Project description
Modular bioreactor system for continuous production of pharmaceuticals
The EU-funded PATTENZYME project aims to develop a flexible plug-and-play modular system for the manufacture of drug products from raw materials using electrochemical methods for the selective immobilisation of biocatalysts in modular 3D-printed bioreactors. The project’s approach will include electrode preparation, modelling of fluid flow and rates of reaction, and enzyme immobilisation in specifically designed 3D-printed flow reactors. Researchers will immobilise the enzyme laccase on nanoporous gold electrodes at specific locations in the channels of the bioreactor for the production and subsequent controlled delivery of H2O2 to spatially patterned biocatalysts for enantio- and regioselective oxidation reactions. The final goal will be the development of a model bioreactor for the enantioselective oxidation of omeprazole sulfide to esomeprazole.
Objective
The pharmaceutical industry is a major industrial sector in the EU (annual sales of €130 billion). In contrast to other manufacturing sectors, the sector faces a significant challenge in its reliance on batch processes, with synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) occurring via individual reaction steps. Such an approach is not well suited to modern manufacturing methods, and reflects a gap in the state of the art in the manufacture of APIs, where flexible plug and play modular systems to manufacture the drug product from raw materials when they are needed reactors are required. PATTENZYME will address this gap by using electrochemical approaches for the targeted and selective immobilization of bio/catalysts in modular 3D printed bio/reactors. The project will utilise a multi-disciplinary approach that combine electrode preparation and characterisation, modelling of fluid flow and rates of reaction, enzyme immobilisation and characterisation with the preparation and characterisation of 3D printed flow reactors. Specifically, PATTENZYME will immobilize laccase on high surface area supports in 3D-printed reactors for the production and controlled delivery of H2O2 to spatially patterned bio/catalysts for enantio/regio selective oxidation reactions with the goal of developing a bio/reactor for the enantioselective oxidation of omeprazol sulphide to esomeprazole. The bio/catalysts will be immobilised on nanoporous gold electrodes at specific locations in the channels of the bio/reactor. Detailed modelling and characterisation studies will be performed to ascertain the optimal location of the catalysts, the architecture of the channels and the flow rate. 3D printed prototype reactors will be produced and characterised to prepare the optimal system for the oxidation of omeprazol sulphide. PATTENZYME will provide advanced training in a multidisciplinary training programme that is informed by leading expertise in the pharmaceutical sector.
Fields of science
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
- Limerick
Ireland