A current research project by the Institute of Applied Chemistry at IMC Krems was recently presented to an international expert audience at the 54th International Symposium on High-Performance Liquid Phase Separations (HPLC 2025) in Bruges, Belgium. Anna Malyshenko, researcher at IMC Krems, showcased the results of a collaborative project with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU).
Press
Applied Chemistry in Action
The research was recently published in the renowned scientific journal Cellulose (Springer) under the title: "Covalent anchoring of a cellulose per(phenyl carbamate) chiral selector onto silica gel through alkyne–azide click chemistry and its utilisation in HPLC."
Innovative cellulose-based separation material developed
At the core of the project was the development of an innovative cellulose-based chiral separation material, specifically designed for use in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This analytical technique is widely employed to separate complex mixtures—particularly so-called enantiomers, mirror-image molecules that often play a crucial role in pharmaceutical research due to their differing biological effects.
What makes the developed material special is its use of a highly precise "click chemistry" reaction to covalently anchor the cellulose-based chiral selector onto a silica support. Unlike traditional coated materials, this covalently bonded version offers significantly enhanced chemical stability, better solvent compatibility and improved reusability. These advantages were confirmed in extensive laboratory tests using various racemic compounds. Moreover, by using natural, renewable bio-based materials such as cellulose for advanced analytical applications, the project aligns perfectly with the principles of green chemistry and contributes to more environmentally responsible and sustainable scientific practices.
Strong partnerships, strong results
The presentation at HPLC 2025, along with the peer-reviewed publication in an international journal, highlights both the scientific excellence and the practical relevance of the research conducted at IMC Krems. The project also demonstrates the value of close cooperation between IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems and BOKU Vienna in the context of joint research initiatives.
Anna Malyshenko comments: “This project illustrates how combining an applied research approach, chemical precision and strong academic partnerships—like the one with BOKU Vienna—can lead to innovative solutions in separation science.”
Sustainable momentum for the Institute of Applied Chemistry
Beyond the individual scientific contributions of the researchers involved, the project also enhances the international visibility of the Institute of Applied Chemistry at IMC Krems. The institute continues to establish itself as a competent and forward-thinking partner in the field of sustainable chemical technologies.
To the publication : SpringerLink – Cellulose Journal
Authors: Anna F. Lehrhofer, Simona Petroni, Markus Bacher, Michal Kohout, David Schachamayr, Anna Malyshenko, Thomas Rosenau, Laura Cipolla & Hubert Hettegger