Recent research from the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals a significant advancement in vitamin D3 production through microchannels carved into glass using ultrafast lasers. These microchannels, created in fused silica glass, offer exceptional transparency to ultraviolet (UV) light, essential for synthesizing vitamin D3. The microfluidic technology demonstrated can potentially increase production efficiency by over 20% compared to traditional bulky reactors. Published in Light: Advanced Manufacturing, the study highlights that the integration of continuous-flow chemical reactions with UV photochemical synthesis can make vitamin D3 more affordable and accessible. The researchers’ technique also holds promise for portable synthesis devices and a range of applications in pharmaceuticals and materials science, thanks to its ability to handle complex reactions under varied conditions. This innovation not only improves the efficiency of vitamin D3 production but also opens new avenues for advancements in fine chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Source: https://www.light-am.com/article/doi/10.37188/lam.2024.010
