Advancing Positron Imaging with Alginate-Based Tracers: Design, Synthesis, and Radiolabelling Methods

Area of Science:

• Nuclear imaging
• Materials science
• Chemical engineering

Background:

• Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are crucial for flow visualization and medical diagnostics.
• Effective radiolabelling of solid particulates is essential but technically challenging for these techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for fabricating and radiolabelling "designer" tracer particles.
• To create robust, high-activity tracers for PEPT and PET applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of porous alginate hydrogel particles via extrusion dripping.
• Characterization of the fabricated tracer particles.
• Evaporative radiolabelling technique for high single-particle activity.

Main Results:

• Production of small, mechanically robust tracer particles.
• Achieved high single-particle activity and excellent radiochemical stability.
• Demonstrated customisation of tracer properties through formulation and process control.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a viable solution for producing advanced radiolabelled tracers.
• This approach enhances the utility of PEPT and PET in industrial and biological settings.
• Customizable alginate-based tracers facilitate improved flow visualization and diagnostics.