Optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction of seized cannabis and self-emulsifying drug delivery system for enhancing the dissolution of cannabis extract

Abstract

This work sought to optimize the extraction of seized cannabis by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SFE). Due to its low water solubility, the cannabis extract was prepared as a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) to enhance its dissolution. The highest cannabidiol and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol contents were achieved at 18 MPa and 40 °C without the use of ethanol. The SEDDS droplet size, polydispersity index, D10, D50, D90, span, zeta potential, and emulsification time were evaluated to identify the formulation with minimized droplet size and emulsification time. The optimal formulation was composed of a 45:40:20 mass ratio of (2:1 Tween® 80:Span® 80):coconut oil:cannabis extract. The optimized SEDDS successfully enhanced the dissolution of cannabis extract obtained from SFE.