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Updated: May 11, 2026
09:57
18F-Labeling of Radiotracers Functionalized with a Silicon Fluoride Acceptor (SiFA) for Positron Emission Tomography
Published on: January 11, 2020
Radiofluorination using aluminum-fluoride (Al18F).
William J McBride1, Robert M Sharkey, David M Goldenberg
1Immunomedics, Inc,, 300 The American Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA. bmcbride@immunomedics.com.
EJNMMI Research
|May 9, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to attach fluorine-18 (18F) to targeting agents for medical imaging. This simplifies the production of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents, improving patient selection for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Medical Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Targeted therapies require precise patient selection for optimal efficacy.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, often using Fluorine-18 (18F), aids in visualizing disease sites.
- Directly attaching 18F to targeting agents for PET imaging presents significant chemical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for simplifying the fluorination of targeting agents for PET imaging.
- To overcome the difficulties associated with directly coupling 18F to carbon atoms in targeting molecules.
- To review the authors' experience with a new Al18F complexation technology.
Main Methods:
- Development of a procedure utilizing the affinity of fluorine for aluminum.
- Formation of an Aluminum-18F (Al18F) complex.
- Capture of the Al18F complex by a chelate for subsequent attachment to targeting agents.
Main Results:
- A simplified approach to fluorinating targeting agents for PET imaging was established.
- The new method facilitates the use of 18F in developing diagnostic imaging agents.
- The technology streamlines the synthesis of radiotracers for improved clinical application.
Conclusions:
- The developed Al18F complexation and chelation strategy significantly simplifies the radiolabeling process for PET imaging.
- This advancement has the potential to broaden the accessibility and application of 18F-based PET imaging agents.
- The technology offers a practical solution to a major bottleneck in the development of targeted diagnostic tools.
![Radiosynthesis of 1-(2-[18F]Fluoroethyl)-L-Tryptophan using a One-pot, Two-step Protocol](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F63025.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
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