MICRODROPCAT

Application of Droplet-Based Microfluidics for the Screening of Supramolecular Catalysts

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'In this project we propose to develop new methodologies to prepare and screen large libraries of homogeneous catalysts based on supramolecular (self-assembled) ligands using droplet-based microfluidics. Presently, the discovery and design of efficient homogeneous catalysts still relies on time intensive trial-and-error methodology. To overcome these limitations, a new paradigm shift for the discovery of effective ligands relies on the supramolecular self-assembly of libraries of ligand through reversible non-covalent interactions. This significantly increases the potential chemical space within which an optimal ligand set can be found. The full potential of this methodology is impeded by current synthesis and screening techniques which rely on macroscale (mL) trial for all the ligands sets and reaction conditions. One effective strategy to increase the rate at which reactions can be performed at is through extensive miniaturization of the reaction vessel. Recent advances in droplet-based microfluidics have enabled the effective screening of reaction conditions on a nano- to pico- liter scale. We thus propose to develop, in collaboration with a lab-on-a-chip research group, a modular droplet-based microfluidic device which will enable the generation, within a nanoliter droplet, of supramolecular catalyst made up of self-assembled ligands around a transition metal. These catalytic droplets will then be merged with a stream of reactants to form a nanoliter-size reaction size vessel which will enable the catalytic activity of the self-assembled catalyst to be evaluated. The intended outcome of this project is to greatly accelerate the speed at which an active catalyst can be identified at. This will have a broad impact on the chemical community for which screening methodologies have become an integral part of the discovery process (e.g. drug discovery).'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Chemical experiments at the microscale, particularly in the field of microfluidics, rely on finding and processing efficient substances known as catalysts. The process has now been simplified.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Microfluidics is a discipline that explores the behaviour and control of fluids that are constrained to the sub-millimetre scale. The field is at the crossroads of biotechnology, chemistry, engineering and physics.

The EU-funded project 'Application of Droplet-Based Microfluidics for the Screening of Supramolecular Catalysts' (MicroDropCat) developed new ways to prepare and screen homogeneous catalysts. These catalysts are important as they are used to create a sequence of reactions in chemical experiments. The method is based on supramolecular or self-assembled ligands using droplet-based microfluidics.

Currently, the process of discovering and preparing homogeneous catalysts requires a lot of time, implying a need for more efficient methodology. To use chemistry-related terminology, in order to discover effective ligands, this constraint can be overcome through supramolecular self-assembly of ligands through reversible non-covalent interactions.

To achieve its aims, and backed by solid knowledge in microfluidics, chemical engineering and spectroscopy, the project team merged different arrays of nanolitre-sized droplets containing complementary ligands. The droplets were then merged with a transition metal precursor to generate 'catalytic microdroplets' that were subsequently combined with reactants in reaction-size vessels on the nanolitre scale. This intricate process enabled the evaluation of catalytic activity related to the self-assembly process, finally yielding the required level of catalysts.

The experiments markedly increased the potential chemical space within which an optimal ligand set can be found. While some of the experiments were set back by synthesis and screening techniques that rely on the macroscale, reactions were sped up by significantly miniaturising the reaction vessel.

In the near future, the project team will publish results on the novel catalytic system that will be used in developing a more efficient microfluidic device. The basic scientific and technical solutions for this ambitious initiative have been laid out and will serve as a good basis for realising this 'catalyst-making' device.