Enzymatic and Acid Methods for Individualizing Trichomes

Abstract

The present invention relates to processes for individualizing trichome fibers from a trichome source, such as a leaf and/or a stem. One process comprises contacting the plant biomass with pectin hydrolyzing enzymes, thus releasing the individualized trichomes and recovering the individualized trichomes. A second process comprises contacting the plant biomass with an acidic aqueous solution, thus releasing the individualized trichomes and recovering the individualized trichomes. A third process comprises contacting the plant biomass with an acidic aqueous solution and with pectin hydrolyzing enzymes, thus releasing the individualized trichomes and recovering the individualized trichomes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for recovering individualized trichomes from plant biomass comprising:
 a. Obtaining plant biomass comprising trichomes,   b. Contacting the plant biomass with an acidic solution at a temperature and pH less than 4.0 creating a suspension, wherein the acid effects the release of the trichomes from the biomass, and   c. Removing individualized trichomes from the suspension.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the plant biomass comprising trichomes is selected from the group consisting of leaves, stems, bracts and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The process  claim 1 , wherein the trichome source and enzymes are subjected to a temperature of greater than 30° C. 
     
     
         4 . The process  claim 1 , wherein the trichome source is contacted with the acidic solution for at least 1 minute. 
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the suspension is mixed until the trichomes are released from the stems or the leaves are disrupted thereby releasing the trichomes. 
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1 , in where the plant biomass comprises  Stachys byzantina.