Pressure BioScience increases CBD oil absorption with nano-emulsification technology

08 May 2023 --- Pressure BioScience’s patented UltraShear platform is a high-pressure homogenizing technology that breaks down cannabidiol (CBD) oil into nano-sized oil droplets that are effectively water-soluble due to their small size while preserving the natural active ingredient.

Pressure BioScience notes that the CBD sector could grow more in the next ten years. However, manufacturers struggle to find a way to process CBD to make it more water-soluble to improve absorption rates in humans. 

According to the company, “some studies show that as little as 6% of the CBD a person consumes makes it into their bloodstream.” Thus, manufacturers are keen to develop more potent and cost-effective CBD-infused products. 

Demand and offer of CBD products are increasing, with some ingredient suppliers expecting annual growth of 25% from 2022 to 2026. 

Pressure BioScience explains that CBD has been researched for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. In F&B, it is used as a mood booster and to create a sense of relaxation, also as an alternative to alcohol. 

Nano-emulsification technology 
CBD oil droplets are too small to recombine again at their nano-size, making the oil and water nano-emulsion shelf stable. Pressure BioScience adds that studies have shown products remain emulsified for up to 18 months after processing. 

Currently, according to the company, manufacturers typically add more CBD than is needed to ensure a reasonable absorption rate to provide health and well-being benefits. 

Processing CBD oil into a standard emulsion is inefficient and expensive, states Pressure BioScience. Manufacturers have been trying to develop a method to process CBD oil into a water-soluble nano-emulsion. 

However, standard methods that use heat or chemical additives can lead to a breakdown in the quality, stability and bioavailability of CBD molecules. 

Pressure BioScience’s UltraShear platform breaks down CBD oil into nano-sized oil droplets that are water-soluble. By using pressure instead of heat or chemicals, the company notes it overcomes the risk of altering or damaging the active ingredient inside the oil. 

Research on the company’s Santé Laboratories’ liposomal delivery system indicated that it could provide up to 80% absorption of CBD while overcoming challenges that the compounds cannot be dissolved in water. 

Legislative framework CBD 
The regulatory framework for CBD ingredients has yet to be clearly defined in all countries. The US Natural Products Association urges the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a regulatory framework for manufacturers. 

This framework should include establishing a safe daily level of consumption, inspecting facilities for manufacturing practices and testing products for impurities such as high dosages of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), pesticides and heavy metals.

Nutritional associations expressed dismay as the FDA rejected three citizens’ petitions to allow the marketing of CBD in dietary supplements legally. 

The agency cites safety concerns as the primary reason to exclude CBD from supplements while the agency explores regulatory pathways for CBD products. 

Moreover, scientists urge strong FDA oversight on over-the-counter topical CBD products as 76% of 105 tested products were mislabeled, containing lower or higher levels of CBD than listed on the packaging. 

Recently, the UK’s Food Standards Agency formally notified that applications by the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry CBD distillate and isolate are within the scope of authorization as a novel food – which could affect up to 320 brands sold in Great Britain.

“The validation of thousands of products is a major milestone for the industry,” Tom Risby, business R&D manager at ACI, told NutritionInsight. 

“This will increase consumer confidence, de-risk the category for investors and create the important foundations that will lead to increased product innovation in the coming years.”

Edited by Jolanda van Hal