The discovery of spray drying is rooted in the science of particle technology. Charles A. La Mont of New York / USA claiming invention of a method of desiccating egg-batter into fine particles (1865). Spray drying is simply the removal of water from a slurry, thereby creating dry particles. From a cannabis perspective, dry powder has less weight and volume compared to liquid. Powder can reduce transportation costs, storage space, and refrigeration requirements. Cannabis powder has a shelf life of 3 years compared to 1 year for liquid nanoemulsions. The creation of microparticles allow for endless possibilities in the design of THC drug delivery systems. Cannabis powder is a collection of microparticles with a size range of 2-50µm (micron). Current research and development efforts by Le Herbe has demonstrated that spray drying is a key technology in the future of cannabis formulations like cannabis beverages, artisan chocolate, vegan gummies, and much more. The information shared here is meant to spur innovation in our industry. We feel that open source is the best option for producing high quality cannabis research that leads to better products for everyone.
Advantages
Growing consumer demand for eco-friendly technology and healthy formulations has attracted Le Herbe to develop this technology for the cannabis industry. Spray drying cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC offer several advantages including, but not limited to:
- Fast & Continuous Process
- Scalable Process
- Low Cost Process
- Functional Excipients
- Controlled Particle Size
- Fast Acting Cannabinoids
- Reduce Transit & Storage Costs
- Energy Savings
- Enhancement of Bioavailability
- Preservation of Bioactivity
Overview
Spray drying is a highly versatile drying technology enabling the transformation of a liquid feed into a dry powder. The corresponding transformations take place as the liquid feed is sprayed in a hot-air stream acting as a drying agent. It encapsulate cannabis particles with the help of a spray dried carrier like maltodextrin. In the cannabis industry, spray drying is used for producing various food / drinks as well as flavor / plant colors.
Types
Lab Scale
The evaporation capacity of "lab scale" spray dry equipment is 37 mL/min (2.26 kg/hr) or 5 pounds per hour. Check out Pulse Combustion System's P-5 to spray dry cannabis or hemp extracts for small production or R&D. For example, Le Herbe can produce 1kg per day of water soluble THC.
Commercial Scale
The evaporation capacity of "commercial scale" spray dry equipment is 100 mL/min (6 kg/hr) or more. For example, Le Herbe can produce 1kg per hour of high quality cannabis powder
Conclusion
Le Herbe is converting numerous cannabis companies and brands from liquid nanoemulsions to high quality powder. Microparticles made from spray drying should undergo extensive R&D in terms of yield, performance, packaging, and consumer safety.