Under Normal Conditions
with infrared irradiation
Overview of Technology Development
In pharmaceutical development, differences in the crystal structures of small-molecule compounds affect their pharmaceutical and physical properties, influencing factors such as drug absorption rates and shelf life. Consequently, the pharmaceutical industries widely recognize the importance of screening for crystal polymorphs*. NGK INSULATORS, Ltd has leveraged its extensive infrared expertise, derived from decades of ceramic firing technology, to make a groundbreaking discovery applicable to polymorph screening through collaboration with Hokkaido University and Osaka University.
Based on our exploration, we are launching the world’s first polymorph screening service for drug candidates utilizing an infrared with specific wavelengths.
The present technology includes two key features:
- Invention of a specialized device that can generate a high-energy infrared with a narrow range of wavelengths which is suitable for irradiation of specific functional groups.
- Proprietary simulation software for predicting compound crystallization and precipitation processes
(Developed groundbreaking software capable of predicting crystallization processes by applying physicochemical theory and AI technology, such as analyzing time-dependent infrared radiation energy)
Technical Concept
(Irradiation of functional groups in organic molecules using specific wavelength control technology)
Please imagine an infrared (IR) spectroscopy we used in college. This analytical method has been widely used to detect the functional groups in organic molecules. A consideration of chemical reactions rather than analytical theory may facilitate understanding of our application to crystallization. Crystals are formed by intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonds, which occur through the functional groups of the molecule. A functional group vibrates at a specific frequency, and an infrared light with certain wavelengths matching the frequency enhances the vibration. Our specialized device selectively generates specific infrared wavelengths to irradiate the vibration of the functional group. By influencing intermolecular interactions, this may alter three-dimensional arrangement of the molecules to control the polymorphism. Since this is a fundamentally different approach from the conventional methods, the crystallization under the infrared irradiation may make it possible to identify previously undiscovered crystalline forms.
The figure above shows the formation of crystalline forms under the conditions without infrared irradiation and with irradiation. This technology is highly promising to deliver the practical solutions to polymorph issue in the process of drug development.
Contact Us
The detailed catalog is available, which describes the examples where an unknown crystalline form was obtained using this technology or the cases where a specific crystalline form was selectively produced.
For requests, inquiries, or consultations regarding our polymorph screening service, please contact us by filling out the form below.
NGK Insulators, Ltd.
NV Promotion Division, Life Science Department
