+420 485 353 852|

cxi@tul.cz|

Staff


+420 485 353 852|

cxi@tul.cz|

Staff

New GAČR: Separation of chiral molecules using membrane technologies

10. 12. 2024

The Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations (CXI TUL) is starting a three-year project aimed at improving the separation methods of chiral molecules, which has received support from the GACR grant agency. This research project, led by principal investigator and nanomembrane expert Fatma Yalcinkaya, focuses on the development and improvement of membrane technologies for the separation of chiral molecules, which means mirror-image molecules that have different biological effects.

Mirror-image chiral molecules are similar to our left and right hands, they are similar but they cannot overlap exactly on top of each other. And even though both hands have the same physical properties, their behavior may be different. Likewise, mirror-image molecules may have the same chemical composition, but their effects on the body may be significantly different. One form may be beneficial, while the other may be ineffective or even harmful.

An example is the tragic incident in 1989 in Japan, when a poor separation of mirror-image molecules of the amino acid tryptophan led to several deaths. The manufacturer failed to properly separate the different forms of tryptophan, with fatal consequences. This case shows how important it is to correctly identify and separate chiral molecules to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs.

Just as you can't confuse the left and right hands, we need to make sure that we only have one mirror-image form of the molecule and develop methods for separation, and to do that we need to join forces. The new project therefore brings together nanomaterials experts, materials engineers and chemists. Fatma Yalcinkaya is working with membrane separation expert Pavel Izak as co-investigator from the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the CAS. The team will focus on developing innovative membranes that enable efficient separation and analysis of single mirror-image molecules. This research has the potential to provide new methods for the production of safe and effective drugs, as well as for other applications in the biotechnology and chemical industries.

More info bellow:

CXI TUL

Science Direct

Patent

General partners

Škoda AUTO
Česká Zbrojovka
Aquatest
Elmarco
FM Motol
Preciosa
UJV Group
Atrea
Innogy
Auren
Škoda AUTO
Česká Zbrojovka
Aquatest
Elmarco
FM Motol
Preciosa
UJV Group
Atrea
Innogy
Auren
Škoda AUTO
Česká Zbrojovka
Aquatest
Elmarco
FM Motol
Preciosa
UJV Group
Atrea
Innogy
Auren