Poly(cannabinoid)s: Hemp-Derived Biocompatible Thermoplastic Polyesters with Inherent Antioxidant Properties

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Science
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Hemp cultivation legalization has reduced hemp-derived cannabinoid prices.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are abundant, low-cost hemp compounds.
• CBD's potential as a polymer feedstock is explored due to its availability and cost.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize polyesters from CBD and CBG with adipoyl chloride.
• To characterize the thermal, mechanical, and biological properties of Poly(CBD-Adipate).
• To evaluate Poly(CBD-Adipate) as a sustainable biomaterial.

Main Methods:

• Polyester synthesis via condensation of CBD or CBG with adipoyl chloride.
• Film casting of Poly(CBD-Adipate).
• Thermal, mechanical, and cytotoxicity testing (using adipose-derived stem cells).
• Comparison with poly(lactide) films.
• Melt processing and material characterization.

Main Results:

• Poly(CBD-Adipate) films demonstrated no cytotoxicity toward adipose-derived stem cells.
• The material exhibited inherent antioxidant activity, outperforming poly(lactide).
• Poly(CBD-Adipate) is semi-crystalline and melt-processable, as shown by plastic hemp leaf creation.

Conclusions:

• CBD and CBG are viable monomers for synthesizing novel polyesters.
• Poly(CBD-Adipate) presents a promising, biocompatible, and antioxidant biomaterial.
• This research highlights the potential of hemp-derived compounds in sustainable polymer development.