Production of a set of silica magnetic microparticles activated with different functional groups for bio-process applications

• Grant number: 15/15323-5
• Support type: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: September 01, 2016 - August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Willian Kopp
• Grantee: Willian Kopp
• Company: Kopp Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico Ltda. - ME
• City: São Carlos
• Associated scholarship(s): 16/17999-9 - Production of a set of silica magnetic microparticles activated with different functional groups for bio-process applications, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Currently one of the biggest challenges in the Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industries is the separation and cost-effective purification of molecules. Recently the adsorption in porous materials with magnetic properties has emerged as an alternative to the classical techniques of separation/purification of molecules. In 2009 the entrepreneur William Kopp found that the commercially available magnetic adsorbents do not meet the requirements for the use in the separation of industrial molecules. Once verified this opportunity, the researcher developed a process for synthesis of a new magnetic adsorbent with excellent characteristics for use in the separation of industrial molecules, which generated a patent protected in 2013. The developed material, called SMMps (Silica Magnetic Microparticles), has excellent characteristics for applications in bioprocesses and can be produced using a low-cost and easy to scale process. Once identified the great commercial potential of SMMps, the synthesis process was studied in detail. A careful analysis of the market where the technology is inserted, in conjunction with the development of a Business Model showed that the commercial exploitation of this technology is feasible and presents a great potential. To exploit this potential the Kopp Technologies was founded, the company aims to develop magnetic adsorbents for use in separation processes of high-value molecules, providing high-tech solutions in the global market. In this context, we will develop through this project the last phase of the research to make SMMps ready for the market. In this research, we will to develop cost-effective and scalable processes to modify the surface chemistry of SMMps, creating a portfolio containing 16 products, qualifying the material to be used in various processes. (AU)