New Technology Could Massively Increase the Efficiency of Cannabinoid Extraction
Abattis Bioceuticals has announced the successful completion of experiments utilizing column chromatography for cannabinoid extraction.The experiments assessed the feasibility of applying the technology for the extraction of CBD, THC and THCA from industrial hemp and cannabis. Throughputs, yields, purity and terpene profiles were also part of the scope of work performed at our facility, Northern Vine Labs. Bench scale runs were carried out in conjunction with confirmatory larger scale runs of up to 75 kilograms of biomass per day. The technology is already being used in an industrial scale capacity of up to 50,000 kilograms of biomass per day and now sits alongside the best cannabis extraction methods for marijuana concentrates. The developer of the technology is now preparing to work with key partners to start isolating cannabinoids for the upcoming Canadian legalized market.
“The extraction method using proprietary polymers has very distinct competitive advantages over traditional methods,” said Rob Abenante, President and CEO of Abattis. “The technology is capable of extraction on an industrial scale, which delivers significant cost advantages. It is also capable of separating cannabinoids on a molecular level which allows for the extraction of pure isolates such as CBD and THCA and even the separation of pesticides from the biomass.”
Proof of Concept
Abattis confirms the following results from performed by the technology owner, Frank Zhu and his team:
• The quantitative recovery measurement showed 99% recovery of all cannabinoids from the biomass material. These yields are better than conventional methods that generally only yield up to 80%.
• Confirmed separation of THC, THCA and CBD from a series of cannabis strains.
• Confirmed separation and production of pure 98%+ THCA in crystallized form.
• The technology successfully removes all traces of any pesticides or harmful residues from the cultivation and transportation process.
• Once commercialized, a factory running at a 500 kg-per-day processing rate can process CBD at less than $0.20/gram.
• The cost of capital equipment and overall cost of operation is less than half of conventional CO2
“We have enjoyed our collaboration with Mr. Zhu. It has been an honor to have someone of his expertise and ingenuity here to show the capabilities of his technology and methodologies. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the extraction process for most cannabis derivatives for the entire sector,” stated Mr. Abenante. “His extraction method and use of his key IP is currently one of the only toll-processing technologies that can extract high purity CBD on an industrial scale. We’re happy to have confirmed that it can fully separate individual compounds such as THCA.”
“We believe the implementation of this extraction technology has the ability to give Abattis a competitive advantage in the extraction industry. It is our intention to position the extraction technology with the largest producers and oil manufacturers in North America to provide the market with the highest quality distillate and isolates, at the lowest cost. We feel the evolution of the industry will lead to the commoditization of marijuana and hemp, at which point downstream services such as extraction will become the primary focus of the industry as companies compete to create thousands of new products based on the numerous derivatives,” added Mr. Abenante.
Validation and Demonstration of Technology
Frank Zhu, the key developer and owner of the technology, was brought in to supervise the arrival and assembly of the machines.
Mr. Zhu has installed the demonstration apparatus at Abattis’ faculties, its subsidiaries, as well as several producers to confirm the technology. He setup a working model of the technology to demonstrate its capabilities to separate and isolate compounds with very little capital, consumables and operating requirements.
“I am very pleased to finally demonstrate some of the capabilities of the column chromatography technology, when applied to cannabinoid extraction.” stated Frank Zhu, the key scientist behind the technology. This visit and demonstration has been two years in the making with key members of the Abattis team. My extraction technology is capable of processing industrial scale volumes of biomass and separation of individual compounds to any target purity levels. Products containing phyto-cannabinoids can become more cost-effective which would enable the production of affordable natural, functional products for consumers. I believe that by using my extraction technique, Abattis could obtain a competitive cost advantage the high growth concentrates market. I look forward to setting up my North American program in 2018 and feel that I am in great hands working with Abattis to set up facilities in Canada and United States to start,”
