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Tue, February 11, 2025
[ Tue, Feb 11th ] - techUK
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Tiny water-based reactors could help pharmaceutical industry avoid toxic solvents


Published on 2025-02-11 02:02:32 - MSN
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  • Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for performing chemical reactions using water instead of toxic solvents. The scientists created microscopic reactors capable of driving light-powered chemical processes by designing metal complex surfactants (MeCSs) that self-assemble into nanoscale spheres called micelles.

The article from MSN discusses a breakthrough in pharmaceutical manufacturing where researchers from the University of Bath have developed tiny water-based reactors. These reactors utilize water as a solvent instead of traditional toxic organic solvents, which are commonly used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. This innovation not only reduces the environmental impact by minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals but also simplifies the purification process, potentially making drug production cheaper and more sustainable. The reactors work by creating a high surface area for reactions to occur, allowing for efficient chemical synthesis in an aqueous environment. This method could revolutionize the industry by offering a greener alternative to current practices, reducing both the ecological footprint and the health risks associated with solvent exposure.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/chemistry/tiny-water-based-reactors-could-help-pharmaceutical-industry-avoid-toxic-solvents/ar-AA1yLRVI ]
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