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2.2.3 Professor Szejtli: An Entrepreneur
Professor Szejtli was really a pioneer making systematic research to answer many
unanswered scientific questions about cyclodextrins and also to find new industrial
applications. He was an entrepreneur. Indeed, Professor Szejtli made an important
contribution in the industrial application of cyclodextrins, notably by the creation of
a research lab in 1972 and a private company in 1989, CycloLab Ltd., both totally
devoted to cyclodextrins: “From toy to tool with industrial interest” (Szente 1994,
2004; Szente and Fenyvesi 2016; Szente et al. 2016). CycloLab was the first private
research institute for the technological transfer between cyclodextrin research and
industry. CycloLab grew and evolved into a key organization in the world of cyclodextrins (Szente et al. 2016).
Without Professor Szejtli, the feasible production of cyclodextrins on an industrial scale probably would not be as advanced as it is today. At that time, there was
the important question whether these substances will be available in bulk quantities
at a reasonable price. Indeed, in 1975, one kilogram of β-cyclodextrin had a price of
about 1500 $. At the beginning of the 1980s, cyclodextrins were produced in large
quantities and “marketed at a reasonable price” (10–15 $/kg).
Fig. 2.3 With Professor Nagai celebrating the birthday of Professor Szejtli (70), a few months
before his death. (Source: CycloLab archives)
2 Professor József Szejtli: The Godfather of Cyclodextrins
2.2.3 Professor Szejtli: An Entrepreneur
Professor Szejtli was really a pioneer making systematic research to answer many
unanswered scientific questions about cyclodextrins and also to find new industrial
applications. He was an entrepreneur. Indeed, Professor Szejtli made an important
contribution in the industrial application of cyclodextrins, notably by the creation of
a research lab in 1972 and a private company in 1989, CycloLab Ltd., both totally
devoted to cyclodextrins: “From toy to tool with industrial interest” (Szente 1994,
2004; Szente and Fenyvesi 2016; Szente et al. 2016). CycloLab was the first private
research institute for the technological transfer between cyclodextrin research and
industry. CycloLab grew and evolved into a key organization in the world of cyclodextrins (Szente et al. 2016).
Without Professor Szejtli, the feasible production of cyclodextrins on an industrial scale probably would not be as advanced as it is today. At that time, there was
the important question whether these substances will be available in bulk quantities
at a reasonable price. Indeed, in 1975, one kilogram of β-cyclodextrin had a price of
about 1500 $. At the beginning of the 1980s, cyclodextrins were produced in large
quantities and “marketed at a reasonable price” (10–15 $/kg).
Fig. 2.3 With Professor Nagai celebrating the birthday of Professor Szejtli (70), a few months
before his death. (Source: CycloLab archives)
2 Professor József Szejtli: The Godfather of Cyclodextrins