more alkaloid is in the solution that is retrieved through phase separation at the bottom of the conical fermenter. In practice, in Steps 414, the acid is poured through at the top of the conical fermenter having solubilized chemical components (e.g., alkaloids)/solvent solution. As the acid moves through, the acid forms a covalent bond with the alkaloid and forms the salted solution which goes to the bottom of the conical fermenter. The solvent stays at the top. There can be an intermediate phase with both alkaloid and solvent. In one embodiment of Step 414, GAA acid is added at pH of about 2.25 with the final salted solution having pH of about 4-4.5.
In step 215 or 415, the intermediate phase having the emulsion or mix of solvent and alkaloid can be reprocessed in a smaller conical fermenter with additional salting agent (e.g., GAA).
During step 214 or 424, in an embodiment, the volume of the acid is proportional to the volume of the recovered solvent.
A spray ball device can be used to emit the salting agent/polarity changer—the acid or base. The volume and concentration of the acid or base used will depend on the starting pH of the solution, and the volume of the solution being brought to the proper pH. In another embodiment, the salted solution has least about 75% (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) of the one or more chemical components solubilized. In an embodiment, 100 ML of GAA 10% solution is added per every one gallon of alkaloid solution. Pure GAA can be purchased and diluted in reverse osmosis water. During the salting step, protonation occurs and the polarity changer binds to the alkaloids and/or chemical components in the salted solution.
The time period for the salting step can be from 10 minutes to 120 minutes, and preferably for about 60 minutes. During this time, the mixture undergoes phase separation. Due to the composition or density of the phases (e.g., salting agent/chemical components and solvent), the phases separate. The higher density liquids will move to the bottom of the conical fermenter and the comparatively less dense liquids will rise to the top. In an embodiment, the solvent used in Phase 1 floats to the top and the salting agent/alkaloid solution (“salted solution”) goes to the bottom. See Step 214 The density of Limonene is about 0.8411 g/cm3 and the density of GAA is 1.05 g/cm3 and is denser with the alkaloids bound thereto. For example, the density of mitragynine is 1.2 g/cm3. In a specific embodiment, Limonene floats to the top and the GAA/alkaloid solution (“salted solution”) goes to the bottom. See Step 414.
In an embodiment, the choice of the salting agent or polarity changer also includes its density and that the salting agent or polarity changer's density is greater than that of the solvent chosen for the methodology 100.
Assessment or analysis of the salted solution is performed to determine if it meets a set criteria associated to the purity of the solution. Any number of analyses can be carried out to determine if the solution has the desired purity of the chemical component. In an example, the refractive index of the sample of the salted solution, or in an embodiment the alkaloid/glacial acid solution, is measured. See Step 216 and Step 416. The refractive index is a measure of the bending of a ray of light when passing from one medium into another. A more technical definition of the Index of Refraction is a value calculated from the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in a second medium of greater density. Basically, the refractive index determines how much the path of light is bent, or refracted, when entering a material. When the refractive index of the salted solution meets criteria set by the chemical component being purified, then one can proceed to Phase 3 of the methodology. When the assessment (e.g., refractive index) of the salted solution is below the established criteria, then the salting step in the conical fermenter can be repeated until the criteria is met. In an embodiment, the refractive index threshold is between about 23 and 33 (e.g., about 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, or 33). When the refractive index is under about 22, then the salting step, Step 214 or Step 414, is repeated.
Refactor meters are commercially available, from, for example, Mettler Toledo (Columbus, Ohio, USA).
The refractive index is an indirect measurement of the level of purity of the chemical components/alkaloid in the salted solution. Purity levels can be accomplished in other ways. For example, the purity of the chemical components/alkaloid of salted solution can be measured directly or indirectly. Examples of other suitable analysis include High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography, spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, photodetectors, photosensors, lasers, light scattering detection, and the like. Any type of analytical equipment that could replace a refractive index meter in the inventive methodology.
Additionally, in an embodiment, pH measurements using a pH meter can be used to determine if the salted solution has a level of purity to go to Phase 3, crystallization stage. PH and/or other analyses can be used in place of or in conjunction with the refractive index measurement. In an embodiment, the pH criterion to move to Phase 3 is a pH ranging from about 3.0 to about 6.5 (e.g., about 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 0.6.5) or greater. A pH of 3.0 or greater, then one can move on to Phase 3, Step 304. In an embodiment, two or more criteria are met e.g., the refractive index is between about 23 and about 33 and the pH is greater than about 4.0 to move on to Phase 3. In another embodiment, only one direct or indirect purity criterion needs to be met. In one aspect when the pH is less than about 3.0, steps 214-216 or 414-416 can be repeated. In an embodiment, refractive index and/or pH is used in Step 416 because it is easy and fast in an industrial and/or commercial setting.
At this point, the salted solution consists largely of the salting agent (e.g., polarity changer) and the chemical component (e.g., alkaloid) being purified. In an embodiment, the salted solution may have a small amount of the solvent (e.g., residual solvent) which can be separated/removed in the next phase, Phase 3.
Referring to
A seed crystal can be used to facilitate crystal formation. A seed crystal refers to a small piece of single crystal or polycrystal material which forms the base on which the rest of the crystal lattice/structure forms. Since the crystal structure is a repeated, geometrically regular shape, the seed crystal promotes the formation of additional repeated lattice structures. Intermolecular forces between the separate molecules and form a basis for a crystal lattice. Often, this phase transition from solute in a solution to a crystal lattice will be referred to as nucleation. Nucleation refers to the first step in a thermodynamic phase change that results in an organized and/or repeating assembly and/or organization of molecules that make up a crystal. It is governed by concentration, pH, time, pressure, and temperature, but is a random process, in such that two identical systems can have different nucleation rates. Crystallization includes two stages: nucleation and crystal growth. Accordingly, the term “crystallization” as used herein refers to any stage in the process including both “nucleation” and “crystal growth.” The term “crystals” includes elements in any stage of the crystallization process. The seed crystal is typically the same or similar to the crystal structure that is being grown. The seed crystals sit for a time period, for example, from about 2 hours to about 48 hours (e.g., about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 24, 25, 30, 35, 36, 40, 45, 48 hours). Step 302 of
In an embodiment, standardized mitragynine crystal or a crystal from a previous batch is used to seed when using kratom as the starting plant material. See Step 422.
In an embodiment, crystallization is a function, in part, of pH, temperature and pressure. In an embodiment, to promote crystallization, the starting pH is in a range from about 3.0 to about 7.0, a change/delta in temperature occurs e.g., increase temperature with a heater or decrease temperature with a chiller/cryogenics and/or low pressure is induced. A colder temperature form smaller crystals with higher purity and warmer temperature forms larger crystals with lower purity.
Phase 3 begins with removing any remaining or residual solvent, if any, from the solution having the alkaloid/chemical component and salting agent (e.g., polarity changer). Any filtering or separation process can be used to remove the remaining solvent. In an embodiment, a Buckner funnel and filter arrangement can be used to separate the residual solvent from the salted solution (having the alkaloid/chemical component being purified and the salting agent (e.g., glacial acid)). See Step 304 or 424. In a specific embodiment, any remaining solvent can be captured with a simple “cotton ball” filter to which the solvent adheres. See Step 304. This step is optional. In a particular embodiment, any remaining limonene solvent is separated with this filter to which the solvent adheres. Step 424,
Once the solvent is removed (e.g., limonene), another assessment (e.g., the refractive and/or pH) measurement of the solution can optionally be taken again. Methods for determining the refractive index are described herein. In general, removal of the solvent increases the refractive index. When the assessment of choice meets the criteria, the solution is combined with the crystal seeds and heated. When the assessment of choice (e.g., refractive index or pH) does not meet the second set of criteria, then the filter solution is combined with crystal seeds and undergoes sonication. In an embodiment in Phase 3, the refractive index threshold is between about 23 and 35 (e.g., about 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35) and the pH is in a range from about 3.0 to about 7.0. When the threshold is met, then the next step in the methodology is Step 308 or Step 428, which is to heat the seeded solution. When the assessment of choice does not meet the criteria e.g., the refractive index is under about 25, then the sonication step, Step 310 or Step 420, is performed.
Accordingly, Phase 3 includes combining salted solution that meets the assessment criteria with seeding crystals from Step 302 or Step 422 to obtain a seeded solution. The crystal seeds are suitable for crystallization of the desired alkaloid. Crystallization is simply the process by which a crystal forms, e.g., where the atoms or molecules are highly organized into a lattice structure known as a crystal. Seed crystals from a previous batch can be used for future batches.
Various methods can be employed to promote crystallization. Examples include heat, pH adjustment, sonication and the like. Any method of crystallization and promotion thereof known in the art can be used.
In an embodiment, the seeded solution having that meets the assessment threshold or criteria is heated for a period of time to obtain a crystal solid or cake. The heated temperature ranges from 60° F. to about 200° F. (e.g., 160° F. to about 200° F.). Heat can be applied using a heater, heat exchanger or heat oven. Examples of such devices are described herein. The seeded solution sits for a time period, for example, from about 2 hours to about 48 hours (e.g., about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 24, 25, 30, 35, 36, 40, 45, 48 hours). See
In an embodiment, the seeded solution having an assessment that does not meet the threshold or criteria undergoes sonication with an ultrasonic liquid processors, also referred to herein as a “sonicator.” See Step 310 of
When using the sonication process, secondary alkaloids, isomers and chemical components can be obtained and may be desirable. The sonication process can produce nano-particles or smaller portions of the alkaloids. Examples of secondary alkaloids are included in Table 2. In one aspect, the sonicated crystal solution can be washed in order to obtain a crystalline solid or cake.
In yet another embodiment, crystallization can be promoted by adding an alkali to the salted solution that meets the aforementioned criteria to seed crystals for a period of time. See Step 309 of
The crystalline solid or cake from Step 308/428 or 310/430 or 309/429 is washed using standard washing procedures and reverse osmosis water. See Step 312 or 432. The washing step can be repeated several times (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times). Vacuum pressure can be applied to improve the speed of the wash. Vacuums are known in the art and commercially available. The washing process removes the salting agent (e.g., polarity changer or glacial acetic acid). In an embodiment, a filter can be used during the washing process wherein the filter captures the crystals and allows the water and the polarity changer and other contaminants to pass. In an embodiment, reverse osmosis water is used to wash the crystalline solid/cake and allows the filter captures the crystals and allows the glacial acid and other contaminants to pass through. The washed crystalline solid is a highly concentrated or purified product having greater than about 55% (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100) by weight of the chemical component (e.g., alkaloid).
In an embodiment, washing in Step 312/324 or 432/444 can be done with water. In other embodiments washing can also be performed with hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, alkaline alcohol solutions, acidic alcohol solutions, alkaline solutions, acid solutions and the like. Such washing step can be done by pouring the wash over the crystalline solid/cake or can be done in a device such as a reactor vessel, agitator, centrifuge, or with negative/positive pressure filtration.
Optionally, the runoff solution from step 312 or 432 can also be processed. Runoff solution in Step 318 or 438,
Referring back to
The purified crystalline solid can be ground into a fine powder using grinding equipment known in the art. See Step 316 and 436. In an embodiment the purified crystalline solid/dried composition is ground into a powder using a hammermill, grinders, and the like. In an embodiment, the purified crystalline solid from Step 314 or 434 can be put into a solvent and spray dried if a highly purified amorphous solid is desired.
As described herein, the methodology of the present invention provides for a highly purified product having greater than about 55% (e.g., 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%) by weight of the chemical component. The concentration of the chemical component can be determined in one instance by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Any process known in the art can be used to determine the identity and amount of a chemical component. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a process of separating components in a liquid mixture. A liquid sample is injected into a stream of solvent (mobile phase) flowing through a column packed with a separation medium (stationary phase). Sample components separate from one another by a process of differential migration as they flow through the column. As bands emerge from the column, flow carries them to one or more detectors which deliver a voltage response as a function of time. This is called a chromatogram. For each peak, the time at which it emerges identifies the sample constituent with respect to a standard. The peak's area represents the quantity. Using this technology, methodology 100 results in a high concentration by weight of about 55% or greater.
As can be seen in Example 4 from the independent third-party results, the amount of alkaloids in the purified crystalline solid product is greater than about 90%. Accordingly, the chemical component, as demonstrated by test results, are well within the range from about 55% to about 100%. The methods of the present invention result in an efficient highly purified product despite the commercial and industrial processing of large quantities.
Accordingly, the ratio of starting plant material to purified crystalline product ranges between about 100:1 to about 150:1 with a purification of a chemical component such as one or more alkaloids ranging from about 55% to about 100% (e.g., at about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%) by weight. The analysis shows that crystallization using heat results in a highly pure alkaloid composition. In Example 4, Table 3, the total alkaloid in the final product is 96.2% wherein 91.88% is mitragynine and 4.33% are secondary alkaloids. Table 4 shows similar results with 94.5% total alkaloids with 89.23% mitragynine and 5.24% secondary alkaloids. Both sets of analysis show a highly pure product, well above 55%, performed in an industrial bulk processing facility. The analysis from Table 5 shows that crystallization using sonication also results in a highly pure alkaloid composition. In Table 5, the total alkaloid in the final product is 97.4%.
The amount of purified alkaloids obtained by heating-promoted or sonication-promoted crystallization results in about the same amount in total alkaloids by weight. However, it was determined, surprisingly, that crystallization by sonication results in an increase of secondary chemical components (e.g., alkaloids) and a decrease in the primary chemical component (e.g., primary alkaloid) (e.g., the alkaloid present in an amount greater than any other alkaloid in the composition). Secondary alkaloids have been traditionally difficult to purify in a commercial or industrial basis. As shown in Example 4, the sonicated purified crystalline solid product has 80.87% mitragynine and 16.54% are secondary alkaloids with over 11.41% Speciocilatine, 2.65% Speciogynine and 2.48 Paynantheine. This is a surprising result. The method of crystallization, heating vs sonication, resulted in a different composition of secondary alkaloids. Secondary alkaloids are desired in certain circumstances such as for treating various conditions. For example, Speciocilatine, Speciogynine and/or Paynantheine can used for medical purposes (e.g., pain management and/or to treat opioid addictions). All sets of analysis show a highly pure product, well above 55%, performed in an industrial bulk processing facility.
Accordingly, the present invention includes a dried composition or product having an amount of the primary chemical component (e.g., mitragynine) of at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% w/w and an amount of one or more secondary chemical components (non-mitragynine alkaloids) of at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 240%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29% or 30% w/w.
1. Clean and sanitize mash tuns for production.—
2. Empty De-watering bags (super sacks) and rinse with water, also sanitize bags.
3. Clean and sanitize ribbon mixer.
4. Raw powdered kratom in an amount of 320 kilograms was combined with 100 gallons water heated to a temperature of 125° F. and 135° F. with 104 kilos base in a ribbon mixer (Munson Ribbon blender New York New York USA). The pH of the solution was 9.5. The mixer was run with dry ingredients for a minimum of 15 minutes and once water is added, the ribbon mixer mixed for an additional 10 minutes.
5. The hydrolyzation exothermic reaction released alkaloids.
6. The mash was checked with a moisture meter. Temperature was also checked. Temperature should be between 155-165.
7. Can be adjusted with water if the moisture meter is not between those perimeters.
8. Moisture meter should read between 4-6% on the dial of the moisture meter. Observation: the material was squeezed and it formed in my fist and when I let go, it crumbled.
9. Extracted mash from the ribbon mixer into mash tuns at 160 kilos per bin.
10. Once mash is in bins, we prepared to add Limonene to mash.
11 Added Limonene to the mash where liquid is just above the height of the mash in the tub approximately 75-85 gallons of limonene and
12. It sat for 24 hours.
1. Mash tanks were moved into place under the hoist systems using a forklift
2. Lids were removed from tanks/bins
3. Mash and Limonene was visually checked for temperature, color and texture.
Mash tanks were steaming and exceeded 90° F. Color was dark and shiny and texture was thick and smooth
4. Dewatering sacks containing Mash were hooked up to chain hoists and raised. Gravity allowed limonene to be separated from the Mash mixture and left to “drip” for a minimum of 30 minutes.
5. Tanks/bins were connected with tubing/hoses that lead through “inline” filtration system. Filtration set up through tertiary filtration skid, was composed of six inline filters which include 50 micron to 10 micron down to absolute sub micron. This process is referred to as “pulls”.
6. Hoses/piping leading from filtration system was connected to cleaned and sanitized conical fermenter.
7. Vacuum pressure was applied to conical fermenter as to pull filtered alkaloid mixture (having kratom alkaloids, base, limonene water mixture) from tanks/bins through the inline filtration system and into the conical fermenter.
8. After all mixture is filtered and Mash bins were empty, the system was shut down and tanks were depressurized.
9. Liquid in conical fermenter was measured
10. Glacial acetic acid (GAA) was mixed with reverse osmosis water at a 1 to 9 ratio
11. 100 ml of 10% GAA solution was added for every gallon of limonene to tank. 10% GAA was made by obtaining pure GAA and diluted in reverse osmosis water. Spray ball was used to add the GAA to the mixture.
12. Alarm of 30 minutes was set to time. The process of glacial acetic acid solution settling to the bottom of conical fermenter “grabbing” alkaloids as it settles
13. Mash sacks were lowered back into bins/tanks and limonene was reapplied until all Mash was submerged and tanks are recovered with lids
14. Mash was left to “rest” for a minimum of 2 hours
15. When alarm on timer sounds, the mixture was run off the bottom of a conical fermenter through a valve to check the status of mixture
16. The mixture met the criteria which is measured by color, thickness, stickiness and a refractometer, the liquid mixture was sent to lab to be processes (Phase 3). The criteria of the refractive index is between 23-33. The refractive index was above 23. The color was and should be dark (amber to black onyx). The viscosity is high and the liquid is sticky. Phase separation occurs in the conical fermenter. The Limonene floated to the top and the GAA/alkaloid mixture, more dense liquid, went to the bottom of the conical fermenter. The two phases were visually seen with an emulsion layer between these phases. Using the valve at the bottom of the conical fermenter, the GAA/alkaloid mixture was drained out until reaching the emulsion layer.
17. Alternative: If criteria was met (refractive index was less than 22, color of liquid was light, viscosity was low or fluid is “thin”), the mixture was then put back into conical fermenter, steps 9-14 were repeated, and alarm timer was then reset for another 30 minutes
18. Process can be repeated no less than 2 times and no more than 4 for each application of glacial acetic acid solution into conical fermenter
All persons involved in the “pull” and “salting” are required to wear safety gear including ear plugs, protective glasses, chemical resistant gloves and apron and slip resistant shoes.
1. The mixture with a refractive index above 23, from Step 16 in Example 2, underwent Phase 3, crystallization, as follows.
2. Started a mitragynine seed—take a portion of the mitragynine seed from a previous batch
3. The GAA/alkaloid mixture with a refractive index above 23 (from Step 16 in Example 2) was filtered. Filtering removed any remaining D-limonene in the mixture. Filtering was done with a Buchner funnel and cotton balls. A filter was made with cotton balls and the mixture was poured over the cotton which removed limonene
4. The refractive index of the filtered mixture was measured using a refractometer.
5. A mixture with a refractive index above 25 was combined with seed mitragynine crystals and was put in a heated oven at 160° F. Crystallization occurred overnight—about 12 hours—and formed a crystalline solid or cake.
6. In cases when the refractive index is below 25, the mixture is combined with seed mitragynine crystals in 20 liter heated bath with sonication at a high frequencies using a sonicator (Model Vevor ultrasonic TH-100A; 600 watts; 40 kHz). This catalyzed the crystallization of the mitragynine crystals at. 40 kHz. Sonication formed crystalline solid or cake. Multiple sonication baths were run at the same time. This was performed between 30 minutes—3 hours to get crystallization. Sonication obtained higher returns secondary alkaloids, along with mitragynine.
7. The crystalline solid or cake was washed with reverse osmosis water using a filter and funnel. Water was poured over the crystalline solid or cake and the filter captured the crystals allowing the GAA to move through it, thereby separating the GAA and other contaminants from the crystals. This process was assisted with vacuum pressure.
8. Runoff and Wash liquid is collected. Base is added depending on the RI and pH to bring it into an appropriate pH range and sonicated for a longer period of time. This step is repeated 3 times.
9. The crystals were analyzed by a third party Murrey & Brown (Colorado USA) using HPLC. Test results show that the crystals have 70% mitragynine by weight.
10. Washed crystals were dehydrated into powder form using a dehydration oven at 150-170° F. for 12-18 hours.
11. After step 9, the dehydrated crystals were ground into a find powder using a hammermills. Final product had 70% mitragynine by weight.
The product made from carrying out the methodology described herein, e.g., from Examples 1-3, were analyzed on multiple occasions by an independent laboratory (NN Analytics, San Diego California). The results are as follows:
The analysis shows that crystallization using heat results in a highly pure alkaloid composition. In Table 3, the total alkaloid in the final product is 96.2% wherein 91.88% is mitragynine and 4.33% are secondary alkaloids. Table 4 shows similar results with 94.5% total alkaloids with 89.23% mitragynine and 5.24% secondary alkaloids. Both sets of analysis show a highly pure product, well above 55%, performed in an industrial bulk processing facility.
The analysis from Table 5 shows that crystallization using sonication also results in a highly pure alkaloid composition. In Table 5, the total alkaloid in the final product is 97.4%. However, crystallization by sonication results in an increase of secondary alkaloids which are traditionally difficult to purify. In this case, the product has 80.87% mitragynine and 16.54% are secondary alkaloids with over 11.41% Speciocilatine, 2.65% Speciogynine and 2.48 Paynantheine. This is a surprising result. The method of crystallization, heating vs sonication, resulted in a different composition of secondary alkaloids. Secondary alkaloids are desired in certain circumstances such as for treating various conditions. For example, Speciocilatine, Speciogynine and/or Paynantheine can be used for pain management and/or to treat opioid addictions. All sets of analysis show a highly pure product, well above 55%, performed in an industrial bulk processing facility.
The terms about, approximately, substantially, and their equivalents may be understood to include their ordinary or customary meaning. In addition, if not defined throughout the specification for the specific usage, these terms can be generally understood to represent values about but not equal to a specified value. For example, 1%, 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.09% of a specified value.
The terms, comprise, include, and/or plural forms of each are open ended and include the listed items and can include additional items that are not listed. The phrase “And/or” is open ended and includes one or more of the listed items and combinations of the listed items.
The relevant teachings of all the references, patents and/or patent applications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Citation of the above documents and studies is not intended as an admission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art. All statements as to the contents of these documents are based on the information available to the applicants and do not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the contents of these documents.
While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63479119 | Jan 2023 | US |
