Control of crystalline particles properties using air-liquid interface as a structural messenger and nucleation trigger

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23K17841
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 27:Chemical engineering and related fields
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Takiyama Hiroshi 東京農工大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (40251582)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 甘利 俊太朗 東京農工大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (30837737)
• Project Period (FY): 2023-06-30 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: 晶析 / 鋳型晶析 / 核化 / 結晶形態

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to advance the template crystallization method for controlling the morphological characteristics of organic crystals, such as crystal habit and aspect ratio (the length-to-width ratio). Focusing on the characteristic crystallization phenomena at heterogeneous interfaces, particularly nucleation and growth processes occurring at the interface, we employed two operational parameters: the stereochemical properties of template agents and the degree of undercooling. By systematically varying these factors, we successfully modified the morphology and aspect ratio of the resulting crystal populations. This led to the development of a practical strategy for tailoring crystal shapes with high precision. These results are expected to contribute to enhanced crystallization-based control of particle characteristics and to serve as a fundamental technology for improving both the quality and efficiency of production processes in pharmaceuticals and functional materials.

Free Research Field

晶析

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

有機結晶の形態やアスペクト比といった外形特性を制御する鋳型晶析技術を高度化し、結晶成長場としての異相界面の特性を活用する操作指針を提示した点は学術的に意義がある。これにより、核化と成長の支配因子の定量的理解が進むとともに、結晶粒子群の特性制御がより精密になる。社会的には、医薬品や機能性材料の製造でも結晶粒子群に関係する製品の均質化・高機能化を実現し、また、高効率な生産技術の基盤となる成果である。