Organic Compound Crystal Search Service

Background of Service Development

In pharmaceuticals development, differences in crystal structure are known to affect the properties of the compound. These properties include the rate of absorption in the human body and shelf life. The importance of screening for crystal polymorphs is widely recognized. NGK realized that our vast knowledge of infrared radiation, which originates from the ceramic firing technologies accumulated over the years, offers potential application in a system that searches for a compound’s crystal forms. Through subsequent studies and a joint research project with Hokkaido University, NGK succeeded in developing a special device capable of emitting infrared light selectively at specific wavelengths. This device was combined with Osaka University’s expertise in organic compound crystallization. Consequently, we achieved the precipitation in multiple experiments of unknown crystal forms never seen before. Based on these results, we launched the world’s first organic compound crystal search service based on infrared light of specific wavelengths. NGK is now attempting to improve this service by developing proprietary crystal prediction software capable of elucidating the process of the crystal precipitation of compounds, based on our proprietary software for analyzing temporal changes in infrared energy.
Our company’s mission is to enrich human life by adding new value to society. We pursue ongoing research to apply our technologies to solve unmet medical needs, and will continue to create new products and generate new businesses based on our proprietary ceramic-related technologies.

• ※Crystal polymorphism refers to the phenomenon whereby differences in precipitation conditions can result in the precipitation of crystals of different crystal forms, even for the same compound.

Technology Concept

Activating the functional groups of a compound using wavelength control technology

Crystals are formed when molecules bind with each other, mediated by the functional groups in the compound. Since a functional group vibrates with a specific periodicity, the functional group can be activated by emitting infrared light at a specific wavelength matching this periodicity. Our special device precipitates crystal polymorphs by selectively enhancing the vibrations of a functional group by targeting intermolecular bonds using infrared light of specific wavelengths. Because this method departs radically from conventional methods, we expect it to contribute to the precipitation of crystal forms that were previously difficult to discover.

Service benefits

Precipitating valuable crystal forms

The unprecedented nature of this method can lead to the discovery of previously unknown crystal forms.

Contributing to intellectual property strategies

Discovering and obtaining patents for new crystal forms helps establish solid patent networks

Risk management

Recognizing the existence of various crystal forms and understanding their individual properties reduces the risk of problems.

Future Updates in Technology

Clarifying the precipitation process with our proprietary crystal prediction software

Various parameters must be adjusted to find the numerous crystal forms of even a single compound. The number of combinations of these conditions is enormous; the industry has long awaited the development of an effective prediction tool. Such a prediction tool must be capable of reflecting temporal changes in the conditions of crystal precipitation. Our company previously developed proprietary software for analyzing temporal changes in infrared energy. We are currently developing proprietary crystal prediction software capable of elucidating the crystal precipitation process by incorporating physical chemistry theory and artificial intelligence (AI) into the existing software. Our plan is to complete the development of this software by the end of FY2025, with the aim of even more efficient crystal precipitation.

Flow of the consignment contract

Basic flow from inquiry to reports of test results

Requests for brochures and inquiries about our services

The brochure introduces examples of previously unknown crystal forms precipitated using this technology, as well as examples of how different crystal forms were selectively created using the technology. If you have questions or want more information on our organic compound crystal search service, please contact us by filling out the form below.