Researchers at the University of Aberdeen are developing dendrimers and nanoparticles with multiple fluorinatable groups. These can be conjugated to a targeting molecules such as antibodies or biotin. Fluorination conditions are mild (room temperature, aqueous solutions) and produce high labelling efficiency. These factors mean that ready-assembled tracers can be fluorinated.
- About the technology
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Currently, labelling of macromolecules with 18-F involves preparation of a prosthetic group using a time-consuming multistep procedure in which the short-lived 18-F nuclide is incorporated early. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen are developing dendrimers and nanoparticles with multiple fluorinatable groups which can be conjugated to targeting molecules such as antibody fragments for direct 18-F labelling or to biotin for imaging of cell surface molecules that have been pre-labelled with avidin. Fluorination conditions are mild (room temperature, aqueous solutions) and produce high labelling efficiency thus eliminating the need for a purification step. These factors mean that ready-assembled tracers can be fluorinated in a short time period with the potential of a one-pot synthesis and without a requirement for specialised PET rigs.
- Applications and benefits
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Applications
- General 18F labelling method
- Applicable to fragment antibodies and biotin
- Labelling of ready-assembled tracers
Benefits
- Rapid, high-efficiency labelling
- No requirement for purification stage after labelling
- One-pot synthesis
- No requirement for specialised PET rig
- IP
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Granted UK patent number 2467494
For further information, contact
Dr James Duncan, Research & Innovation
Email: James Duncan
Tel: 01224 272918