Green and digital continuous-flow pharmaceutical manufacturing (HORIZON-MSCA-2021-DN-01-101073089)
This project called “GreenDigiPharma” is funded by the EU and focuses on furans as pharmaceutical intermediates. Furfural, furfurylamine and furfurylamide are important intermediates in the production of various pharmaceuticals. The development of new catalytic methods and materials for the production of this class of intermediate compounds from lignocellulosic residues will have significant economic and environmental benefits. Lignocellulosic wastes are abundant and renewable resources that can be used as a source of valuable chemical products. The conversion of these materials into pharmaceutical intermediates using continuous flow chemistry is an important field of research that has attracted a great deal of interest in recent years. Flow chemistry is an important step towards sustainability and digitalization of pharmaceutical industry. Continuous flow processes enable the utilization of advanced technology and green chemistry, leading to faster, safer and more sustainable APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) production. Under this context, the development of new active and selective catalysts is essential for the efficient conversion of these wastes into high-value products. The objectives of the project are aligned with current trends in green chemistry, which aims to develop sustainable processes that minimize waste generation and reduce environmental impact. Thus, this project aims to develop new catalytic materials for the conversion of lignocellulosic wastes into pharmaceutical intermediates with particular interest in the catalytic deactivation mechanism. This research has significant potential to contribute to the development of sustainable processes for the production of high value chemicals in industry.
Project mission
To transform pharmaceutical manufacturing with green and digital methods, creating eco-friendly drug production routes, and adopting innovative technologies. We will do this by collaborating with 7 universities, 1 research center, and several industry partners during our secondments
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
• To develop a new field of research combining green materials science from functionalized biomasses with other nanostructures and continuous flow heterogeneous catalysis to obtain pharmaceutical compounds through alternative environmentally friendly routes.
• Develop new active and selective catalysts for the conversion of lignocellulosic waste products (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) into high value-added pharmaceutical intermediates.
• To discover the main catalytic deactivation mechanisms for their minimization during the conversion of these compounds through the study of fundamental catalysis.
• Develop new protocols for the use of flow chemistry in combination with heterogeneous catalysis in REDOX reactions by optimizing reactors operating under continuous flow.
• To propose optimal conditions during the obtaining of specific pharmaceutical intermediates focused mainly on the process (physicochemical parameters) and the catalyst, to achieve maximum yields during the reaction.
• Establish processes for obtaining and purifying the main lignocellulosic waste products (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) from different sources capable of being coupled to industrial catalytic processes.
ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CORDOBA
University of Cordoba’s role in the project is the fractionation and upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass, as well as the transformation of biomass-derived chemicals into high value-added building blocks and scaffolds. The student selected for the execution of this project together with the research team will participate with expertise in biomass/waste valorization (including selective fractionation and transformation into platform molecules for further upgrading), heterogeneous catalysts and Green Chemistry.
CONTACT:
Investigador Principal: Alina M. BALU
Correo electrónico de contacto: qo2balua@uco.es
Página web del proyecto: https://www.greendigipharma.eu/