Chemistry researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new method using blue light to create pharmaceuticals in a more sustainable way, significantly reducing the amount of energy needed and the chemical waste created in the manufacture process.
Synthesising small-molecule drugs normally requires several steps, each one creating waste products and solvent waste – these are often toxic and difficult to dispose of safely.
Currently, it is estimated that for every kilogram of drug made, around 100 kg of waste is produced, making it a hugely inefficient process.
The team at Bath, led by Dr Alex Cresswell, a Royal Society University Research Fellow in the University’s Department of Chemistry, has developed a new way of synthesising nitrogen-containing chemicals called primary amines, which are used in more than half of all pharmaceuticals.
The method uses a catalyst, activated by blue light, to speed up the reaction, and uses fewer steps, less energy and dramatically cuts down the waste created by drug development.
Read more here
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Be the first to hear about exhibitors, speakers and what's on at our upcoming events.
