Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GreenDigiPharma (Green and digital continuous-flow pharmaceutical manufacturing)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31
The GreenDigiPharma project aims to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing by promoting greener, more sustainable practices through advanced technological and digital innovations. The pharmaceutical industry, while a significant contributor to economic growth and public health, faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. The industry is among the highest polluters within the chemical sector, with high "E-factors" indicating excessive waste production. As demand for pharmaceuticals continues to grow in the EU, there is an urgent need to develop manufacturing processes that minimize hazardous chemicals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enable the recycling of materials in a circular economy. Additionally, ensuring a swift and efficient supply of life-saving drugs without production bottlenecks remains a critical priority.
GreenDigiPharma addresses these challenges by adopting greener approaches, including continuous-flow manufacturing processes, innovative catalysis techniques, and the integration of digital tools like AI and machine learning. However, sustainable transformation is not just about technology: it requires a new generation of highly skilled researchers trained to lead the green transition in pharmaceutical manufacturing. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network, this project provides interdisciplinary training in catalysis, flow chemistry, AI-driven process optimization, and industrial implementation, equipping the recruited doctoral researchers with expertise at the interface of chemistry, engineering, and digital technology. Through this initiative, the project not only advances green manufacturing technologies but also ensures that the next generation of scientists is prepared to implement these solutions in both research and industrial settings, paving the way for a more sustainable pharmaceutical future.
GreenDigiPharma addresses these challenges by adopting greener approaches, including continuous-flow manufacturing processes, innovative catalysis techniques, and the integration of digital tools like AI and machine learning. However, sustainable transformation is not just about technology: it requires a new generation of highly skilled researchers trained to lead the green transition in pharmaceutical manufacturing. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network, this project provides interdisciplinary training in catalysis, flow chemistry, AI-driven process optimization, and industrial implementation, equipping the recruited doctoral researchers with expertise at the interface of chemistry, engineering, and digital technology. Through this initiative, the project not only advances green manufacturing technologies but also ensures that the next generation of scientists is prepared to implement these solutions in both research and industrial settings, paving the way for a more sustainable pharmaceutical future.
A total of 20 dissemination activities, 14 communication actions, and 11 peer-reviewed publications have been successfully delivered by the 10 recruited researchers during the first reporting period, demonstrating a strong and proactive engagement with research communities, industry partners, civil society, and the broader public. These efforts were channeled through oral talks in international conferences (e.g. the International Conference on Microreaction Technology and the 18th International Congress on Catalysis), media outreach campaigns, and co-authored high-impact journal articles in fields such as green chemistry, catalysis, and pharmaceutical process engineering (including leading journals such as Angewandte Chemie International Edition, JACS Au, and Chemical Science).
Furthermore, the doctoral candidates successfully attended the first GreenDigiPharma Doctoral School, hosted in Milan in February 2024, with sessions on advanced flow chemistry, sustainability metrics, and career development in academia and industry. The event was met with enthusiastic feedback from the doctoral candidates, who praised the scientific quality of the lectures, the interactive nature of the workshops, and the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field. Many highlighted the value of the school not only for acquiring technical knowledge but also for fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the network. Building on this success, three additional doctoral schools have already been planned for 2025, covering specialized topics such as digital process intensification, photo/electrocatalysis, and pharmaceutical regulatory science.
From a scientific viewpoint, the recruited doctoral candidates have advanced GreenDigiPharma's research in sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing through catalysis, continuous-flow synthesis, and digital optimization. Below is a summary of their contributions. Specifically, DC1 (Miguel M. de Vries Ibáñez) developed single-atom catalysts (SACs) using carbon nitride for photoredox transformations in pharmaceutical synthesis; DC2 (Bryan F. Rivadeneira Mendoza) converted lignocellulosic waste into pharmaceutical intermediates using green catalytic processes; DC3 (Alessio Massaro) designed and optimized 3D-printed electrochemical and photocatalytic flow reactors for pharmaceutical synthesis; DC4 (Marko Božinović) developed enzyme immobilization strategies in microflow systems for sustainable pharmaceutical transformations; DC5 (Defne Serbetci) implemented continuous-flow synthesis for fluorine- and sulfur-containing pharmaceutical compounds, ensuring safer reagent handling; DC6 (Clara Vega) optimized flow electrochemistry for green pharmaceutical processes, focusing on photochemical Suzuki cross-coupling; DC7 (Iktedar Mahdi) developed green synthetic routes for drug precursors using advanced microreactor technology; DC8 (Maria Batzaki) explored telescoping reactions and AI-driven flow chemistry to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency; DC9 (Mert Can Ince) integrated continuous-flow processes for pharmaceutical intermediates, assessing sustainability and techno-economic feasibility; DC10 (Jonas Djossou) advanced flow-mediated organic photo- and electrochemistry to improve pharmaceutical reaction efficiency. Each of these contributions strengthens the project's goal of developing transformative chemical processes where pharmaceuticals are produced with unprecedented precision, sustainability, and adaptability in a new era of intelligent, green manufacturing.
Furthermore, the doctoral candidates successfully attended the first GreenDigiPharma Doctoral School, hosted in Milan in February 2024, with sessions on advanced flow chemistry, sustainability metrics, and career development in academia and industry. The event was met with enthusiastic feedback from the doctoral candidates, who praised the scientific quality of the lectures, the interactive nature of the workshops, and the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field. Many highlighted the value of the school not only for acquiring technical knowledge but also for fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the network. Building on this success, three additional doctoral schools have already been planned for 2025, covering specialized topics such as digital process intensification, photo/electrocatalysis, and pharmaceutical regulatory science.
From a scientific viewpoint, the recruited doctoral candidates have advanced GreenDigiPharma's research in sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing through catalysis, continuous-flow synthesis, and digital optimization. Below is a summary of their contributions. Specifically, DC1 (Miguel M. de Vries Ibáñez) developed single-atom catalysts (SACs) using carbon nitride for photoredox transformations in pharmaceutical synthesis; DC2 (Bryan F. Rivadeneira Mendoza) converted lignocellulosic waste into pharmaceutical intermediates using green catalytic processes; DC3 (Alessio Massaro) designed and optimized 3D-printed electrochemical and photocatalytic flow reactors for pharmaceutical synthesis; DC4 (Marko Božinović) developed enzyme immobilization strategies in microflow systems for sustainable pharmaceutical transformations; DC5 (Defne Serbetci) implemented continuous-flow synthesis for fluorine- and sulfur-containing pharmaceutical compounds, ensuring safer reagent handling; DC6 (Clara Vega) optimized flow electrochemistry for green pharmaceutical processes, focusing on photochemical Suzuki cross-coupling; DC7 (Iktedar Mahdi) developed green synthetic routes for drug precursors using advanced microreactor technology; DC8 (Maria Batzaki) explored telescoping reactions and AI-driven flow chemistry to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency; DC9 (Mert Can Ince) integrated continuous-flow processes for pharmaceutical intermediates, assessing sustainability and techno-economic feasibility; DC10 (Jonas Djossou) advanced flow-mediated organic photo- and electrochemistry to improve pharmaceutical reaction efficiency. Each of these contributions strengthens the project's goal of developing transformative chemical processes where pharmaceuticals are produced with unprecedented precision, sustainability, and adaptability in a new era of intelligent, green manufacturing.
GreenDigiPharma has already made discoveries beyond current industry standards by introducing innovative technologies such as single-atom heterogeneous catalysts, digital self-optimization tools, and advanced continuous-flow purification systems. The introduction of greener solvents, novel catalysis methods, and sustainable flow technologies positions GreenDigiPharma at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation. Furthermore, the integration of digitalization methods employing machine learning and advanced automation tools is a pioneering step toward fully autonomous pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This is laying the foundation for a future where life-saving medicines can be produced with unmatched speed, precision, and sustainability. As contributors to this transformation, our doctoral candidates are being trained as the next generation leaders, equipped with the interdisciplinary skills, mindset, and technical expertise needed to drive this transition.