Synthesis of intoxicating fragrances and life saving drugs can at times lead to toxic byproducts, which are not easy to dispose off without hurting land quality despite all care. But researchers at the University of Toronto have come up with a new and less expensive way of solving this current pollution problem. Instead of using the toxic catalysts synthesized from far more costly metals that are on offer now, they have shifted their attention to iron based nanoparticle technology.
The technology on offer not only presents with greener future alternatives for drug and perfume makers, but it also helps them produce cheaper drugs that will be available to a larger market. This will be done by replacing the expensive catalysts with far more commonly found iron oxide catalysts. Of course, the technology is still some way away from going commercial and there are still drawbacks to the technology in terms of translating it to production line feature.
The study was performed using an electron microscope to ensure that the catalytic action of the iron oxide nanoparticles was as per the requirements. With the first step of the process having been a success, it is time the team moved on to the hurdles that they face with the ratio of the catalyst to that of the drug components. But the research offers hope to many across the globe who could do well with cheaper drugs and also to the environmentalists who would love to see reduction in toxicity of production process. An advantage that is both economic and ecological.
Via: Utoronto
