New Drug FormulatioNs to Boost Fight agaiNst respiratory illNesses aND aNtiBiotic-resistaNt superBugs

a*star, Bca aND hitachi pilot plaNt Facilitates research For greeNer BuilDiNgs

matrix assisteD laser DesorptioN aND ioNisatioN – time oF Flight mass spectroscopy (malDi-toF ms)

icheme chartereD eNgiNeer

ices’ phD stuDeNt wiNs the graND prize at ispe stuDeNt poster competitioN 2014

americaN chemical society’s outstaNDiNg reviewer awarD 2013

mariNe FouliNg – state oF Next geNeratioN No-Foul surFaces aND the Future

spectacular chemistry

xperimeNt!

JuroNg islaND opeN Day

ipsp Day: a time to review aND coNNect

iNterNship oF siNgapore polytechNic stuDeNts iN ices

upcomiNg eveNts

New Drug Formulations to Boost Fight against respiratory illnesses and antibiotic-resistant superbugs

SEPTEMBER 2014 - VOL 31 | MCI (P) 107/11/2013

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team of five researchers and clinicians in Singapore led by Dr. Desmond Heng, ICES, has

developed a new combination of drugs to effectively combat bacteria in the lungs which lead to common respiratory system infections, or bacteria-linked pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, bronchiectasis1 and cystic fibrosis.

An acute upper respiratory tract infection, which includes the common flu, was reported to be among the top four conditions diagnosed at polyclinics for eight consecutive years, from 2006 to 2013.2

Pneumonia on the other hand, was the second leading cause of death in 2012, contributing to 16.8 per cent of the total number of deaths from illnesses behind cancer.3

The team has developed four new drug formulations of antibiotics and muco-actives4 which have proven to be extremely effective in laboratory trials in treating these diseases, as well as in reducing the antibiotic resistance of so-called “superbugs”.

A Breaking down the Bacterium’s ‘shield’

Respiratory system infections or bacteria-linked pulmonary diseases are often accompanied by excessive mucus secretion in the airways, which makes treating these diseases extremely challenging and drawn-out.

To tackle these challenges, the researchers pioneered one drug formulation comprising antibiotics and a muco-active agent to kill respiratory bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa5 more effectively. The treatment simultaneously clears mucus, disrupts bacterial cell-to-cell communication that is essential for bacteria growth, and directly kills the bacteria.

Tests show that this drug formulation destroyed the bacteria completely, and works twice as fast as today’s top-of-the-line antibiotics. Besides halving recovery time, the increased efficacy also minimises the risk of encountering antibiotic resistance.

a team from ices and the national university hospital (nuh) has discovered new ways to enhance the efficacy of drugs used to treat respiratory system infections and antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

L-R: Dr. Jeanette Teo, NUH Research Scientist, Ms. Lee Sie Huey, ICES

Research Engineer and Dr. Desmond Heng, ICES Principal Investigator, in a walk-in humidity chamber where research is conducted on the drug

formulations. Dr. Heng and Dr. Teo are holding an “in-vitro lung”, which is used to evaluate and simulate how well the drug combination reaches the lungs

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Breaking down the superBug’s resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a challenge in the treatment of diseases today as bacteria continuously mutate and develop resistance against multiple drugs designed to kill them, turning them into superbugs.

To fight these superbugs, the research team has developed and patented three other drug formulations that are each made up of three different antibiotics. These antibiotics complement each other by fighting bacteria in different ways and they can potentially be used interchangeably to prevent bacteria from developing drug resistance.

The team’s findings show that all three mixtures are effective against multi-drug resistant strains which include bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae6. These formulations kill more multi-drug resistant bacteria than a single drug, and are up to five times more effective than antibiotics used for treating respiratory system infections today. This will allow doctors to prescribe smaller, more effective drug doses to treat patients.

In addition, their formulations can be inhaled by the patient directly, thereby allowing a higher concentration of medicine to reach the lungs compared to injections or orally-administered drugs.

Associate Professor Raymond Lin, Head and Senior Consultant, Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine at NUH, said: “Novel ways to deliver antibiotics to kill bacteria in the lungs and airways are important at a time when the population is aging and more people are expected to suffer from different kinds of respiratory infections in future. The global spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria means that new solutions to tackling them are urgently needed, both to effect better cure and to prevent the rise of multi-drug resistance. The next crucial step will be to translate laboratory findings to clinical application.”

Dr. Desmond Heng, ICES Principal Investigator, added: “Making the formulation inhalable and portable not only delivers a higher concentration of the drug to the lungs but also gives the added potential to be an effective out-patient treatment alternative. Furthermore, if the disease is well-controlled in an outpatient setting with no further progression, costly hospitalisation could be avoided.”

These drug formulations are a result of an on-going collaboration between A*STAR and NUH which started in 2010. Buoyed by the results from the laboratory tests, the team is looking to move into clinical trials to test the stability and efficiency of their new drug formulations.

Dr. Keith Carpenter, Executive Director of ICES, said: “I am delighted that the work stems from the results of our expertise in inhaled novel formulations. This is an excellent example of how our collaboration with the local medical community is helping to translate our research from bench to bedside, and further developing innovative therapies for patients.”

I magine powering a building’s air-conditioning using heat. A newly completed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) pilot plant has been commissioned to harness waste heat, and convert it

to energy to power air-conditioning. EPGC and Hitachi have been working on a joint verification testing of the CHP control systems, which will control heat and power facilities as the operating point to best minimise costs and energy consumption. The plant marks the successful completion of a milestone in the three-year research collaboration project between EPGC and Hitachi.

The advanced CHP plant combines EPGC’s expertise in energy technologies with Hitachi’s strength in energy-saving air conditioning control systems that have been developed and commercialised1. The newly operational plant is funded by the A*STAR-Ministry of National Development (MND) Green Building Joint Grant call.

1 Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a buildup of excess mucus that can make the lungs more infection prone2 MOH Statistics – Singapore Health Facts, Top 4 Conditions of Polyclinic Attendances3 MOH Statistics – Singapore Health Facts, Principal causes of death4 Muco-active agents are drugs used to alter the viscoelastic properties of mucus and promote secretion clearance5 Pseudomonas infection is caused by strains of bacteria found widely in the environment; the most common type causing infections in humans is called pseudomonas aeruginosa.

6 Klebsiella is a type of Gram-negative bacteria that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. Increasingly, Klebsiella bacteria have developed antimicrobial resistance, most recently to the class of antibiotics known as carbapenems.

a*star, Bca and hitachi pilot plant Facilitates research for greener BuildingsA*STAR’s Experimental Power Grid Centre (EPGC), together with Hitachi Ltd and Building and Construction Authority (BCA), have commissioned an advanced Combined Heat and Power (CHP) pilot plant, furthering research in powering cities sustainably

As the lead agency championing the green building movement, BCA administers this grant as part of its drive towards more environment-friendly energy-efficient buildings.

CHP systems are not widely adopted in Singapore as most buildings obtain power from the grid2 to provide electricity for air-conditioning, mechanical ventilation systems (ACMV), water pumps, lights and other services such as lifts and escalators. These needs account for up to 54 percent3 of total electricity consumption in a commercial building. With the large electricity consumption, there is a need for an energy efficient system that decreases reliance on fossil fuels, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. This is crucial as buildings are estimated to contribute almost 14 percent4 of Singapore’s carbon emissions by 2020.

The drug cocktails are formulated into powder forms and loaded into

powder containment units (e.g. capsules) for delivery using a dry powder inhaler

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1 In 2001, Hitachi developed and commercialised an optimised energy-saving air conditioning control system for controlling the operation of air conditioning devices using an optimum point that minimises energy consumption throughout the entire air conditioning system.2 In Singapore, electricity is supplied through the electrical power system, which consists of multiple power grids. A power grid is a large and complex network of transmission and distribution cables, which will supply electricity from power plants.3 Source: Climate Change & Singapore: Challenges, Opportunities, Partnerships 4 Source: Climate Change & Singapore: Challenges, Opportunities, Partnerships 5 Embedded generation involves the generation of electricity within the building by utilising smaller generators or renewable energy sources

DRIvInG EnERGy EFFICIEnCy AnD sustainaBility in Buildings

The advanced CHP pilot plant will enhance a building’s efficiency and sustainability as it explores the integration and control of two systems—utilising existing embedded generation5 and using excess heat from generators, normally discharged into the environment, for heating and cooling purposes in air conditioning.

When a CHP system is integrated into a building, a generator need not perform at full capacity as excess heat is now used to power air-conditioning. The building now has the ability to produce and control both electrical power, and heating and cooling services required to power air conditioning, thus increasing energy-efficiency. EPGC and Hitachi estimate an increase in energy efficiency from 36 percent with just a generator, to 52 percent with the implementation of this integrated system.

The simulation software developed in this project can simulate various building system configurations. This enables consultants to implement the best control strategy resulting in optimal performance, thus improving energy savings even before a building is built.

Associate Professor Ashwin M Khambadkone, Programme Director of EPGC said, “With the commissioning of the advanced CHP pilot plant, EPGC is able to provide a platform to further research in energy efficiency in buildings. Our research in this field addresses the Government’s call for more environment-friendly energy-efficient buildings and penetration of renewable energy. The CHP pilot plant further supports the Building to Grid (B2G) concept, enabling buildings to act as virtual power plants.”

Mr. Kunizo Sakai, Vice President and Executive Officer and President & CEO of Hitachi’s Infrastructure Systems Company said, “Hitachi is pleased to collaborate with A*STAR to establish the advanced CHP pilot plant. Coupled with Hitachi’s expertise in optimised energy-saving air conditioning control technologies and EPGC’s microgrid technologies, we are sure that the pilot plant will create new cutting-edge and valuable technologies for buildings, factories and community. We will commercialise the CHP control systems in 2015 based on the results obtained through this joint research and provide solutions of increasing energy-efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions with lower cost for buildings and factories, primarily in Asia.”

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer of BCA said, “The CHP pilot plant project is a statement of a strong joint research collaboration between the research community and private sector. We wish to see more companies coming forward and engage in collaborative efforts in future research and development, and demonstration of green building projects for the built environment.” THE FuTuRE OF CHP In SInGAPORE

Building to Grid (B2G) is a new concept that leverages on a building’s capability to generate electricity on its own for the building’s needs through embedded generation. The building will then become a grid in itself, also known as a microgrid. When many building microgrids with CHP systems are connected to the power grid, these buildings are now able to power the grid and potentially supply excess electricity power to the grid.

The integration of CHP system into the B2G concept enables the building to act as a virtual power plant. This enhances the grid’s resilience to function independently and decreases reliance on the main power grid, which is useful during emergencies or disasters. With B2G, the grid can respond faster to load changes, allowing more intermittent renewable energy to be integrated into the grid.

The CHP pilot plant will function as a platform for experimental support to explore new research ideas for potential energy savings benefits, and study the feasibility of robust energy management and control system under various weather conditions, for greener buildings in Singapore. The pilot plant will be an enabler for buildings to function independently, bringing the B2G concept to life.

• The waste heat from the diesel engine exhaust is recovered as hot water (at 90°C) is supplied to the absorption chiller to produce chilled water (at 7°C) for air conditioning purpose. Hot water and chilled water storage provide operational flexibility during supply-demand mismatch situations.

• In addition to operating at high efficiency according to supply and demand, inverters are installed in a pump and cooling tower fan, and a cold water temperature variable type chiller is adopted.

• The developed CHP control systems operate all equipment according to set point conducted calculations. Through simulation, these aim to achieve overall optimisation of high energy efficiency and low operation costs.

An OvERvIEW OF THE CHP PILOT PLAnT

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By: Dr. Ranganathan Krishnan

research highlights

matrix assisted laser Desorption and ionisation – time of Flight mass spectroscopy (malDi-toF ms)

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation - Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) is a powerful tool for analysing molecular weights of macromolecules, including

biomacromolecules (eg. peptides, proteins, DNA, sugars), polymers, dendrimers, and organic compounds. Independently developed by Franz Hillenkamp and Michael Karas, Germany (1985)1,2 and Koichi Tanaka, Shimadzu Corp., Kyoto, Japan (1988),3 MALDI-TOF MS detects compounds with molecular weights ranging from thousands to several hundred thousands daltons (Da). Koichi Tanaka was awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the demonstration of protein molecular weight analysis of carboxypeptidase-A (34,472 Da) using MALDI-TOF MS. This technique is widely used in peptide fingerprinting and bacteria and fungi identification.

MALDI-TOF MS also provides useful information on synthetic polymer molecular weight distributions. Because of its high accuracy in determining the molecular weight of a (co)polymer, polymer end groups as well as copolymer chain composition can often be identified. Determination of chain end functionalities is critical in the block copolymers synthesis. Only the polymer chains terminating with reactive end groups will participate in block copolymer synthesis to form pure block copolymers. In Figure 1, a MALDI-TOF MS spectrum of polystyrene homopolymer (Mn = 6100) synthesised by anionic polymerisation is shown. The molecular weights range from 3800 to 9000 with regular m/z intervals corresponding to the molecular weight of the styrene repeating unit (MW = 104). The mass spectrum confirms that the polymer chain terminates with similar end groups. MALDI-TOF MS also provides information on sample polydispersity.

Co-monomer reactivity determines the copolymers microstructure of polymeric materials. These microstructures in turn determine the copolymer physical properties, such as glass transition temperature, thermal stability, morphology and crystallinity. The conventional process for determining reactivity ratio for copolymers is tedious process and requires synthesising copolymers with different compositions at low conversions as well as NMR analyses of monomer compositions. Using recently developed algorithms, reactivity ratios of copolymers can be determined from a single MALDI-TOF MS spectrum.4 After peak assignment MALDI-TOF MS complex spectra can be represented as two-dimensional plots, otherwise known as fingerprint (Fig. 2), using Polymerix software. From these plots, we can visualise the arrangements of co-monomers and gain insights into how co-monomer compositions vary with molecular weight. Fig. 3 (a) represents a reactivity ratio determination of a copolymer using by MALDI-TOF MS. The copolymer composition distribution determined by MALDI-TOF MS fits well with Monte Carlo simulations (Fig. 3 (b)).

References:1 Karas, M.; Bachmann, D.; Hillenkamp, F. (1985) “Influence of the Wavelength in High-Irradiance ultraviolet Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry of Organic Molecules”. Analytical Chemistry 57 (14): 2935-2939. 2 Karas, M.; Bachmann, D.; Bahr, u.; Hillenkamp, F. (1987) “Matrix-Assisted ultraviolet Laser Desorption of non-volatile Compounds”. International Journal of Mass Spectrometry and Ion Processes 78: 53-68.3 Tanaka, K.; Waki, H.; Ido, y.; Akita, S.; yoshida, y.; yoshida, T.; Matsuo, T. (1988) “Protein and Polymer Analyses up to m/z 100 000 by Laser Ionisation Time-of flight Mass Spectrometry”. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 2 (20): 151-153.4 Huijser, S.; Mooiweer, G. D.; van der Hofstad, R.; B. P. Staal, B. B. P.; Feenstra, J.; van Herk, A. M.; Koning, C. E.; Duchateau, R. (2012) “Reactivity Ratios of Comonomers from a Single MALDI–ToF–MS Measurement at One Feed Composition” Macromolecules 45 (11): 4500-4510.

BRUKER Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation – Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy Instrument - AutoFlex Speed Model (MALDI-TOF MS

Fig. 1. MALDI-TOF MS spectrum of Polystyrene homopolymer (Mn = 6100)

Fig. 2. Contour plots of deconvoluted MALDI-TOF MS spectra of copolymers synthesised via free radical polymerisation. (a) styrene/n-butyl acrylate, (b) styrene/ethyl methacrylate, (c) methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate, (d) methyl methacrylate/vinyl acetate.4

Fig. 3(a) Composition vs chain length of styrene/n-butyl acrylate copolymer. (b) Chemical composition distributions (CCD) of experimental (blue) and fitted model using Monte Carlo distribution method by minimising the LSSQ (red) for styrene/n-butyl acrylate copolymer.4

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icheme chartered engineer

ices’ phd student wins the grand prize at ispe student poster competition 2014

american chemical society’s outstanding reviewer award 2013

Mr. Gabriel Loh, Manager of the Kilo-Lab in ICES, has been awarded the Chartered Engineer

status and elected as a Chartered Member of IChemE. The status was given in recognition for achieving the gold standard qualification for professionals in chemical, biochemical and process engineering.

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is a global professional membership organisation for people

with relevant experience or interest in chemical engineering. They are the only organisation to award Chartered Chemical Engineer

Ms. Aparna Saigal has won the Grand Prize at 2014 ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering) student poster competition in Singapore. Ms. Saigal is a

PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Reginald Tan, Dr. Ng Wai Kiong (ICES) and Assoc. Prof. Chan Sui Yung (NUS). Titled “Preparation and Characterisation of Controlled Release Microspheres for Management of Pulmonary Hypertension”, the poster is about the formulation of controlled release microspheres which release the drug over a prolonged period of time and thereby reduce the number of doses a patient needs to take. It provides a more patient friendly alternative for pulmonary hypertension. The poster was presented to a panel of judges of the student poster competition at the recently concluded ISPE Singapore conference and exhibition. As the prize, she is entitled to receive a fully sponsored trip to ISPE Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, USA in October 2014, where she will be representing Singapore at the international level competition.

American Chemical Society (ACS) proudly presents “An Outstanding Reviewer in 2013“ award to Dr. Anthony D. William for critically reviewing cutting edge research

articles for the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (J. Med. Chem). Dr. Anthony D. William holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan (Monbusho-Scholar) with 15 years of experience in Pharma/Biotech industry encompassing drug discovery (Oncology & Immunology) & CMC (Process innovation). As one of the Team Leaders in ICES, he employs pharmaceutical industry’s ‘best practices’ to bridge discovery and applied research whilst developing innovating capabilities to strengthen local network with the key academic and industry partners.

status and Professional Process Safety Engineer. They are also licensed to award the titles of Chartered Engineer (CEng), Chartered Scientist (CSi) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) to qualified members. Founded in 1922 as a professional institution for chemical and process engineers, IChemE currently has 40,000 members across 120 countries.

Gabriel commented, “This is definitely one of the most important milestones in my career and personal development. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the reference and support the ICES team has provided during the application process”. With this recognition, ICES is demonstrated to be a place where professional engineers can develop to meet the demanding international professional requirements.

Aparna receiving the prize from the President of ISPE

Singapore Affiliate, Pierre Winnepenninckx

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marine Fouling – state of Next generation No-Foul surfaces and the Future

spectacular chemistry

I CES, IMRE, SIMTech and TMSI (under NUS) organised this closure workshop of the Innovative Marine Antifouling Solutions for High Value Applications (IMAS) on 25 July 2014 at Biopolis.

Attended by about 100 participants from the industry, academia and A*STAR Research Institutes, this workshop presented the results achieved under the IMAS programme, which was started by A*STAR more than three years ago. The future of antifouling research in Singapore such as Sustainable Marine Antifouling Technologies (SMATech) was also discussed at this event.

The event was graced by two invited speakers, including Prof. Gilbert Walker from the University of Toronto, Canada. Prof. Walker gave a talk on the “Mechanics of Natural Adhesive and Nanostructured Materials for Biofouling Inhibition”. Dr. Haw Wong from Lloyds Register talked on “Marine and Offshore Operations/Maintenance: Some Issues Related to Biofouling”.

Prof. Julius Vancso (University of Twente & ICES) discussed “10 Key Highlights of IMAS Programme”, while Prof. Alex van Herk (ICES) presented industry trends in coatings. Results of IMAS programme related to chemistry were presented by Dr. Anbanandam Parthiban (ICES), surface engineering by Dr. Dominik Janczewski (IMRE) and biological aspects related to fouling by Dr. Serena Teo (TMSI). Dr. William Birch (IMRE) and Dr. Debowski Marcin Antoni (SIMTech) presented their results on the development of testing methods under IMAS programme.

As a science outreach activity to promote chemistry awareness among the general public, ICES formed a team of scientists to perform spectacular chemistry shows at the Singapore

Science Centre on 16 and 17 July 2014 as part of the Singapore Science Fair. The show was built around what makes chemical reactions run (crossing an energy barrier) and the different forms of energy produced in a chemical reaction (light, heat, cold, sound). A youtube video on ‘chemistry with simple groceries’ with Prof. van Herk was also produced for the event.

Led by Prof. Alex van Herk, the team consisted of Dr. Vivek Arjunan Vasantha, Dr. Valerio Isoni, Dr. James David Nobbs, Dr. Alexander William Jackson, Mr. Sushil Rajan Ramchandani, Ms. Noor Farhanah binte Mohamed Barak and Ms. See Xin Yi.

Some photos of the show in July 2014

L-R: Dr. Anbanandam Parthiban, Prof. Julius Vancso, Prof. Gilbert

Walker, Dr. William Birch, Dr. Serena Teo, Dr. Keith

Carpenter, Dr. Debowski Marcin Antoni, Dr. Dominik Janczewski

and Prof. Alex van Herk

Jurong island open Day

xperiment!

I CES participated in Jurong Island Open Day on 2 August 2014.

This annual event was organised by the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC), supported by JTC Corporation and several chemical companies to raise the profile of the chemical industry as well as attract graduates to join the industry. About 120 students from NUS, NTU and SIT visited Jurong Island and were introduced to ICES by Prof. Alex van Herk, Head of the Polymer Engineering and Catalysis research division. He also gave an inspiring talk on “Why I chose Science as a career, making your hobby your work” before our enthusiastic volunteers led them on a guided tour of ICES’ facilities.

18-20 July 2014

This year’s X-periment! was held from 18 to 20 July at Marina Square. This annual science festival was organised by A*STAR and the Singapore Science Centre to promote science and

technology to professionals, students and the general public.

ICES participated at this event by showcasing capsule technologies. Our booth displayed solubilisation through the use of capsules and the use of silica capsules for perfume.

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Prof. Alex van Herk at the Cool

Roof station

Dr. Valerio Isoni at Kilo-Lab

Dr. Brendan Burkett (right) demonstrating the display to the booth visitors

GOH Dr. Amy Khor visiting our booth

upcoming eventscatalysis for sustainability@ creation theatrette, matrix level 4, Biopolis

external review committee on-site visit@ ices

editorial teamDr. Keith Carpenter (Advisor)Mr. V. Ravi Prof. Alex van HerkDr. Anthony D. WilliamDr. Pratap Patil

Dr. Zhang MingziMs. Yvonne XieMs. Hera Adam

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ICEScope is published by the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES). Reproduction of material in this publication without written permission from ICES is prohibited. For enquiries, please contact: enquiry@ices.a-star.edu.sg

oct 102014

oct 16-172014

by Mr. V. Ravi

ipsp Day: a time to review and connect

internship of singapore polytechnic students in ices

On 26 August, a one day technology forum to commemorate one year of the formation of the innovative Processing for Specialties and Pharma or iPSP was organised by ICES.

The iPSP day was a review of the programme’s achievements and an opportunity for Singapore’s chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers to network and discuss the challenges they face. A total of 60 members from the industry attended the Forum.

The day began with a series of overview presentations including Prof. Paul Sharratt’s review of iPSP’s activities to date and the plans for the coming year, followed by Ms. Ho Weng Si, Head of Pharmaceuticals, EDB, sharing EDB’s view on the future of small molecule manufacturing in Singapore and Mr. George Routhier from Pfizer giving his view of the same from the industry’s perspective. The speakers, joined by Dr. Rick Goodman of GSK, participated in a panel discussion, moderated by ICES Executive Director, Dr. Keith Carpenter, on the next generation of chemical manufacturing in Singapore. Issues addressed were related to large scale chemical manufacturing processes which pose complex problems. These problems are not plant specific and are areas where companies can collaborate to get better value.

Four Singapore Polytechnic (SP) students have successfully done their 15 week internship in ICES on the encapsulation of perfume droplets in both polymer and silica. The scratch

and sniff principle used in these capsules was used as one of the displays at ICES booth at the recent Xperiment.

Currently three students are doing their end of the year project in ICES on the follow up of this project that looks at loading and releasing of actives from capsules with the help of Raman spectroscopy.

L-R: Dr. Keith Carpenter, Mr. Markus Lade, Mr. George Routhier, Dr. Rick Goodman, Prof. Paul Sharratt and Ms. Ho Weng Si

The technical session started with overviews of iPSP’s plans for process, PAT, safety and the prospects for process chemistry. This was followed by a lively floor discussion of opportunities for innovation. Energy efficiency, waste management/prevention, solvent

Difficult or complex problems affecting

manufacturing soluble with scientific understanding

Core company or contractor activity

Today

Unknown/ non-routine

iPSP Positioning

Known/ routine

Future

Opportunities to improve via novel and

emerging technologies

Company ability to resolve efficiently once-troublesome

issues, operation of novel technologies

i P S P

i P

S P

recovery and cleaning were mentioned as common problems to chemical companies, as well as their main concern in terms of sustainability. Lunch marked the start of the interactive research poster workshop, a new format where the participants were provided with post-it notes and pens to leave their comments directly on the posters and 3 dots to award to posters which they supported as being of most interest to industry. Top posters were:

• Developing Innovative Fibre Optic UV-Vis/NIR Applications for Physiochemical & Biochemical Processes.

• Evaluation of Process Intensification in Early Development or Retrofitting Existing Processes for Green & Sustainability Benefits.

• Recovery of Solvent Efficiently (ROSE).• A Greener Catalytic N-Alkylation Using Alcohols.

With the success of this first iPSP Day 2014, feedback from the participants was to have this seminar on an annual basis.

SP has developed a materials science module where students can attend a one day programme in ICES to do experiments and attend lectures in the area of personal/consumer care. ICES and SP continue the collaboration in the area of Perfumery and Cosmetics Science by co-planning curriculum development and sending researchers to teach part of the modules in SP.