Multistep synthesis of a radiolabeled imaging probe using integrated microfluidics

Area of Science:

• Radiochemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Microreactor technology offers enhanced control and efficiency for chemical synthesis.
• Automated synthesis is crucial for producing radiopharmaceuticals like [18F]FDG.
• Sensitive compounds require optimized reaction conditions to maintain yield and purity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) using an integrated microfluidic device.
• To demonstrate the potential of microreactor technology for automated radiopharmaceutical production.
• To evaluate the efficiency, yield, and purity of the synthesized [18F]FDG.

Main Methods:

• An integrated microfluidic device was employed for the synthesis of [18F]FDG.
• Key steps included [18F]fluoride concentration, water evaporation, radiofluorination, solvent exchange, and deprotection.
• The synthesis was automated within the microfluidic system.

Main Results:

• High radio-chemical yield and purity of [18F]FDG were achieved.
• Synthesis time was significantly reduced compared to conventional automated synthesis methods.
• Multiple doses of [18F]FDG were successfully prepared for preclinical imaging studies.

Conclusions:

• Microreactor technology provides a proof of principle for automated, multi-step radiolabeling syntheses at the microgram scale.
• This approach can be generalized to the synthesis of various radiolabeled compounds.
• The developed method offers a more efficient and rapid route for producing molecular imaging probes.