​​​Veiko Rütter​

The overall objective of the original CHIRALFORCE project is to demonstrate enantiomer separation in a compact, on-chip, photonic platform that is fabricated using standard silicon-based technology. This CHIRALFORCE2 hop-on project enhances the original project by providing automated in-line platform for the analysis of chiral separation for this CHIRALFORCE photonic chip. Separation of enantiomers from mixtures is essential, especially in early phase drug discovery processes when many mixtures need to be separated. CHIRALFORCE aims to revolutionize the field of chiral chemistry by introducing a radically new strategy for separating enantiomers by using chiral optical forces in silicon-based photonic integrated waveguides to separate enantiomers. The successful implementation of CHIRALFORCE project (development of separator chip) relies on fast and accurate feedback on the enantiomer separation. However, current state-of-the art technologies for checking the enantiomer separation: e.g. circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) lack off-the shelf capabilities for rapid in-line separation monitoring that is needed in CHIRALFORCE project. CHIRALFORCE2 addresses this need by providing a platform for in-line monitoring of the chiral separation down-stream from the CHIRALFORCE separator chip. We use interdisciplinary approach combining automation, electronics, optics and IT disciplines. The monitoring of in-line chiral separation will be achieved by CD-spectrometry or absorbance detection depending on the microfluidic and optical requirements from CHIRALFORCE project. Both scenarios are supported by designated software for the signal analysis and feedback.