Digitization of multistep organic synthesis in reactionware for on-demand pharmaceuticals.

Abstract

Chemical manufacturing is often done at large facilities that require a sizable capital investment and then produce key compounds for a finite period. We present an approach to the manufacturing of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals in a self-contained plastic reactionware device. The device was designed and constructed by using a chemical to computer-automated design (ChemCAD) approach that enables the translation of traditional bench-scale synthesis into a platform-independent digital code. This in turn guides production of a three-dimensional printed device that encloses the entire synthetic route internally via simple operations. We demonstrate the approach for the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist, (±)-baclofen, establishing a concept that paves the way for the local manufacture of drugs outside of specialist facilities.

Full text access

Kitson PJ, Marie G, Francoia JP, Zalesskiy SS, Sigerson RC, Mathieson JS, Cronin L. Science. 2018 Jan 19;359(6373):314-319. doi: 10.1126/science.aao3466. PubMed PMID: 29348235.

Keywords: reactionware, 3D printing, pharmaceuticals.

Join for free INPST as a member

The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) maintains up-to-date lists with conferences, grants and funding opportunities, jobs and open positions, and journal special issues with relevance for the area of phytochemistry and food chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy research, and natural product science.

Apply for the INPST 2018 Science Communication Award (Gold: 2000 USD / Silver: 1000 USD / Bronze: 500 USD)