Photovitamin Windows · Microprocessing photovitamin D3 using photo-high-T intensification.
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2015-09-01 → 2017-08-31
- EU contribution
- €177,599
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-CAR
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Microprocessing photovitamin D3 using photo-high-T intensification.
Vitamin D (VD3), “sunshine vitamin” is produced in human skin by using sunlight as energy source. VD3 is very scarce in food and, sunscreen are usually used breaking its production. All these hurdles make difficult to reach the daily recommended ingestion/production of VD3, and this epidemic lack can only be balanced with artificial supplements. Framed in this background, a holistic process improvement was carried out focusing in three pillars: (i) VD3 synthesis, (ii) unreacted 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) recovery after the synthesis, and (iii) direct VD3 crystallization. The environmental impact of all improvements was evaluated through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The novelty of the approach included, among others, the combination of thermal and UV-light intensification in the synthesis step. In this connection, UV-light was supplied using a mercury lamp and UV-laser pulses. The design was guided by productivity and efficiency rules, but also by sustainability, i.e. cost analysis and environmental impact through life-cycle assessment and green metrics (E-factor). This continuous micro-flow photo reactor was fully monitored using an ultrafast on-line sampler-analyser. As a training objectives and dissemination, Prof. Hessel contributed in improving my skills in several aspects described in the technical report, wchich were considered as essential in my scientific career development plan.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
This project develops a continuous flow microprocess for the synthesis of pure vitamin D3 from 7-dehydrocholesterol. Such approach will be achieved by applying a massive and combined photo-high-T intensification. Such conditions are only possible by employing microreactors according to Novel Process Windows postulates: The aim is to boost the reaction kinetics both by providing a high photon number density and through thermal intensification. In addition, supercritical conditions will be tested as third intensification option. Besides the normal time-invariant, continuous photon exposure, a new photochemical approach based on intense LED-photo-pulses will be tested to enhance the selectivity. To have a full process scheme covered, a continuous micro-plug-flow crystallization operating at fast mixing, short residence time and supersaturated conditions will be developed.Vitamin D3 is a very important nutrient needed to prevent all types of disease. As its deficiency is now recognized in the developed world, a significant increase demand in the market is expected. That is why it is envisaged a multiple impact of this project mainly in European society, but also for pharmaceutical companies and SMEs, representing for both a ‘Window of Opportunity’. Particularly photo-high-T could be also tested in other photochemical reactions; such as the synthesis of vitamin D2 or, by using other photocatalysts such as TiO2, in the N-ethylation of benzylamine.This multidisciplinary proposal includes Life-Cycle-Assessment (LCA) to holistically evaluate in ex-ante fashion different process intensification scenarios. At the project end, LCA will benchmark the flow achievements to the current batch production, looking towards its industrial transfer. For the fellow, this proposal means an extension of his previous research, but with novel and challenging additional aspects,providing with a range of training options in research and transferable skills for building his independent career.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN · EindhovenCoordinatorNetherlands
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union