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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Crystallization and Structural Determination of an Enzyme:Substrate Complex by Serial Crystallography in a Versatile Microfluidic Chip
Published on: March 20, 2021
Complete chiral resolution using additive-induced crystal size bifurcation during grinding.
Wim L Noorduin1, Pim van der Asdonk, Hugo Meekes
1IMM Solid State Chemistry, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
A new abrasive grinding method creates enantiopure solids without solution racemization. This chiral resolution technique relies on stereoselective crystal growth, leading to asymmetric crystal size distributions.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state chemistry
- Chiral resolution
- Crystallization engineering
Background:
- Achieving enantiopure compounds is crucial in pharmaceuticals and materials science.
- Traditional chiral resolution methods often involve solution-based processes that can lead to racemization.
- Developing scalable, solid-state resolution techniques remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for obtaining enantiopure solids via abrasive grinding.
- To demonstrate chiral resolution without relying on solution-phase racemization.
- To elucidate the mechanism of stereoselective crystal growth during grinding.
Main Methods:
- Application of a tailor-made additive during abrasive grinding.
- Analysis of crystal size distribution to observe asymmetric bifurcation.
- Characterization of solid-state properties to confirm enantiopurity.
Main Results:
- Enantiopure solid-state material was successfully obtained through abrasive grinding.
- The process demonstrated chiral resolution independent of solution racemization.
- Stereoselective hampered crystal growth was identified as the key mechanism, causing an asymmetric crystal size distribution.
Conclusions:
- Abrasive grinding with a specific additive offers a new route for solid-state chiral resolution.
- This technique provides an enantioselective pathway by controlling crystal growth dynamics.
- The method presents a promising alternative to traditional solution-based resolution techniques.
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