KAIST Chemists Build Unmanned Platform for Continuous Molecule Synthesis

A research team led by chemistry professor Park Yoonsu at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has built an unmanned synthesis platform, BigGo Finance reported on October 18. DongA Science and the Seoul Economic Daily both reported that the robotic, light-driven system operates for 24 hours continuously to synthesize potential drug candidates. Once human operators set the initial reaction parameters, the automated system handles the remaining process steps without manual intervention. [1][2][3]

According to BigGo Finance, the platform automates the full operational sequence, which includes mixing raw material reagents, driving chemical reactions, and performing product analysis. The system combines visible light irradiation with a continuous flow reaction process. Continuous flow chemistry involves pumping liquid reagents through microreactors, which allows for precise temperature control and uniform exposure to light during synthesis. [1]

The automated setup reduces both the time and expenses associated with repetitive organic synthesis experiments, BigGo Finance reported. Traditional batch chemistry relies on manual multi-step operations that limit daily production volumes. By enabling round-the-clock operations, the robotic platform is intended to streamline the early identification and mass production of promising molecular structures. [1]

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is a national research university located in Daejeon, South Korea. The institution was established by the Korean government in 1971 as a research-oriented science and engineering facility. [6]