Sulfur-Containing Volatile Organic Compounds In Cannabis
Patent No. US11725160 (titled "Sulfur-Containing Volatile Organic Compounds In Cannabis") was filed by Abstrax Tech Inc on Jan 21, 2021.
What is this patent about?
’160 is related to the field of flavor and fragrance compositions, particularly those designed to emulate or enhance the "gassy" aroma associated with certain cannabis strains. The background acknowledges the growing interest in terpenes and other compounds that contribute to the unique scent and flavor profiles of cannabis, noting the difficulty in replicating the complex aroma of strains like OG Kush, which are characterized by a strong, sulfuric, gasoline-like odor.
The underlying idea behind ’160 is that specific organosulfur compounds , when combined with terpenes, can effectively recreate or augment the sought-after "gassy" aroma. The inventors identified that compounds like prenyl mercaptan and 2-methylthiophene, often overlooked in favor of terpenes, play a crucial role in producing this distinct scent. By combining these organosulfur compounds with a base of primary and secondary terpenes, a more authentic and potent gassy aroma can be achieved.
The claims of ’160 focus on a method for producing a composition with a gassy aroma by mixing a terpene compound with an organosulfur compound . The organosulfur compound must be selected from a specific list including prenyl mercaptan, 2-methylthiophene, and others, while the terpene compound must be selected from a list including myrcene, β-caryophyllene, and others. The composition must contain between 0.000001 wt % and 0.3 wt % of the organosulfur compound and be an edible, aerosol, flavor, fragrance, or inhalable composition.
In practice, the invention involves carefully blending the identified organosulfur compounds with a selection of terpenes to achieve the desired aroma profile. The concentration of the organosulfur compounds is kept very low, as these compounds have a very strong odor. The terpenes provide the base notes and complexity, while the organosulfur compounds contribute the characteristic "gassy" top note. The resulting blend can then be incorporated into various products, such as edibles, vape cartridges, or fragrances.
This approach differentiates itself from prior attempts to recreate the gassy aroma, which primarily focused on terpenes and sesquiterpenes. By recognizing the importance of organosulfur compounds, ’160 provides a more effective and nuanced method for achieving this specific aroma. The patent highlights the surprising correlation between the concentration of these compounds and the perceived "gassiness" of a cannabis strain, offering a new avenue for flavor and fragrance development.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2020s when ’160 was filed, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were commonly used for analyzing volatile organic compounds, at a time when creating synthetic aroma blends often involved mixing individual terpenes in ratios derived from chromatographic data, when accurately replicating complex natural aromas, such as those found in specific cannabis strains, remained a challenge due to the subtle contributions of minor compounds.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner approved the claims because the prior art failed to teach or suggest a method for producing a composition with a gassy aroma that involves mixing a terpene compound with a specific organosulfur compound, where the organosulfur compound is selected from a defined list, and the composition falls within a specific weight percentage range for the organosulfur compound. The closest prior art, Alarcon et al., teaches a method for producing a composition but does not expressly disclose the claimed method including the specific organosulfur compounds and weight percentages. Secondary references also do not teach or suggest the combined limitations not taught by Alarcon et al.
Claims
This patent contains 12 claims, with claim 1 being independent. Independent claim 1 focuses on a method for producing a composition with a gassy aroma by mixing a terpene compound with an organosulfur compound. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the specific components, concentrations, and types of compositions produced by the method of the independent claim.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US11725160
- Application Number
- US17154770
- Filing Date
- Jan 21, 2021
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- May 24, 2041
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents