A TEAM of scientists at Durham University has made a breakthrough that it predicts will take the chemical sector by storm.

The academics have created a new generation of organic catalysts that can be used in the manufacture of fine chemicals.

The culmination of more than five years of research has seen the launch of LyraChem, a company that will take the product into the commercial arena.

The team, led by Dr Andy Whiting, said the company would add to the reputation of the North-East as a growing centre of excellence for the manufacture of fine chemicals.

Dr Whiting said: "The commercial opportunities are enormous and in the long-term, we foresee a thriving manufacturing operation here in the North-East for LyraChem.

"We are already talking to companies and agents in the US, Japan, Switzerland and Germany and will be considering allowing the technology being used under licence by companies."

The research programme was carried out by Dr Whiting, Dr Len Patrick and PhD students Richard Giles and Alex Blatch.

It has been taken on to a commercial footing by Dr David Jay, Dr Carl Thirsk, Dr Euan Noble and Geoffrey Fuller.

The project was given funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.