Sustainable science is taking a bold step forward in our labs at the Crick, thanks to the recent work of researchers Olivia Boyd, Mollie Hooker and their dedicated team. Their groundbreaking achievement in green chemistry showcases the innovative use of High Throughput Experimentation (HTE) and biocatalysis to optimise chemical reactions, setting new standards in our industry.
HTE, a platform pioneered across industry by MSD, allows for the miniaturisation of chemical reactions into tiny vials. This enables the simultaneous execution of numerous reactions, systematically altering individual parameters to achieve the highest yield. Olivia’s expertise in HTE, combined with biocatalysis—an emerging field that uses enzymes to catalyse chemical reactions—has led to remarkable advancements in our processes.
Both HTE and biocatalysis align with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, which guide the development of sustainable chemical practices. HTE enhances sustainability by reducing waste through miniaturisation and improving energy efficiency. Biocatalysis, inherently green, utilises enzymes derived from bio-sources, requires mild reaction conditions, and employs benign solvents, minimizing environmental impact.
Recognising a challenge in the HTE process, the significant plastic waste generated by disposable pipette tips, Olivia collaborated with Mollie from Quantitative Biosciences. Together, they developed an automated procedure using liquid-dispensing equipment that drastically reduced plastic waste. This innovative approach not only cut down the number of plastic pipette tips by 288 per plate but also slashed the ‘bench time’ for scientists from 1 hour to just 2.5 minutes per plate.
This achievement is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and cross-team collaboration. It highlights our ability to push the boundaries of science while maintaining our dedication to environmental stewardship. We are incredibly proud of Olivia, Mollie, and the entire team for their exceptional work in advancing green chemistry.
Notable contributors include: Rawa Al-Hamadani, Damien Valette, Tetsuji Itoh, with support from David Petrone and Josie Gaynord.
GB-NON-11446 | May 2025