Singapore

The Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES), located on

Jurong Island, is a national research institute that supports the growth

and sustainability of chemicals, specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical

industries.

By adopting a holistic approach based on core values of research

excellence, safety and integrity, ICES is able to translate underpinning

scientific understanding in chemistry, chemical engineering and other

sciences, combined with advanced analytical and characterisation

techniques to address real world challenges.

UNDERSTANDING PROBLEMS AND CREATING SOLUTIONS

CREATING VALUE

We understand the problems faced by the chemicals, specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical industries. We bring together a wide range of skills and capabilities to:

▪ Solve problems effectively and efficiently through a multi-disciplinary approach

▪ Deploy deep scientific insights, mathematical modelling, experimentation, high quality measurements, engineering and design skills

▪ Adapt to the situation – matching the project to the needs, since our experience has taught us that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution

Starting with understanding from deep discussions with our industry partners and from our scientific research, our team-centered approach produces value-added solutions needed for a more sustainable future.

Small-Angle X-Ray

Scattering

Photoelectron Spectrometer

MALDI-TOF

High-Pressure High-

Temperature Core Flood Rig

Micro-CT

Dynamic Vapour Sorption

We deploy a wide range of capabilities accompanied by advanced analytical and characterisation processes to provide efficient and effective solutions.

RESEARCH CAPABILITIES

• Advanced Process Control

• Biocatalysis

• Catalyst Screening and Development

• Chemistry

• Continuous Processing

• Crystallisation Science

• Downstream Processing

• Novel Formulations

• Polymer Chemistry

• Process Development

• Process Intensification

• Process Safety

• Scale-Up

• Screening Microorganisms and Enzymes

• Sustainability Assessment

• Techno-Economic Analysis

• Utilisation of Renewable Resources

A local company approached ICES because of

disruption in the supply of a key intermediate for the

manufacture of a functional ingredient. Our team

quickly devised a viable catalytic route for the synthesis

using commercially available raw materials. Rational

experimental design was used to target low-cost and

efficient catalyst utilisation.

The process was scaled up to 60L trial batches in our pilot

plant, using calorimetry and HAZOP studies to develop

a strong basis of safety for industrial operation. The

process recipe and safety information were transferred

as a package to enable the company to source a full scale

contract manufacturer.

PROCESS DEVELOPMENTCATALYSIS, SCALE-UP, SAFETY

Catalytic route for the synthesis of a key intermediate using commercially available raw materials

Sugar Powder

RECYCLE

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERSA

FE

TY

HA

ZO

P

INNOVATION

WITH EXCELLENCE

We have developed a novel process to encapsulate poorly-

soluble active ingredients in nanoporous excipients.

This achieves improved bioavailability and a controlled

release profile in applications such as drugs, agrochemicals,

nutritional compounds and personal care ingredients.

ICES has been researching on a low-cost synthetic encapsulation platform to prepare capsules of reproducible

size and morphology with walls made up of a variety of polymers, inorganic materials and polymer-inorganic

hybrids. The focus of this effort is on solvent-free, one-step and cost-effective process for non-biodegradable

polymeric capsules.

NOVEL FORMULATIONSHIGHER EFFICACY, LOWER DOSAGES, LOW-COST

A controlled release profile of dissolution enhancement

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) image of micron-sized silica capsules with oil encapsulation

Cryo-transmission Electron Microscopic (CEM) image of submicron silica capsules with unique lens morphology capable of encapsulating hydrophilic actives

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) image of submicron capsules with polymer walls encapsulating a perfume

Using our X-ray absorption beamline facility, we are able

to perform in-situ X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS)

studies allowing us to understand the catalyst structure

and chemical nature of catalysts under reaction conditions.

Using custom designed reaction cells, X-ray Absorption

Fine Structure For Catalysis (XAFCA) is able to perform in-

situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) experiments in

the temperature range from 4.2 to 923 K, at pressures up

to 20 bar. Experiments can be conducted under vaporised

liquids and/or gases such as CO and H2.

In addition to the deep scientific knowledge generation,

this facility has enabled us to collaborate with several

organisations on the development of improved catalysts for

the chemical industry. As an example, understanding how

a catalytic active site is generated under relevant industrial

conditions was crucial to establish better activation

protocols, resulting in more efficient catalysts.

UNDERPINNING SCIENCEBEAMLINE FOR IN-SITU CATALYTIC STUDIES

Understanding evolution of catalyst structure under high temperature reactions

Acrylic Acid (AA) is used in the production of polyacrylic esters, super-absorbent materials, washing reagents, paints and adhesives. Currently, it is produced by oxidation of propylene and non-renewable feedstock.

In a multidisciplinary effort involving biotechnology, process engineering and catalysis, economic evaluation and life cycle assessment, we developed a viable route to produce AA from second generation biomass.

The integrated process via Lactic Acid and its catalytic dehydration to give high yields is an example of our capabilities to develop cutting edge technology for the industry.

RENEWABLE RESOURCESACRYLIC ACID FROM SECOND GENERATION BIOMASS

Process of second generation biomass to AA

Biomass

Microbial Cell

Glycolysis Pathway

Lactic Acid

Hemicellulose

Cellulose

Xylose

Glucose

Acrylic Acid

PyrPEP

2PG3PG

1, 3BPG

GADP

F6PPaints

Gloves

Examples

The use of fumehood scale manufacture is

increasingly attractive for pharmaceutical and

other high value chemical manufacturers as

a means to reduce manufacturing cost while

improving safety and process efficiency.

Our work is set out to deliver a modular,

automated plant at this scale so as to enable

rapid assembly of a plant from standardised

components leading to potential cost savings

in manufacture. We have developed this

technology using chemistries including

Reformatsky and Grignard reactions which

are known for their hazardous nature and are

tamed by this form of process intensification.

INTENSIFIED CONTINUOUS PROCESSINGMODULAR “PLANT IN THE FUMEHOOD”

Building the Grignard Reaction Modular System – designing modularity and controlling the process

WHAT OUR PARTNERS SAY

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) has found ICES a valued partner as we seek to adopt an ‘open-innovation’

concept – particularly in catalyst development. ICES has shown deep capabilities in the understanding and

application of first principles to practical industrial scale challenges. ICES has a good researchers which makes

collaborations much easier for MCC.

Dr. Masaru UtsunomiyaDeputy General Manager

(R&D Planning Department, Petrochemicals Planning Division)Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

We are thoroughly impressed with the quality of research output from ICES over the years with their hard work and

dedication. ICES, which has advanced facilities, is indeed the ideal partner for IHI to rely on for their chemistry and chemical engineering knowledge in our long-term project.

We hope to continue to further develop our relationship with ICES over the years.”

Mr. Hironubu ShikamaChief Executive OfficerIHI Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

The decision to locate Pfizer’s Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (MTDC) in the heart of a thriving

S&T ecosystem like ICES outweighed all other factors. The numerous visits by Pfizer to ICES reinforced our belief that

this is the optimal facility to locate our team. There are great potential opportunities for Pfizer MTDC and ICES working

together and we look forward to these synergies.

Dr. Liam TullyDirector (Global Process Development Centre)

Pfizer Pte Ltd

Being a SME, we realised the enormous benefits that our company gained by collaborating with ICES. We also

recognise the capabilities and skills of the researchers in ICES to approach R&D in a different way as compared to our own and consider ourselves fortunate to have A*STAR and ICES to

help us move forward.

Mr. Lu Jin PingExecutive Director

Admaterials (S) Pte Ltd

VALUED PARTNERSHIPS

FOR THE FUTURE

FORGING “BONDS”

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Industry is also able to access ICES’ extensive portfolio of Intellectual Property (IP) which has been developed over many years of R&D.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

ICES welcomes research collaborations which result in deep and long-lasting partnerships with the aim to support growth and development in the industry. Our collaborations take various forms including consortia, one-to-one, as well as value-chain alliance partnerships.

NURTURING SMEs

ICES supports upgrading local SMEs in multiple ways through various programmes, active market outreach through workshops, industry forums, and secondment of staff under the Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) scheme.

BUILDING OF CONSORTIA

ICES engages partners through consortia, including innovative Processing for Specialties and Pharma (iPSP) and Controlled Release & Encapsulation Network (CoRE-Net), which bring together companies to develop pre-competitive platform technologies and shared training.

DEVELOPMENT & ANALYTICALSERVICES

ICES has an Advanced Characterisation Facility which caters to the specialised needs of the industry, providing customised designed analytical and testing services to solve your problems.

www.a-star.edu.sg/icesInstitute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences

1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833

+65 6796 3700 | id@ices.a-star.edu.sg