NSERC Phase I I2I grant for using mixed crystals to increase polymorphic diversity

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Chemical compounds can often exist in multiple crystalline forms, which are called polymorphs. Polymorphs have the same composition but different structures, and their properties can vary markedly. In many fields, conditions for crystallization are screened exhaustively to generate as many polymorphs as possible, from which the most advantageous form can be selected. In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, the most desirable polymorphs may be those with high or low solubility in water (to control bioavailability), the greatest thermodynamic stability (to prevent conversion into a more stable form), or a tendency to crystallize in particular shapes (to facilitate handling or formulation). When a previously unknown polymorph is discovered, it can be patented as a new form of matter. James Wuest and his research group have devised new ways to screen for polymorphs, using techniques called mixed-crystal seeding and suspended-melt crystallization. These techniques have been published (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 11873) and are the subject of a patent application (PCT/CA2021/050034) that follows a provisional application filed in January 2020. Funding from an NSERC Phase I I2I grant is needed to develop the full potential of these methods, make them as easy to use as possible, demonstrate their value in commercially relevant cases, and transfer them to a broad range of industries.