Effective Scale-up of Functionalized Silicas

Using a specially adapted Asynt 20-litre ReactoMate™ reactor system - PhosphonicS Ltd. (Abingdon, UK) has improved turnaround time and batch-to-batch efficiency for scaling-up production of its range of functionalized silicas.

Using proprietary immobilization technology, PhosphonicS Ltd. has developed a range of functionalized silicas for pharmaceutical purification and heterogeneous catalysis operations.

The materials enable metal residue levels in drug substances (APIs) to be reduced to very low, regulated levels and precious metals to be effectively scavenged from spent catalysis reactions.

Michael Suggate, Laboratory Production Manager at PhosphonicS Ltd. commented "Traditionally our scientists relied upon 5-litre heating mantles to scale-up production of our functionalized silicas from tens of grams to initial kilo quantities. However this technology suffered in terms of the initial scale-up speed we desired".

He added "Implementing the Asynt ReactoMate system has given us the benefits of greater comparison to pilot scale chemistry, better heat and mass transfer and far greater control than heating mantles. The unique stand that the ReactoMate reactor sits on allows for complete access to the filter port and the adjustable height allows us to filter our solids with far greater control (under gravity) than by lifting and pouring from large round bottomed flasks".