06 September 2024
16:15
Louvain-la-Neuve
Place des Sciences, A.03 SCES
Antisolvent crystallization is a purification step that is widely used for the recovery of heat-sensitive compounds in pharmaceutical or agrochemical applications. An antisolvent like ethanol reduces the solubility of the targeted compound (such as amino acid in water) and allows it to transform into a solid crystalline form when it reaches supersaturation state. Crystal characteristics such as shape and size can impact some properties such as flowability, compatibility, dissolution, and absorption rate of a drug, for example, in the blood steam. To fine-tune crystal properties, porous membranes can control mixing and antisolvent mass transfer, which is known as Membrane-assisted Antisolvent Crystallization (MAAC). MAAC can easily be scaled up, it is compact and energy efficient, and can be operated in a continuous mode, which goes along the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production). This thesis first addresses the mass transfer of the antisolvent through the porous membrane which was evaluated considering the activity difference of the antisolvent between the two sides of the membrane throughout the operation time. The possibility of reverse permeation was also assessed and linked to the stability of the mass transfer coefficient. This part is followed by demonstrating how key operating conditions and membrane characteristics impact the antisolvent mass transfer and crystal properties, using different techniques for membrane synthesis. Finally, the interactions between the membrane surface and
the crystallization system are discussed from a molecular perspective.
Jury members :
- Prof. Patricia Luis (UCLouvain, Belgium), supervisor
- Prof. Damien Debecker (UCLouvain, Belgium), supervisor
- Prof. Eric Deleersnijder (UCLouvain, Belgium), chairperson
- Prof. Tom Leyssens (UCLouvain, Belgium)
- Dr. Elena Tocci (CNR Institute on Membrane Technology in Rende, Italy)
- Prof. McAdam Ewan (Cranfield university, UK)