CRMS · Microfluidic Diffusion-based Chiral Resolution

Microfluidic Diffusion-based Chiral Resolution

Context: Homochirality is a fundamental feature of animate matter, and nearly all biological processes occurring in nature are stereospecific, i.e., responsive to only one type of handedness of the chiral molecule. Most drugs are chiral and must be administered as a single enantiomer because their enantiomeric form may have detrimental effects. The thalidomide story is a tragic reminder of the importance of chirality for humanity. Indeed, left-handed thalidomide is pharmacologically active as a powerful tranquilizer, while the right-handed enantiomer proved to disrupt fatal development and cause phocomelia and other congenital malformations. There is no doubt that chiral resolution will get even more interest and importance in the future. For instance, to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and inevitable future threats, there is an urgent need for rapid research on new drugs. However, identical chemical and physical properties of enantiomers require state-of-the-art analytical techniques for the isolation and quantification to determine the purity of synthesized drugs. Therefore, my MSCA project “Chiral Resolution using Microfluidics and helical Supramolecular polymers (HSPs)” (CRMS) aimed to develop a novel diffusion-based strategy by using HSPs and microfluidics for cost-effective and continuous chiral resolution under sustainable conditions. Overall Objective: The primary goal of this research is to utilize the helicity and low diffusion rates of self-assembled supramolecular polymers (HSPs) to achieve enantioselective trapping and separation of chiral molecules within microfluidic channels. Specific Objectives are: Synthesize a series of HSPs capable of selectively interacting with one enantiomer of a given chiral compound. To achieve this, the HSPs must meet two key criteria: a) They must possess specific interaction sites for chiral auxiliaries and b) They must be sufficiently rigid to maintain their helical structure upon interaction. 2) Develop two distinct microfluidic channel designs for enantiomer separation: a) An H-type microfluidic channel and b) A Y-type microfluidic channel. 3) Optimize the flow conditions for both the supramolecular polymers and the chiral molecules within the microfluidic devices to ensure efficient enantioseparation. 4) Apply the developed technique to the chiral separation of pharmaceutical drug molecules, specifically alprenolol and ethambutol. Most chiral drugs are synthesized as racemic mixtures in the laboratory, although typically only one enantiomer is pharmacologically active. Delivering drugs in enantiopure form can enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects. Furthermore, from a green chemistry perspective, enantioseparation via microfluidic systems offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз