Hydrolytic Degradation of Cannabinoid-Derived Materials with Tunable Service Temperatures

Bio-based polymers constructed from naturally occurring monomers such as poly(lactic acid) are excellent alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics due to their renewability and biodegradability. Another desirable attribute for plastic alternatives is a readily available and affordable monomer source. Similar to how lactic acid can be produced cheaply due to the large-scale production of corn and wheat, cannabinoids have become relatively inexpensive due to the proliferation of hemp production in the United States.^1,2 Although they have scarcely been integrated into plastics before, their low cost coupled with their salubrious reputation makes them an interesting candidate for a new class of bio-based polymers. Poly(cannabinoid)s are the first of their kind to include cannabinoids directly in their polymeric backbone. Compared to their phytocannabinoid counterparts, poly(cannabinoid)s have shown a nearly doubled degradation temperature and resistance to prolonged heat exposure. In addition, poly(cannabidiol-adipate) has been drawn into fiber and cast as a film.³ The true potential for the application of poly(cannabinoid)s in a variety of applications is given by the tunability of their thermomechanical properties. This tunability is demonstrated by the copolymerization of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) in varying ratios to form copolymers with a very wide range of glass transition temperatures. Furthermore, due to their ester-containing backbone, these polymers hydrolytically degrade to afford the original cannabinoid and linking monomer, which can be chosen from a family of biologically safe dicarboxylic acids to suit the application. Therefore, poly(cannabinoid) materials can safely deliver a naturally occurring degradation product without the concern for toxicity or wasted material.<br/><b>References:</b><br/>1. Robertson, G. L., Food Packaging. In <i>Encyclopedia of Agriculture and Food Systems</i>. Academic Press, 2014, pp. 232-249. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-52512-3.00063-2.<br/>2. Rupasinghe, H. P. V.; Zheljazkov, V. D.; Davis, A.; Kumar, S. K.; Murray, B. Industrial Hemp (Cannabis Sativa Subsp. Sativa) as an Emerging Source for Value-Added Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals. <i>Molecules</i> <b>2020</b><br/>3. Sotzing, G. A. PolyCannabinoids, Compounds, Compositions and Methods of Use. US Patent 17/232432, Oct 21, 2021