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Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets
Published on: February 22, 2016
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Compact microfluidic device for rapid concentration of PET tracers
Wei-Yu Tseng1, R Michael van Dam
1Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging and Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, 570 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. weiyut2@gmail.com mvandam@mednet.ucla.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|May 15, 2014
Summary
A new microfluidic system concentrates positron emission tomography (PET) tracers, overcoming dilution issues from purification. This compact device enhances radioactivity concentration for demanding applications like small animal imaging.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) purification and reformulation of positron emission tomography (PET) tracers often result in product dilution.
- Low radioactivity concentrations limit the utility of PET tracers in applications such as small animal imaging, in vitro assays, and protein labeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact microfluidic system for concentrating PET tracers.
- To address the limitations of traditional methods like rotary evaporation, which occupy valuable hot cell space.
Main Methods:
- Design and fabrication of a novel microfluidic device for tracer concentration.
- Performance characterization of the microfluidic system.
- Demonstration of tracer concentration using aqueous-based HPLC mobile phases.
Main Results:
- The microfluidic system effectively concentrates PET tracers.
- The system offers advantages in repeatability, interfacing, and potential for automation.
- Successful concentration of multiple tracers was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic system provides an efficient and compact solution for concentrating PET tracers.
- This technology can improve the feasibility of using PET tracers in various research and diagnostic applications.
- The system's design facilitates integration into existing radiopharmaceutical workflows.

