KAIST Develops World's First Ultra-Thin Separation Technology for Pharmaceutical Molecules

Ultrathin membrane separation technology capable of selectively isolating active pharmaceutical molecules has been developed.

Membranes act as selective barriers that allow or block specific substances based on their size and absorption capacity.

The separation process mediated by this can consume much less energy than conventional thermal separation processes, making it significant for effectively reducing carbon emissions in the chemical industry.

Professor Go Dong-yeon (left), Professor Lim Seong-gap (right). Provided by KAIST

On the 29th, KAIST announced that a joint research team led by Professors Godong-yeon and Im Seong-gap from the Department of Bio and Chemical Engineering has developed the world's first ultrathin membrane separation technology capable of separating active pharmaceutical molecules with very high selectivity.

The membranes are widely applied in fields such as petrochemicals, semiconductors, renewable synthetic fuels (E-Fuel), and biopharmaceuticals due to their characteristics of separating organic solvents used across industries, providing low-energy and low-carbon solutions.

However, to selectively separate high value-added compounds beyond traditional applications like seawater desalination, the development of innovative polymer materials that can overcome the limitations of existing materials was necessary.

With the same understanding, the joint research team succeeded in creating an ultrathin, multi-connected polymer membrane using a new approach.

Using initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) technology, they synthesized organic siloxane polymers, previously known to be difficult to produce as thin films, into ultrathin membranes, and developed a membrane separation process capable of selectively purifying active pharmaceutical molecules.

This process, based on polymer thin film deposition technology used in semiconductor manufacturing, produces membranes with performance surpassing existing materials, enabling selective purification of high value-added pharmaceutical mixtures, which is highly meaningful.

Polymer thin film process fabricated by atmospheric chemical vapor deposition using the iCVD technique. Provided by KAIST

The technology developed by the joint research team can purify molecules in the molecular weight range of 150?350 g/mol, which includes active pharmaceutical ingredients, petroleum compounds, and fuel molecules, using a membrane only 29 nm thick. It is also designed to operate in complex solvent environments containing various organic substances, surpassing the lifespan and molecular selectivity of existing membranes.

In particular, the team demonstrated that when molecules with similar shapes and sizes (molecular weights), such as acyclovir and valacyclovir?key active pharmaceutical ingredients used in herpes virus treatment?are mixed, the membrane can separate acyclovir with high purity.

The joint research team emphasized that this newly developed membrane technology means pharmaceutical substances can be purified at lower costs compared to existing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Professor Godong-yeon stated, "Ultrathin membranes using the iCVD method are a powerful way to synthesize high-quality, dense polymer membranes without defects," adding, "The greatest advantage is that it provides polymer materials previously inaccessible, promoting the precise design of high-performance membranes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.