Spurred by liquid crystal pharmaceuticals’ early promise, researchers aim to find more gems in Kent State’s vast inventory

By CHUCK SODER

Chun-che Tsai hopes that one day, LCPs will be as common as LCDs.

The Kent State University chemistry professor is one of a few Northeast Ohio researchers trying to tap Kent State’s vast knowledge of liquid crystals — the molecules behind the screens of computers, televisions and cell phones worldwide — to fuel the development of liquid crystal pharmaceuticals, or LCPs.

Local researchers have patented multiple new cancer drugs made from liquid crystals, with two drugs in particular showing encouraging results in early tests. Because liquid crystals already control several key functions within human cells, researchers believe drugs made from similar molecules could have a big impact on patients’ lives, as well as Northeast Ohio’s economy. “That’s why we are so excited,” Dr. Tsai said.

Spotted here