Neospectra by Valenveras: a portable terpene and cannabinoid tester

The growing cannabis industry requires innovative solutions to analyze and understand the complex composition of cannabinoids and terpenes in plants. Valenveras, a pioneering Catalan company, in collaboration with Si-ware, an Egyptian-American company, has created a revolution in cannabis testing by developing predictive models of terpenes and cannabinoids for a portable device with NIR technology (near-infrared spectroscopy). This approach allows professional analysis of these compounds to be performed quickly, accurately, and affordably. In this article, we will delve into the features and benefits of this innovative system, and how it is changing the cannabis testing landscape.

Revolutionizing Cannabinoid and Terpene Testing: NIR Spectroscopy vs HPLC

Traditional methods of cannabinoid and terpene analysis, such as gas chromatography or high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), are expensive and require specialized knowledge to use and calibrate. These economic and technical barriers make these devices inaccessible to many. For this reason, the analysis of cannabinoids and terpenes using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) emerges as a more affordable, faster, and more precise innovation compared to other more traditional methods.

NeoSpectra Cannabinoid and Terpene Analyser

14,399.00€

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Valenveras has developed an innovative system based on NIR technology that, together with a smartphone or tablet, allows you to quickly and easily know the content of Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, THCa, CBDa) and terpenes (B – Myrcene • Limonene • B – Caryophyllene • A – Pinene • B – Pinene • Linalool • A – Humulene • Terpinolene • G – Elemene • Eudesma – 3.7 (11)) in a cannabis sample. This compact and easy-to-use device is not only less expensive than traditional chromatographs but also eliminates the need for highly trained personnel and periodic calibration, further reducing costs and complexities often associated with analysis.

With the Valenveras system, the analysis of cannabinoids and terpenes becomes accessible and efficient, allowing users to obtain accurate and reliable information about their samples in a matter of seconds, and facilitating quality control and research in the cannabis industry.

Neospectra, the first portable NIR for the analysis of cannabinoids and terpenes

Valenveras uses NIR (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) technology to analyze terpenes and cannabinoids in dried cannabis flowers. The operation of the system is based on illuminating the sample and later analyzing the light that returns to the lens, that is, the light that has been absorbed by the sample to be analyzed. In this light spectrum, which is beyond what the human eye can perceive in the red region, molecules interact with specific wavelengths and generate a unique pattern, similar to a "molecular fingerprint." This pattern makes it possible to establish a correlation with the total concentration of the molecule in the sample, which gives us precise and fast information about its composition.

The big difference of this system in relation to other portable NIR analyzers (Gemmacert or Purlp PRO) is the chip that it incorporates; Unlike its competitors, which use other chips with a read range of 400-1000nm, the chip used by Valenveras has a range of 1350-2500nm. This is the foundation that allows you to have great precision and see much more than with other devices.

The technology platform is a unique combination of leading technologies: FT-NIR, MEMS optical engine on a chip, and the Model Cloud generated by the collaboration between CTAEX, Si-ware, Sovereign Fields, Bhalutek Hemp, and Valenveras based on more than 5,000 samples collected in the last 4 years, that have allowed the development of one of the best cannabinoid and terpene prediction models in a portable device. The samples analyzed at CTAEX and Sovereign Fields are continuously incorporated into the Valenveras database in order to constantly update and improve the prediction models.

Advantages and applications of the Valenveras system

Thanks to its compact size (18 x 9 x 6 cm), its low weight (1Kg), and the fact that it does not require internet, along with its long battery life (more than 5 hours in continuous use) you can use it anywhere without problems. This represents a great advantage for companies with multiple facilities that need to carry out numerous analyzes quickly on-site since the system shows results in less than 1 minute, being able to analyze more than 400 samples in 8 hours.

In addition, the infrared technology used preserves the analyzed sample, since it does not destroy it during the process. This allows for later reuse, unlike what happens with chromatographs, where the sample becomes unusable after analysis.

Whole flower analysis with Neospectra

A key advantage of this system is its ability to differentiate between acid and neutral forms of cannabinoids, allowing the amount of THC, CBD or CBG decarboxylated to be determined. This facilitates the control of Delta 9 THC levels in CBD samples to comply with current legislation, as well as to verify if the flowers have been stored properly.

The device is easy to operate and comes with all the necessary accessories to analyze samples on the go. Its new reading model offers results in less than a minute, providing accurate information in real-time.

The Valenveras application for smartphones

NeoSpectra requires a smartphone app, which allows you to pair both devices and view the results on your mobile phone or tablet, as well as have full control over the unit.

In addition, as a Valenveras user, you have access to the web portal from any device, which allows you to manage your account, control multiple units, consult, and export the analysis history, among other functions.

FT-NIR technology is combined with multivariate regression and classification models, such as partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least squares regression models (PLS-R), to achieve accurate classification of the cannabis inflorescence and an accurate assessment of the concentrations of compounds of interest. This approach has proven to be effective in building classification and regression models, as well as predicting target attributes.

How to use Neospectra

After observing all the advantages that Valenveras offers to analyze cannabinoids and terpenes, let's see how to use it. Although the user manual is complete and details the contents of the kit and its operation, we will do a quick review to show how easy it is:

Charge the battery of the device using the type C charger included in the kit. The device display shows in the upper left corner the charge level of the device. The charging process takes approximately 3 hours. To turn it on, press and hold the ON button for 3 seconds.

Download the Valenveras application on your smartphone and follow the instructions to pair both devices (you must have a previously created user account).

Start the calibration of the device using the calibration plate together with one of the cuvettes included in the kit.

Press the calibration button and wait 10 seconds for the correct calibration. It is important to perform a calibration every 20 minutes to make sure that the environmental conditions have not changed significantly and to ensure the efficiency of the system.

Prepare the sample to be analyzed using the included grinder. Fill the cuvette with the sample by pressing with the sample press.

Press the Analyze button to start the analysis. The system will carry out 6 cycles of 5 seconds of readings, where 211 readings will be carried out every second, which will allow a total of 6,330 readings in each analysis. After a few seconds, you will see the result on the screen of your smartphone, showing the results. All the data will be stored both on the Smartphone and on the internet portal to be able to have them at any place or time. It should be noted that the system is prepared to join any other system with the API to automate the recording of data on any other platform, in addition to allowing the data to be exported in both EXCEL and PDF formats with the desired information from the analytics.

As you can see, once the account is created and the devices are paired, getting results is a matter of seconds and many tests can be done in a single day. In addition, Valenveras is expected to receive updates to expand the range of analysis and test extracts and concentrates in the future. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Valenveras team.

In summary, Valenveras has developed an effective technique for the classification of cannabis cultivars and the prediction of a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes using FT-NIR technology in combination with chemometrics and a considerable data set. This innovation has the potential to replace labor-intensive and expensive analytical tools currently employed in the cannabis industry.

Neospectra Cannabis Test Kit Contents

The only things that the Neospectra analysis kit does not include are the samples and the mobile phone. Otherwise, the system includes everything you need to start working upon receipt of the unit:

Hardware:

• Portable NIR Spectrometer - NeoSpectra Scanner.
• Protective cover with calibration plate.
• 2-year warranty on the device.
• 30-day or 50-test money-back guarantee.

Sampling tools:

• Sample grinder
• 3 Sample cuvettes
• Sample press
• Calibration plate
• Cuvette holder

1-year access to the software:

• Mobile application to connect with the device and obtain results
• Cloud portal for analysis and reporting based on results
• Valenveras Cannabis Models

Other accessories:

• Rugged carrying case for safe storage and transport of the device
• Cleaning kit
• Rechargeable batteries and charging cable
• Protective cover with included reference material

Neospectra Technical Specifications

• Cannabinoid analysis: THC, CBD, CBG, THCa, CBDa
• Terpene Analysis: B – Myrcene, Limonene, B – Caryophyllene, A – Pinene, B – Pinene, Linalool, A – Humulene, Terpinolene, G – Elemene, Eudesma – 3.7 (11))
• Technology: Near Infrared (NIR)

Precision:

• 0-3% range: THC +/- 0.10%, CBD +/- 0.16%, CBG +/- 0.11%
• 3-32% range: THC +/- 1.75%, CBD +/- 0.92%, CBG +/- 0.98%
• Total terpenes +/- 0.20%

• Minimum detection value: 0.1% (THC, CBD, CBG, Total terpenes)
• Maximum detection value: 31% (THC) and 27% (CBD)
• Working temperature: -5 - 40ºC
• Size: 17 x 9 x 6cm
• USB-C charging
• Bluetooth connection
• Battery life: 1,000 tests.
• Full battery charge: 3 hours
• Internal bulb life (Tungsten): 10,000 h
• Protection: IP54
• Warranty: 2 years
• Weight: 1 kg
• Transport case included (weight 3kg)
• Android version: 11.0 or higher
• IOS version: 5.0 or higher
• Does not require an internet connection