Within the organic chemistry group in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, a research project has started in October 2003 to explore the possibilities of microreactors for bio- and chemocatalyzed organic synthetic reactions. The project is executed in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute in Duisburg and the Wageningen University and Research Center.

The microreactor research project
The overall goal of the project is to develop a system which integrates synthesis, separation and analysis. The selectivity and speed of the microreactor setup is compared with the macroscale counterparts. In order to find the optimal microreactor design, several chip geometries that suit the needs of different types of synthetic reactions have to be developed.


Why Micronit?
Glass is the best bet for synthetic reactions due to its good chemical resistance. Micronit has the technology to produce the chips we need, and they are always willing to discuss new possibilities to stretch the capabilities of their technology to invent new chip features.

Working with Micronit
The products from Micronit are of an excellent quality. The tolerances are low: the chips are manufactured precisely and exactly according to the design. Feedback is given very quickly on the design when manufacturing limits are exceeded. The
combination of the glass microreactors with the chip holder is working excellent: it
enables loose coupling of the chip with supplying capillaries, resulting in a non-total failure when the capillary is blocked. Finally, it is possible to obtain a completely working system within months without having any experience in the field of microfluidics.

Reference
Mr Pieter Nieuwland
PhD student
Radboud University of Nijmegen
Dept. of Organic Chemistry