The pool of potential medicinal candidates found in natural products is vast. One section of one plant can contain thousands of potential candidate compounds. Natural products research has become increasingly interesting to pharmaceutical companies engaged in new drug discovery. As a result, a device is needed that will extract candidate compounds more efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Dr. Yoichiro Ito of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) designed the rotors, coils, and systems for high-speed counter current chromatography. The complete device optimizes the separation and purification of high molecular weight biomolecules using a salt gradient applied in a spiral flow membrane. The channels are compartmentalized into upper and lower rotary discs. A sample containing compounds to be purified is introduced in a buffered solution into the lower channel flowing in one direction while the salt flows in the other. The concentration of salt permeates the membrane and precipitates the large biomolecules on the other side. 

Dr. Martha Knight of NHLBI initiated a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Peptide Technologies, Inc. (PTC), which conducted research on the device to purify and separate peptides and proteins. Once the CRADA with PTC ended, Dr. Knight eventually facilitated a transfer of the technology to CC Biotech, which licensed the device. A number of entities have approached CC Biotech for purchase and sublicensing of the technology, including Pfizer; the University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Kinjo Gakuji University in Nagoya, Japan. 

Awardees

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

• Dr. Yoichiro Ito

CC Biotech, LLC

• Dr. Martha Knight