This action has successfully reported that peptides can crystallise faster in the presence of templates even at a bigger scale of 40ml. Results highlighted the significance of the pre-exponential factor, which is contingent on the number of nucleation sites present within the metastable solution. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that larger peptide, provides more number of interaction points resulting in stronger binding with the templates, thereby enhancing the rate of crystallisation. This is the first time someone has reported the tabletability, compressibility, and compactability of peptide crystals. Although this action only studied the simplest known peptide, more research must be done in the area to fully understand this field of research. This information will encourage the researchers to work on peptide crystallisation to improve their stability.
Additionally, templated crystallisation was extended to other longer chain and complex peptides, namely, Leuprolide acetate, and anti-cancer peptide. Leuprolide acetate was crystallised from HEPES buffer using sodium citrate tribasic dihydrate salt and 2-propanol as a soft template. This is the first time that this peptide has been crystallised and studying the variation in these conditions will enable the researchers to other homologous peptides from the same family. The crystallisation of these peptides at a large scale will enable the industry to consider crystallisation as an alternative to the costly and unsustainable purification of peptides, thereby taking a step closer to achieving the net-zero mission in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. This study is ongoing, and its report will be published soon.
Beyond its scientific implications, the fellow consistently engaged in outreach activities throughout this action. The fellow took the lead at events such as 'Imperial Late' and the 'Great Exhibition Road Festival,' where he not only presented their research to a broader audience but also inspired the younger generation to pursue careers in science and engineering. The fellow received support from their research group's Ph.D. candidates, facilitating the enhancement of their interpersonal skills.
The fellow's active involvement in the broader scientific community remained notable during this initiative. They contributed by reviewing several journal articles for peer-reviewed publications and are presently involved in editing a special issue on 'Pharmaceutical Solids: Advanced Manufacturing and Characterization' for the 'Pharmaceutics’ Journal. In summary, this action has left a substantial impact both within the scientific community and in broader public engagement efforts.
