Chiral separation of molecules enabled by enantioselective optical forces in integrated nanophotonic circuits

Introduction

Separating enantiomers is crucial to produce bio-active molecules, e.g., in early-phase drug discovery. CHIRALFORCE aims at a radically new strategy to separate enantiomers on chip, using chiral optical forces at silicon-based integrated waveguides.

Current Challenges

The present solution of chiral chromatography for this multi-billion market is slow and cumbersome since it requires tailored chemistry for each chiral compound and relies on large and expensive separation columns.

Proposed Solution

Instead, CHIRALFORCE envisions cm-length optical circuits integrated with microfluidics for extremely quick, tunable, and cheap enantiomeric separation. The underlying mechanism relies on optical forces that are enantioselective, due to the interaction of spin-properties of the optical field with the chiral optical polarizability of matter.

Advantages of CHIRALFORCE

These chiral optical forces can be tailored well beyond the possibilities of free-space chiral light through nanophotonic design of strongly confined modes. Flowing analyte in microfluidic channels along cm-length laser-driven circuits will then result in enantio-separation.

Consortium Strengths

The approach to reach our main objectives relies on three main consortium strengths:

1. Chiral Molecules and Nanoparticles: We will design and synthesize chiral molecules and nanoparticles that will allow us to explore chiral forces regardless of how the chiral polarizability of matter is tuned by the size, shape, and in-built spectroscopic resonances.

2. Chiral Optical Forces Framework: Next, we will establish the general framework of chiral optical forces on nanoparticles and molecules in liquid environments, leveraging our strength in nanophotonic theory, design, and experiment, on chiral/spin-properties of electromagnetic fields.

3. Fabrication Expertise: Finally, we will leverage our experience in nanotechnology to fabricate silicon-based photonic integrated circuits integrated with microfluidics to demonstrate enantiomer separation.