Cost-Reducing Chemical Tools

In collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, researchers at the University of Missouri have introduced a sustainable chemical innovation called micelles—eco-friendly molecular structures derived from natural amino acids and coconut oil.

These ball-shaped micelles feature dual properties, with one side mixing with water and the other repelling it. This unique composition enables them to streamline electrochemical reactions by combining the functions of solvents, electrolytes, and reaction boosters into a single, non-toxic solution. From a business perspective, this launch aligns with corporate sustainability goals, offering pharmaceutical and chemical industries an effective way to reduce environmental impact.

“Notably, these micelles drive desired reactions forward, but they don’t react with anything and remain stable, making them unique from ionic micelles,” said University of Missouri Associate Sachin Handa. “By making the process more effective, this advancement could help improve the development of medicines—including inhibitors targeting proteins, such as the NS5A of the Hepatitis C virus—and may be used to treat hyperproliferative, inflammatory, and immunoregulatory diseases.”

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