Imagine two LEGO bricks that look identical but are mirror images of each other; one might be a cure and the other a poison. Currently, sorting them is like using a slow, expensive filter that must be rebuilt for every new brick type. This technology uses light beams in tiny silicon chips to push these mirror images in different directions, sorting them instantly and automatically.
Current chiral separation relies on chromatography, which is slow, expensive, and requires a new, customized protocol for every single molecule mixture.
A silicon-based photonic integrated circuit combined with microfluidics that uses light to separate mirror-image molecules.
If you are a drug discovery lab dealing with the slow and costly process of separating enantiomers in early-phase research — this project developed a silicon-based photonic platform that enables extremely quick and tuneable separation. This removes the roadblock of customized chromatography protocols.
If you are a chemical manufacturer dealing with mixtures of left- and right-handed molecules in agricultural products — this project developed on-chip optical circuits that separate these molecules without needing expensive separation columns.
If you are an SME dealing with the high cost of tailored chemistry for each chiral compound — this project developed a microfluidic integrated circuit that provides a cheap and universal way to achieve enantiopure compounds.
It replaces expensive, large separation columns and the need for customized chemical protocols for every mixture with a cheap, silicon-based integrated circuit.
The project uses standard silicon-based technology and cm-length circuits, which are compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Based on available project data, the project is in the 'SIGNED' status and focuses on demonstrating the platform; specific licensing terms are not provided.
The system integrates photonic circuits with microfluidics, allowing analytes to flow through laser-driven channels for separation.
The project period runs from 2022-12-01 to 2026-05-31, suggesting the technology is currently in the development and demonstration phase.
The consortium is heavily research-oriented, consisting of 5 universities and 1 research organization, with only 1 industry partner (an SME). This 14% industry ratio suggests the project is currently focused on high-risk technical validation rather than immediate commercial scaling, though the inclusion of an SME provides a bridge to market application.
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