EU research project pushes progress in flow manufacturing
Synflow project scientists developed generic methods to apply to a broad number of flow manufacturing processes
The co-ordinator of a European Union (EU) funded €15.9m research project has explained how the work has improved pharma sector flow manufacturing.
Professor Walter Leitner, of RWTH Aachen University, Germany, spoke about the now completed Synflow project in a European Commission briefing note.
He said Synflow scientists developed generic methods to apply to a 'broad' number of flow manufacturing processes, rather than custom-designing systems for particular medicines, as often happens. Work notably focused on developing suitable catalysts.
Leitner said: 'One of the main complications lies in immobilising the catalyst while keeping it effective. These catalysts normally operate in solution, dissolved like sugar in coffee. When you put them into another system, they tend to get very unhappy.'
The project therefore explored how to keep catalysts engaged, such as using catalyst-friendly powder coatings.
Leitner said: 'You can fill it into a tube for this type of process, but every grain is covered with a thin film of liquid where the catalyst sits.'
The project has also explored how to manage reactions problematic in batch operations, such as transformations involving reactive gases under high pressure. Participants included AstraZeneca, Bayer Technology Services, and Germany’s Evonik Industries, among others.