Research and development - Articles

Biocatalysis employs biological systems, particularly enzymes, to catalyse chemical reactions. These natural catalysts facilitate chemical transformations on organic compounds, providing significant advantages over traditional methods.
Biocatalysis employs biological systems, particularly enzymes, to catalyse chemical reactions. These natural catalysts facilitate chemical transformations on organic compounds, providing significant advantages over traditional methods. Challenges with Traditional Catalytic Systems Traditional catalysts, based on inorganic and organic molecules, are essential in synthesizing complex molecules but face several challenges: Cost: Catalysts can be very expensive to purchase. Maintenance: They often need to be removed from a product and cleaned. Specificity:…

The field of protein production is seeing widespread adoption of cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS), revolutionising the industry with its high-throughput and cost-effective capabilities. This innovative method has created new opportunities for synthesising proteins, especially those that are challenging to produce in living cells. But what makes cell-free protein synthesis so advantageous, and why is it the preferred choice for high-throughput screening and directed evolution?
The Benefits of Cell-Free Protein Synthesis in Protein Production The field of protein production is seeing widespread adoption of cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS), revolutionising the industry with its high-throughput and cost-effective capabilities. This innovative method has created new opportunities f…

Quality Assurance (QA) means putting a formal system in place with the help of plans, policies, and procedures to ensure that products are manufactured and tested accurately in compliance with relevant standards. Quality Control is a set of procedures and activities that ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of products by sampling, testing analyzing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products during different stages of production.
In the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, the terms Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are often used interchangeably, but they represent two distinct and critical functions within a Quality Management System (QMS). Misunderstanding the difference between QA and QC can lead to inefficiencies, complian…

Martin Kesselgruber, VP Global Project Management at Bachem, offers insights on the key measures for companies to consider for successful project outcomes
Robust project management is essential in any manufacturing business, particularly where strict regulations and complex production processes require maximum alignment between all involved functions.   As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), Bachem has developed unique expertise in project management approaches and systems. CDMOs play a crucial role in supplying Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to biotech and pharmaceutical companies, involving all required steps like raw materials management, process development and validation, production, purification, and delivery.   To ensure efficiency and…

Nitrogen compounds are a crucial aspect of pharmaceutical chemistry, particularly in the development of antibiotics. Their unique chemical properties, including the ability to form multiple hydrogen bonds and engage in various interactions, make them indispensable in the fight against bacterial infections.
This article delves into the application of nitrogen compounds in antibiotic research and development, illustrating how they influence antibiotic efficacy.   Fundamental Properties of Nitrogen Compounds   Nitrogen compounds are defined as chemical substances containing nitrogen atoms within their molecular structure. In drug chemistry, these compounds are renowned for their diverse properties that directly impact their biological interactions. The presence of nitrogen affec…

This article explores the types, functions, and significance of polymer additives in various applications.
Polymer additives play a critical role in the processing and performance of polymer materials. These additives are substances included in the polymer matrix during manufacturing to modify the material's physical properties, improve processing qualities, or enhance performance characteristics.    Types of Polymer Additives Polymer additives can be classified into several categories based on their functions:   Plasticizers: These additives increase the flexibility, workability, and plasticity of polymers. Commonly used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formulations, plasticizers allow for easier processing while reducing brittleness.   Stabilizers: Stabilizers protect po…

Selecting the appropriate alumina catalyst carrier is crucial in enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of chemical reactions across various industrial applications.
Selecting the appropriate alumina catalyst carrier is crucial in enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of chemical reactions across various industrial applications. This article provides guidance on the importance of these carriers, their characteristics, product offerings from Alfa Chemistry, and key considerations that inform their selection. What Are Alumina Carriers? Alumina carriers refer to the white powders or shaped solids that serve as supports for catalysts, significantly used across chemical industries. Approximately 70% of industrial supported catalysts utilize alumina carriers due to their abil…

Joe Makowiecki, Director, Product Management & Engineering, Product Solutions at Cytiva
Collaborations are important in biopharma manufacturing because biologic medicines, particularly new modalities, such as nucleic acid vaccines and cell and gene therapies, are complex medicines with equally complex manufacturing processes. Few, if any, companies possess all the capabilities, technologies, or infrastructure required to develop and produce these medicines independently. During the pandemic we saw how collaborations between governments, industry, and academic institutions accelerated the development and manufacture of the COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, collaborations can alleviate some of the challenges by helping to reduce costs, provide access to expertise, speed up production, and redu…

Groundbreaking research has profoundly impacted neurology and benefited patients with neurodegenerative diseases. However, a closer look at the authorship is necessary to understand the impact of gender-diverse leadership in life sciences research labs. Women are underrepresented in this field despite their high-impact publications.
Groundbreaking research has profoundly impacted neurology and benefited patients with neurodegenerative diseases. However, a closer look at the authorship is necessary to understand the impact of gender-diverse leadership in life sciences research labs. Women are underrepresented in this field despite their high-impact publications. The Status of Gender-Diverse Leadership in Life Sciences Research Labs Women have come a long way in the scientific community. Lea…

In this article we explore the rare disease landscape, focusing on the emerging and hugely promising technology of ‘gene silencing’. Since around 80% of rare diseases are monogenic, caused by a mutation in a single gene, the ability to stop that mutation from forming toxic proteins is a game-changer.
Introduction Developing drugs to treat rare diseases is both a noble cause and a risky business. Rare diseases are typically deadly, debilitating, and devastating for patients and their families, so developing treatments is a vital, if sometimes underappreciated mission. However, by definition, the market for such treatments is limited, so the business case for a drug developer is often, at best, unclear; without government intervention it would be untenable. Having said that, new technologies…

The drug development process depends on choosing the correct analytical approach to maintain precision during impurity analysis. The standard analytical techniques used in studies include High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) among other methods.
Types of Impurity Standards Reference Standards Usage: Reference standards serve as quality control benchmarks for equipment calibration and verification of measurement methods and analytical accuracy. Characteristics: Chemicals with established purity and specific activity or content serve as measurements for the purity and activity as well as content of pharmaceutical formulations. Analytical Standards Role: Analytical chemistry services use the…

Today, advancements in biotechnology have expanded the applications of S. cerevisiae beyond traditional practices, making it a powerhouse in the fields of food production, biofuel generation, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's or brewer's yeast, is one of the most studied microorganisms in the realm of fermentation technology. This species of yeast has been utilized for thousands of years in various fermentation processes, including baking, brewing, and winemaking.    Historical Context cerevisiae has a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations that used it in the production of bread and alcoholic beverages. Its ability to ferment sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide made it indispensable for these processes. The yeast…

The use of magnetic beads as a new DNA extraction tool shows numerous benefits compared to traditional extraction methods. The large specific surface area of magnetic beads makes them effective at adsorbing DNA molecules. Their ease of operation and automation leads to more accurate DNA extraction and reduced human error while conserving reagents.
Many fields including biomedical research, forensics, and environmental monitoring rely on DNA extraction as a crucial process. DNA extraction marks the essential beginning of genetic information collection and supports further experiments including genetic analysis disease diagnosis and species identification. Medical professionals perform genetic testing to diagnose genetic diseases through the extraction of DNA from patient samples while forens…

Agar is widely used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, bioengineering and other fields. It has coagulation and stability and is often used as a thickener, coagulant, suspending agent, emulsifier, stabilizer and preservative.
Agar is a natural polysaccharide extracted from red algae, primarily species of the genera Gelidium and Gracilaria. Agar is composed of two primary components: agarose and agaropectin. It is widely used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, bioengineering and other fields. It has coagulation and stability and is often used as a thickener, coagulant, suspending agent, emulsifier, stabilizer and preservative. Applications of Agar Microbiology Culture Media: Agar is a common culture media that is used to grow microbes. The gelling nature of the mate…

Selling medical devices to hospitals can be a lucrative yet challenging endeavor. With the healthcare industry growing and the demand for medical devices and medical equipment increasing, understanding how to sell medical devices effectively is crucial. In this guide, we’ll share key strategies for selling medical devices to hospitals, from identifying high-value facilities to proving your knowledge of their needs. Whether you’re selling medical equipment online or engaging with doctors and hospitals directly, these tips will help you navigate the complexities of the healthcare market.
  Selling medical devices to hospitals can be a lucrative yet challenging endeavor. With the healthcare industry growing and the demand for medical devices and medical equipment increasing, unde…

The nuclear medicine market is rapidly growing, driven by rising cases of cancer and heart disease, along with advancements in SPECT and PET imaging. Valued at $12.2B in 2024, it's expected to reach $29.8B by 2033 at a 10.39% CAGR. Major applications include cardiology, neurology, and oncology, with North America leading the market, while Asia-Pacific sees rapid growth. Key players like GE Healthcare, Bayer, and Novartis focus on innovation. Despite challenges like high costs and regulations, expanding healthcare investments and new radiopharmaceuticals present huge opportunities for future growth.
The global nuclear medicine market is expanding rapidly, thanks to advances in diagnostic imaging and targeted treatments. With the rise in chronic diseases like cancer and heart conditions,…

The medical equipment maintenance market is rapidly growing, driven by advanced technology, preventive maintenance, and increased healthcare spending. According to FutureWise analysis, the market was valued at US$ 48.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 111.01 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.82%. Regular maintenance ensures patient safety, reduces downtime, and meets regulatory standards. Challenges include high costs, budget constraints, and environmental concerns. The future looks promising with AI-driven predictive maintenance and independent service providers. North America leads, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market.
Medical equipment plays a crucial role in hospitals and clinics. To ensure these devices work properly, regular maintenance is essential. Wi…

Though less abundant than other essential oils, α-Copaene's multifaceted applications across various sectors underscore its significance in areas ranging from perfumery to pest control.
Introduction α-Copaene is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene hydrocarbon widely recognized for its presence in essential oils, particularly those derived from plants like Copaiba balsam, cloves, and basil. Though less abundant than other essential oils, α-Copaene's multifaceted applications across various sectors underscore its significance in areas ranging from perfumery to pest control. Applications in Perfumery and Cosmetics One of the primary uses of α-Copaene is in the fragrance industry. Due to its warm and woody aroma, it serves as an attractive note in perfumes and scented products. The compoun…

Isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), is a versatile chemical compound widely used across an array of industries due to its unique chemical properties.
Isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), is a versatile chemical compound widely used across an array of industries due to its unique chemical properties. Recognized as a secondary alcohol with the molecular formula C3H8O, isopropanol is a colorless liquid, characterized by a distinct odor and high volatility. Its ability to mix fully with water, ethanol, and chloroform underscores its utility as a solvent for both polar and non-polar substances, making it a cornerstone in many industrial, pharmaceutical, and consumer product applications. Production Methods Isopropanol is primarily produced through two industrial me…

Bromopride, marketed as bromopyridine, is a well-known antiemetic and prokinetic drug widely utilized for its efficacy in treating nausea and vomiting.
Bromopride, marketed as bromopyridine, is a well-known antiemetic and prokinetic drug widely utilized for its efficacy in treating nausea and vomiting. As a dopamine antagonist, bromopride functions by binding to D2 receptors located in both the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This unique capability allows it to act effectively against gastrointestinal disorders and postoperative nausea. Mechanism of Action Bromopride's effectiveness is largely attributed to its dual action in inhibiting dopamine receptors. In the gastrointestinal system, it prevents dopamine activity, leading to less gastric relaxation and accele…