Cu-alginate hydrogels in microfluidic systems : a sustainable catalytic approach for click chemistry

Ramšak, Arijana (author), Gazvoda, Martin (author), Plazl, Igor (author), Ambrožič, Rok (author)

This work explores the innovative use of copper-alginate (Cu-alginate) hydrogels within microfluidic systems to catalyze dipolar cycloaddition reactions, emphasizing green chemistry principles and process intensification. Utilizing naturally occurring biopolymers, such as alginates, provides an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional catalyst supports due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and effective metal ion immobilization capabilities. The integration of these biopolymer-based catalysts into microfluidic devices allows for precise control over reaction conditions, leading to enhanced reaction kinetics and mass transfer efficiencies. Our results demonstrate that Cu-alginate hydrogels effectively catalyze the formation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles through [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition reactions with high regioselectivity and conversion. The microfluidic setup ensures rapid and efficient synthesis, surpassing traditional batch reaction methods in both reaction rate and environmental impact by reducing solvent usage and waste generation. Furthermore, the use of microfluidics contributes to the reproducibility and scalability of the synthesis process, important for industrial applications. The model-based design and its simulations have been employed to further understand and optimize the reaction system. Diffusion through the gel layer and catalytic reaction kinetics estimated from experimental data were included in the model, providing a theoretical foundation for a comprehensive process evaluation. This study not only advances the field of sustainable catalysis by demonstrating the practical utility of biopolymer-supported catalysts in microfluidic systems, but also sets the stage for further research into biopolymer applications in complex chemical syntheses.

• Language: English
• Keywords: copper-alginate hydrogels, microfluidic systems, green chemistry, coppper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), model based design, click chemistry
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FKKT - Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: 13 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 6, art. 1434131
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-160002
• UDC: 66.095.252.091.7:546.56:678
• ISSN on article: 2673-2718
• DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2024.1434131
• COBISS.SI-ID: 201934083
• Publication date in RUL: 07.08.2024

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Frontiers in chemical engineering
• Shortened title: Front. chem. eng.
• Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
• ISSN: 2673-2718
• COBISS.SI-ID: 56086787

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: bakrovi-alginatni hidrogeli, mikrofluidni sistemi, zelena kemija, azid-alkin cikloadicija katalizirana z bakrom (CuAAC), modeliranje procesa, klik kemija