3D printing techniques have been postulated as one of the potential key technology, although its application in catalysis research is not well stablished. On the other hand, the fast and effective development of new molecules/drugs requires the development of innovative and effective methodologies. In that sense, synthetic processes using continuous flow represent a novel area with high potential since offer greater flexibility and an increase in productivity, compared with traditional batch reactions. The fabrication of micro/mesofluidic devices usually implies complex manufacturing methods, increasing cost. The most convenient alternative is the use of 3D printing but the limitation of 3D printing directly the microfluidic devices lies mainly in the material used. The CATCH3D project involves the development of highly integrated and combined technologies using 3D printing to control chemical processes developing a toolkit of reactors to be used in continuous flow by direct 3D printing of catalysts. We envisage the reaction-on-demand trend in order to achieve an increase in local production, with more drugs manufactured close to their point of consumption to improve access to affordable, highquality medicines. As part of CATCH3D project, we will combine multiple functional materials in the same device, printing directly the catalyst in other to obtain multifunctional activation in only one reactor. The technology disclosed in this proposal is potentially useful for drug discovery, and also a powerful tool for taking organic synthesis towards an automated future, reducing the cost of the overall fine chemical production and also the drug discovery process. The innovative nature of CATCH3D will allow a wide variety of new complex or even forbidden chemistries not possible achieved by conventional methodologies. Moreover, high skilled researchers in enabling technologies will be formed, that represent the future of chemistry research.
CATCH3D
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación