Ā鶹ֱ²„ of Technology researcher Dr David Brown is investigating ways of reducing the cost of manufacturing medicines.
Using facilities at Curtinās new $116 million Resources and Chemistry Precinct, Dr Brown is examining alternative metals that would be cheaper or more efficient than those currently being used.
āOne of the greatest problems with the metals being used at present is that they are expensive,ā he said.
āFor instance, Rhodium, a commonly used catalyst, is $250 per gram, while Palladium, another popular catalyst, is $10 per gram.
āIf we can find metals that can work in similar reactions, we may be able to replace these metals with some that are more cost effective.ā
To do this, Dr Brown is examining the possibility of replacing Palladium with Nickel.
āAt two cents per gram, it is certainly the cheaper option,ā he said.
Curtinās Head of Chemistry, Professor Mark Buntine, said the research was an exciting part of Curtinās expanded chemistry research capabilities.
āDr Brownās work has a practical, real-world application that has the potential to make a significant difference to peopleās lives by making medicines cheaper.ā
The Resources and Chemistry Precinct, which is supported by BHP Billiton, is home to Curtinās Department of Chemistry and the State Governmentās ChemCentre.
The hub of chemistry and resources related research, education and training in WA, the Precinct is a cluster of more than 200 research and teaching staff, one of the greatest concentrations of expertise in fields such as hydrometallurgy, water quality and treatment, nanotechnology, corrosion research, forensic science and biotechnology in the Southern Hemisphere.
