Cold Ethanol Extraction of Cannabinoids and Terpenes from Cannabis Using Response Surface Methodology: Optimization...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Efficient cannabis biomass extraction is crucial for maximizing yield and minimizing waste.
• Cold ethanol extraction offers a promising method for obtaining cannabinoids and terpenes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize cold ethanol extraction parameters for cannabis biomass.
• To evaluate the impact of different extraction temperatures on yield and compound concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Central composite rotatable design and response surface methodology were employed for optimization.
• Extraction efficiency was assessed at -20 °C, -40 °C, and room temperature.
• Cannabinoid and terpene concentrations were analyzed using principal component analysis.

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions involved a 1:15 cannabis-to-ethanol ratio and a 10-minute extraction time.
• Yields ranged from 18.2 to 19.7 g/100 g dry matter across temperatures.
• -40 °C demonstrated superior preservation of terpene content compared to other temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Cold ethanol extraction is an effective method for cannabis biomass processing.
• -40 °C is the optimal temperature for maximizing both yield and terpene content.
• Further research can refine extraction protocols for specific compound profiles.