Continuous unit operations for enantiomer separation using layers with ionic selectors

The project tackles the challenges of continuous separation of enantiomers by investigating the underlying transport and chiral recognition mechanisms, with the aim of proposing viable methods for the production of pharmaceutically important drugs, such as dexketoprofen, levothyroxine, or levofloxacin. Focusing on working mechanisms of enantioseparation, we will transform the features of facilitated and retarded transport into membranes possessing chiral selectivity. We will synthesize ionic conductive polymers and porous particles with ionic chiral centers based on chiral quinine selectors. These will work as chiral ion exchangers, which are especially suitable for the separation of ionic enantiomers. We will combine functional materials with microfluidic technologies to design several unit operations for electric field-enhanced enantioseparations. Our strategy covers the entire research line, from the preparation of chiral selectors and the functional design of new membranes to the testing of continuously operating membrane modules.