Exploiting Phytochemicals and Macromolecules in Post-Extracted Hemp Biomass for Novel Use
Abstract
The 2018 Federal Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp as an agricultural commodity in the United States. Since implementation, the demand for hemp and its products stemming from hemp’s fiber, seed, and/or cannabidiol continues to rise in the 21st century. With an influx in the processing of the hemp plant and its products, a need for sustainable use of its processing wastes (known as biomass) exists. Hemp and its biomass host an abundance of useful properties via phytochemicals, proteins, and polysaccharides. The goal for the current study is to utilize the biomass residue derived from CBD extraction to explore novel applications and add value to this crop. The cannabidiol profile, phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and natural polymer assessment of the hemp biomass were investigated via chromatographic analysis, spectrophotometric assays, and sequential extraction, respectively. The findings supported the valuable nature of the hemp biomass and its potential as a novel carrier for cannabidiol encapsulation. As an encapsulant, hemp biomass far outperformed the traditional encapsulant in reference to encapsulation efficiency and fared well in a comparison of emulsion stability. The additional phytochemicals, robust cannabidiol profile, proteins, and polysaccharides may contribute to the overall health benefits of products produced using hemp biomass and extend product shelf life due to the antioxidant properties of the phytochemicals.
Subject Area
Food Science
Recommended Citation
Latrice Cooper,
"Exploiting Phytochemicals and Macromolecules in Post-Extracted Hemp Biomass for Novel Use"
(2021).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI28775660.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI28775660