In the past few years research groups from the University of Missouri introduced an electrochemistry procedure which shows promise to revolutionise industrial synthesis of pharmaceutical elements and vital chemical substances. The base technology includes micelles which are formed from coconut oil and amino acids to enhance chemical reactions with greater efficiency and reduced environmental hazards. The team’s findings, published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition can be found here:
Kaur, K., Mandal, R., Walensky, J. R., Gallou, F., & Handa, S. (2025). Electrocatalytic Micelle‐Driven Hydrodefluorination for Accessing Unprotected Monofluorinated Indoles. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202416132
Electrochemistry often relies on toxic solvents and electrolytes that can be hazardous if mismanaged. Associate Professor Sachin Handa and graduate student Karanjeet Kaur, alongside Novartis Pharmaceuticals are part of the team that has developed the new approach, which replaces these toxic elements with a water-based mixture and a surfactant made from natural ingredients. The Micelles have two sides: one that mixes with water and the other that repels it. The result is a system that not only supports chemical reactions but also makes those processes more selective and easier to control. This advancement could cut production costs in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including efforts to create specialised drugs and inhibitors.
“This process, known as electrocatalysis, also plays a key role in clean energy production,” Handa, who was hired through the university’s MizzouForward initiative in 2023, said. “With the same approach, hydrogen—in situ generated from water—can potentially be used as a clean fuel. Plus, we can use hydrogen to break down harmful PFAS chemicals, transforming them into useful hydrocarbons while simultaneously releasing oxygen into the air.”
Said Handa, from Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science.
Beyond medicine, the authors of the study note that these micelles could support clean energy technologies. By splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen; a process known as electrocatalysis, this method offers a possible way to generate hydrogen fuel in a simpler and more efficient way. Early tests also suggest that the approach could help break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes called “forever chemicals,” converting them into less problematic molecules.
What sets this work apart is the combination of renewable ingredients with an electrochemical process. Not only do the amino-acid-based micelles stay stable during reactions, they also do not interfere with the reaction itself. That stability allows for more predictability in results—a vital factor for industries that require high purity and safety standards. Handa stated:
“Notably, these micelles drive desired reactions forward, but they don’t react with anything and remain stable, making them unique from ionic micelles,”
The researchers see this as a step forward in reducing waste and energy consumption in multiple sectors, from pharmaceuticals to water treatment and beyond. By streamlining processes and removing the need for toxic solvents, manufacturers may have a new path to comply with stricter environmental rules without driving up production costs.
Hassan graduated with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Chester (UK). He currently works as a design engineering consultant for one of the largest engineering firms in the world along with being an associate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
