We are investigating whether nucleation and growth of crystals of pharmaceuticals can be induced and controlled using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on bulk surfaces and in microfluidic channels. Our strategy is to crystallize drugs such as barbital and acetaminophen from solutions in contact with SAMs functionalized with a variety of different organic functional groups. We have crystallized these compounds from solutions on SAMs functionalized with a variety of polar and nonpolar organic groups. Growth of polymorphs was achieved by slow evaporation of solvent at RT (thermodynamic conditions) and by rapid cooling of hot solutions to RT (kinetic conditions). We have carried out similar crystallization experiments in microfluidic devices to screen for polymorphs using simultaneous high throughput crystallization on a range of surfaces. The results of these experiments and the influence of chemically modified surfaces in controlling polymorphism will be discussed.
Back to Organic Chemistry Session II
Back to The 33rd Northeast Regional Meeting (July 14-17, 2005)