Resumen
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 enantiometers on
chip, using chiral optical forces at silicon-based integrated waveguides. 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.
Instead, CHIRALFORCE envisions cm-length optical circuits integrated with microfluidics for
extremely quick, tuneable, and cheap enantiomeric separation. The underlying mechanism relies on
optical forces that are enantioselective, due to interaction of spin-properties of the optical
field with the chiral optical polarizability of matter. 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 will then
result in enantio-separation. The approach to reach our main objectives relies on three main
consortium strengths. First, 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, 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. Finally, we will leverage our experience in nanophotonic integrated circuits
integrated with microfluidics to demonstrate enantiomer separation.
