Research activities are directed towards the realization of continuous manufacturing processes for synthetic API integrating reactant preparation, synthesis and downstream processing. Specifically, manufacturing processes for protein kinase inhibitors and organometallic drugs are investigated. Processes are performed in integrated "milli-plants" with typical throughput of 100 to 500 g/h. Selection, design and operation of the individual process steps as well as the corresponding equipment are chosen such that they are representative for large scale processes and may thus serve as basis for scale-up to technical scale. Due to their low solubility in aqueous systems, synthesis and downstream processing of the API require a precise monitoring and control of temperature, concentration, residence time as well as energy management. For the latter, process intensification concepts comprise of ultrasound, micro wave or other techniques. Process synthesis is supported by high throughput experimental techniques combined with predictive methods for solvent selection and parameter optimization. Additionally theoretical approaches, based on the concept of Elementary Process Functions, are applied to identify alternative process paths. Special attention is dedicated towards integrated process concepts with recycling of solvent streams as well as treatment of side product or residual streams. Experimental data are complemented with process and equipment simulation to establish consistent mass, component and energy balances as well as characteristic performance assessment.
left: UHPLC used for the determination of product purity; right: A batch of a protein kinase inhibitor synthesized during a parameter screening.
Heads of Department:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Scholl | TU Braunschweig
Institute of Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering
Langer Kamp 7 | 38106 Braunschweig
E-Mail: s.scholl(at)tu-braunschweig.de | Phone: +49(0)531 391-2780
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ingo Ott | TU Braunschweig
Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Beethovenstraße 55 | 38106 Braunschweig
E-Mail: ingo.ott(at)tu-braunschweig.de | Phone: +49(0)531 391-2743