Basic aqueous chemistry of [M(OH2)3(CO)3]+ (M=Re, Tc) directed towards radiopharmaceutical application

A thiourea-bridged 99mTc(CO)3-dipicolylamine-2-nitroimidazole complex for targeting tumor hypoxia: Utilizing metabolizable thiourea-bridge to improve pharmacokinetics

The 2-nitroimidazole based 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals are widely explored for imaging tumor hypoxia. Radiopharmaceuticals for targeting hypoxia are often lipophilic and therefore, show significant uptake in liver and other vital organs. In this context, lipophilic radiopharmaceuticals with design features enabling faster clearance from liver may be more desirable. A dipicolylamine-NCS bifunctional chelator that could generate a thiourea-bridge up on conjugation to primary amine bearing molecule was used to synthesize a 2-nitroimidazole-dipicolyl amine ligand for radiolabeling with 99mTc(CO)3 core. Corresponding Re(CO)3-analogue was prepared to establish the structure of 2-nitroimidazole-99mTc(CO)3 complex prepared in trace level. The 2-nitroimidazole-99mTc(CO)3 complex showed a hypoxic to normoxic ratio of ~2.5 in CHO cells at 3 h. In vivo, the complex showed accumulation and retention in tumor with high tumor to blood and tumor to muscle ratio. The study demonstrated the utility of metabolizable thiourea-bridge in 2-nitroimidazole-99mTc(CO)3 complex in inducing faster clearance of the radiotracer from liver. The dipicolylamine-NCS bifunctional chelator reported herein can also be used for radiolabeling other class of target specific molecules with 99mTc(CO)3 core.

Recent Progress in Synthesis of 99mTc-labeled Complexes with Nitroimidazoles as SPECT Probes for Targeting Tumor Hypoxia

The majority of solid tumors have hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, which is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Hypoxia was found to relate to cancer metastases and resistance to therapies, therefore, detection of hypoxia plays an important role in the process of cancer prognosis and treatment. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a non-invasive imaging technique using gamma-emitting radiopharmaceuticals to visualize biological activities within the body. SPECT is also applied for the detection of tumor hypoxia with the development of hypoxia-targeting radiopharmaceuticals. Radiopharmaceuticals containing nitroimidazole moieties have received increasing attention due to their bio-reducible characteristics which make the radiopharmaceuticals accumulate in the hypoxia regions. This review summarizes the recent development of 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals bearing nitroimidazoles for SPECT imaging of tumor hypoxia including the synthetic methods and results of animal studies.

Time-series analysis of rhenium(I) organometallic covalent binding to a model protein for drug development

Metal-based complexes with their unique chemical properties, including multiple oxidation states, radio-nuclear capabilities and various coordination geometries yield value as potential pharmaceuticals. Understanding the interactions between metals and biological systems will prove key for site-specific coordination of new metal-based lead compounds. This study merges the concepts of target coordination with fragment-based drug methodologies, supported by varying the anomalous scattering of rhenium along with infrared spectroscopy, and has identified rhenium metal sites bound covalently with two amino acid types within the model protein. A time-based series of lysozyme-rhenium-imidazole (HEWL-Re-Imi) crystals was analysed systematically over a span of 38 weeks. The main rhenium covalent coordination is observed at His15, Asp101 and Asp119. Weak (i.e. noncovalent) interactions are observed at other aspartic, asparagine, proline, tyrosine and tryptophan side chains. Detailed bond distance comparisons, including precision estimates, are reported, utilizing the diffraction precision index supplemented with small-molecule data from the Cambridge Structural Database. Key findings include changes in the protein structure induced at the rhenium metal binding site, not observed in similar metal-free structures. The binding sites are typically found along the solvent-channel-accessible protein surface. The three primary covalent metal binding sites are consistent throughout the time series, whereas binding to neighbouring amino acid residues changes through the time series. Co-crystallization was used, consistently yielding crystals four days after setup. After crystal formation, soaking of the compound into the crystal over 38 weeks is continued and explains these structural adjustments. It is the covalent bond stability at the three sites, their proximity to the solvent channel and the movement of residues to accommodate the metal that are important, and may prove useful for future radiopharmaceutical development including target modification.

Role of Pure Technetium Chemistry: Are There Still Links to Applications in Imaging?

The discovery and development of new 99mTc-based radiopharmaceuticals or labeled drugs in general is based on innovative, pure chemistry and subsequent, application-targeted research. This was the case for all currently clinically applied imaging agents. Most of them were market-introduced some 20 years ago, and the few more recent ones are based on even older chemistry, albeit technetium chemistry has made substantial progress over the last 20 years. This progress though is not mirrored by new molecular imaging agents and is even accompanied by a steady decrease in the number of groups active in pure and applied technetium chemistry, a contrast to the trends in most other fields in which d-elements play a central role. The decrease in research with technetium has been partly counterbalanced by a strong increase of research activities with homologous, cold rhenium compounds for therapy, disclosing in the future eventually a quite unique opportunity for theranostics. This Viewpoint analyzes the pathways that led to radiopharmaceuticals in the past and their underlying fundamental contributions. It attempts to tackle the question of why new chemistry still does not lead to new imaging agents, i.e., the question of whether pure technetium chemistry is still needed at all.

Multifunctional organometallic compounds for the treatment of Chagas disease: Re(I) tricarbonyl compounds with two different bioactive ligands

Chagas' disease (American Trypanosomiasis) is an ancient and endemic illness in Latin America caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Although there is an urgent need for more efficient and less toxic chemotherapeutics, no new drugs to treat this disease have entered the clinic in the last decades. Searching for metal-based prospective antichagasic drugs, in this work, multifunctional Re(I) tricarbonyl compounds bearing two different bioactive ligands were designed: a polypyridyl NN derivative of 1,10-phenanthroline and a monodentate azole (Clotrimazole CTZ or Ketoconazol KTZ). Five fac-[Re(CO)₃(NN)(CTZ)](PF₆) compounds and a fac-[Re(CO)₃(NN)(KTZ)](PF₆) were synthesized and fully characterized. They showed activity against epimastigotes (IC₅₀ 3.48-9.42 μM) and trypomastigotes of T. cruzi (IC₅₀ 0.61-2.79 μM) and moderate to good selectivity towards the parasite compared to the VERO mammalian cell model. In order to unravel the mechanism of action of our compounds, two potential targets were experimentally and theoretically studied, namely DNA and one of the enzymes involved in the parasite ergosterol biosynthetic pathway, CYP51 (lanosterol 14-α-demethylase). As hypothesized, the multifunctional compounds shared in vitro a similar mode of action as that disclosed for the single bioactive moieties included in the new chemical entities. Additionally, two relevant physicochemical properties of biological interest in prospective drug development, namely lipophilicity and stability in solution in different media, were determined. The whole set of results demonstrates the potentiality of these Re(I) tricarbonyls as promising candidates for further antitrypanosomal drug development.

Development and Evaluation of 99mTc Tricarbonyl Complexes Derived from Flutamide with Affinity for Androgen Receptor

With the objective to develop a potential ^99mTc radiopharmaceutical for imaging the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer, four ligands bearing the same pharmacophore derived from the AR antagonist flutamide were prepared, labeled with ^99mTc, and their structures corroborated via comparison with the corresponding stable rhenium analogs. All complexes were obtained with high radiochemical purity. Three of the complexes were highly stable, and, due to their favorable physicochemical properties, were further evaluated using AR-positive and AR-negative cells in culture. All complexes exhibited considerable uptake in AR-positive cells, which could be blocked by an excess of flutamide. The efflux from the cells was moderate. They also showed significantly lower uptakes in AR-negative cells, indicating interactions with the AR receptor. However, the binding affinities were considerably reduced by the coordination to ^99mTc, and the complex that exhibited the best biological behavior did not show sufficient specificity towards AR-positive cells.

Unlocking Air- and Water-Stable Technetium Acetylides and Other Organometallic Complexes

The first technetium complexes containing anionic alkynido ligands in an end-on coordination mode have been prepared by using the nonprotic, cationic precursor mer,trans-[Tc(SMe₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺. This cation acts as a functional analogue of the highly reactive 16-electron metallo Lewis acid {Tc(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂}⁺ in reactions with alkynes, acetylides, and other organometallic reagents. Such reactions give a variety of organometallic technetium complexes in excellent yields and enable the preparation of [Tc(CH₃)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(Ph)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(Cp)(CO)₂(PPh₃)], [Tc(═CCH₂CH₂CH₂O)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺, [Tc(═CCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂O)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺, [Tc(C≡C-H)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(C≡C-Ph)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(C≡C-^tBu)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(C≡C-ⁿBu)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(C≡C-SiMe₃)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], and [Tc{C≡C-C₆H₃(CF₃)₂}(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]. The bonding situation in the alkynyl complexes is compared to that in corresponding alkyl- and arylnitrile and -isonitrile complexes. [Tc(N≡C-Ph)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂](BF₄), [Tc(C≡N-Ph)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂](BF₄), [Tc(N≡C-^tBu)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂](BF₄), and [Tc(C≡N-^tBu)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) were prepared in high yields by ligand exchange reactions starting from mer,trans-[Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂](BF₄). The novel complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods. In particular, ⁹⁹Tc nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy proved to be an invaluable and sensitive tool for the characterization of the complexes. Density functional theory calculations strongly suggest similar bonding situations for the related alkynyl, nitrile, and isonitrile complexes of technetium.

Calix[4]arene-Analogous Technetium Supramolecules

Calix[4]arene-analogous technetium supramolecules (1 and 2) were assembled using (NBu₄)[Tc₂(μ-Cl)₃(CO)₆] and neutral flexible bidentate nitrogen-donor ligands (L¹ and L²) consisting of four arene units covalently joined via methylene units. The neutral homoleptic technetium macrocycles adopt a partial cone/cone-shaped conformation in the solid state. These supramolecules are the first example of fac-[Tc(CO)₃]⁺ core-based metallocalix[4]arenes and second example of fac-[Tc(CO)₃]⁺ core-based metallomacrocycles. Structurally similar fac-[Re(CO)₃]⁺ core-based macrocycles (3 and 4) were also prepared using [Re(CO)₅X] (where X = Cl or Br) and L¹ or L². The products were characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray analysis.

Bifunctional chelators for radiorhenium: past, present and future outlook

Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) is an ever-expanding field of nuclear medicine that provides a personalised approach to cancer treatment while limiting toxicity to normal tissues. It involves the radiolabelling of a biological targeting vector with an appropriate therapeutic radionuclide, often facilitated by the use of a bifunctional chelator (BFC) to stably link the two entities. The radioisotopes of rhenium, 186Re (t 1/2 = 90 h, 1.07 MeV β-, 137 keV γ (9%)) and 188Re (t 1/2 = 16.9 h, 2.12 MeV β-, 155 keV γ (15%)), are particularly attractive for radiotherapy because of their convenient and high-abundance β--particle emissions as well as their imageable γ-emissions and chemical similarity to technetium. As a transition metal element with multiple oxidation states and coordination numbers accessible for complexation, there is great opportunity available when it comes to developing novel BFCs for rhenium. The purpose of this review is to provide a recap on some of the past successes and failings, as well as show some more current efforts in the design of BFCs for 186/188Re. Future use of these radionuclides for radiotherapy depends on their cost-effective availability and this will also be discussed. Finally, bioconjugation strategies for radiolabelling biomolecules with 186/188Re will be touched upon.

Technetium(I) Carbonyl Chemistry with Small Inorganic Ligands

[Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂](BF₄) has been used as a synthon for reactions with small inorganic ligands with relevance for the treatment of nuclear waste solutions such as nitrate, nitrite, pseudohalides, permetalates (M = Mn, Tc, Re), and BH₄^-. The formation of bond isomers and/or a distinct reactivity has been observed for most of the products. [Tc(NCO)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(NCS)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(CN)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(N₃)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(NCO)(OH₂)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-OON)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η¹-NO₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-OONO)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η¹-ONO₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-OO(CCH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SSC(SCH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SSC(OCH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SSC(CH₃))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(η²-SS(CH))(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(OTcO₃)(acetone)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂], [Tc(OTcO₃)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂], and [Tc(η²-HHBH₂)(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂] have been isolated in crystalline form and studied by X-ray crystallography. Additionally, the typical reactivity patterns (isomerization, thermal decomposition, hydrolysis, or decarbonylation) of the products have been studied by spectroscopic methods. ⁹⁹Tc NMR spectroscopy has proved to be a particularly useful tool for the evaluation of such reactions of the diamagnetic technetium(I) compounds in solution.

Radioactive nuclei for β + γ PET and theranostics: selected candidates

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an established medical diagnostic imaging method. Continuous improvements are aimed at refining image reconstruction, reducing the amount of radioactive tracer and combining with targeted therapy. Time-of-flight (TOF)-PET provides the localization of the tracer through improved time resolution, nuclear physics may contribute to this goal via selection of radioactive nuclei emitting additional γ-rays. This additional radiation, when properly detected, localizes the decay of the tracer at the line of response (LoR) determined by two detected 511 keV quanta. Selected candidates are presented. Some are particularly interesting, as they are strong candidates for theranostic applications.

New approach for the synthesis of water soluble fac-[MI(CO)3]+ bis(diarylphosphino)alkylamine complexes (M = 99Tc, Re)

A novel proof-of-concept is reported to modify the water solubility and potential biological effects of a bis(diphenylphosphino)alkylamine (PNP) ligand and the corresponding metal complex, by introducing an amine group on the outer periphery of the pendant ligand arm. Thus, a tertiary butoxycarbonyl protected N'-Boc-ethylenediamine-N,N-bis(diphenylphosphino) (N'-Boc-PNP) ligand (1) was synthesized by reacting the protected ethylenediamine and chlorodiphenylphosphine in a 1 : 2 molar ratio. The corresponding fac-[Re(CO)₃(N'-Boc-PNP)Br] (1A) complex was then obtained by reacting N'-Boc-PNP (1) with (Et₄N)₂fac-[Re(CO)₃Br₃] in equimolar amounts in DCM at 50 °C. De-protection of the N'-Boc pendant amine group in 1A with TFA leads to fac-[Re(NH₃⁺-PNP)(CO)₃Br]·CF₃COO^- (1B) which is soluble in D₂O (>0.05 M). Treating 1B with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ yields fac-[Re(NH₂-PNP)(CO)₃Br]·MeOH (1C) in near quantitative yield. Although both 1A and 1C are not soluble in D₂O, addition of TFA easily generates 1B (³¹P NMR), confirming the formation of the protonated amine. Isolation of fac-[⁹⁹Tc(CO)₃(N-Boc-PNP)(Cl)] (1D) confirmed that the rhenium and technetium (⁹⁹Tc) can be easily interchanged in this process. Reported are hence the unique rhenium series of compounds 1A, 1B and 1C and the corresponding technetium complex 1D, unequivocally characterized by single crystal XRD, as well as IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Preliminary antimicrobial evaluation indicates that ligand 1 and its respective rhenium complexes (1A-1C) were not active against selected fungi (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans) and bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus). These types of ligands and complexes therefore present themselves as excellent radio models for further evaluation using ¹⁸⁶Re, ¹⁸⁸Re and ^99mTc to potentially study the radiotoxicity of appropriately designed complexes.

Effective Labeling of Amine Pharmacophores through the Employment of 2,3-Pyrazinedicarboxylic Anhydride and the Generation of fac-[M(CO)3(PyA)P] and cis-trans-[M(CO)2(PyA)P2] Complexes (PyA = Pyrazine-2-carboxylate, P = Phosphine, M = Re, 99mTc)

The fac-[M(CO)₃(PyA)(P)] and cis-trans-[M(CO)₂(PyA)(P)₂] neutral complexes (M is Re or ^99mTc), based on the mixed ligand strategy with pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (PyAH) as the bidentate N,O and triphenylphosphine as the monodentate P ligand, are presented. Through the employment of the anhydride of pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (PyDA), the PyAH scaffold was conveniently derivatized with the model bioactive amine 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine, the active part of the 5-HT_1A antagonist WAY100635. Reaction of either PyAH or the pharmacophore-bearing PyAH ligand (L¹H) with fac-[M(CO)₃]⁺ core in water yielded the intermediate fac-[M(CO)₃(PyA)(H₂O)] complexes. The labile aqua ligand was easily replaced by PPh₃ to yield the fac-[Re(CO)₃(PyA)(PPh₃)] complexes, while in toluene under reflux, the cis-trans-[Re(CO)₂(PyA)(PPh₃)₂] complexes were obtained. The latter complexes were alternatively obtained from mer-[Re(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂Cl] by refluxing with the PyA ligand in toluene. The analogous ^99mTc complexes were synthesized quantitatively, showing excellent stability in competition studies. The methodology described herein represents a practical procedure for the effective integration of the fac-[M(CO)₃]⁺ core with amine-bearing biologically active compounds for diagnosis/therapy.

Strategic Evaluation of the Traceless Staudinger Ligation for Radiolabeling with the Tricarbonyl Core

The traceless Staudinger ligation with its two variants is a powerful biorthogonal conjugation method not only for the connection of biomolecules, but also for the introduction of fluorescence- or radiolabels under mild reaction conditions. Herein, the strategic evaluation of the traceless Staudinger ligation for radiolabeling 99mTc using the fac-[Tc(CO)3]+ core is presented. A convenient and high-yielding three-step synthetic procedure of dipicolylamine-based phosphanols as ligands for the mild radiolabeling was developed. The labeling was accomplished using a tricarbonyl kit and a 99mTc-pertechnetate generator eluate showing 87% radiochemical conversion. The respective rhenium-based, non-radioactive reference compounds were synthesized using (Et4N)2[Re(CO)3Br3] as precursor. All products were analyzed by NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. Additional XRD analyses were performed.

[Tc(OH2)(CO)3(PPh3)2]+: A Synthon for Tc(I) Complexes and Its Reactions with Neutral Ligands

A scalable synthesis of the novel and highly reactive [Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ cation is described. The ligand-exchange chemistry of this compound with neutral ligands coordinating through C, N, O, S, Se, and Te has been explored systematically. The complexes either retain the original mer-trans tricarbonyl core under exclusive exchange of the aqua ligand or form dicarbonyl complexes by thermal decarbonylation. Ligand exchange reactions starting from [Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ proceed under mild conditions and are generally almost quantitative. Some of the formed complexes are remarkably stable and inert, while others provide products with one labile ligand for further reactions. The derived complexes of the type [Tc(L)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ and [Tc(L)₂(CO)₂(PPh₃)₂]⁺ represent an interesting opportunity for the development of ^99mTc complexes with potential use in radiopharmacy. The ready displacement of the aqua ligand highlights the synthetic value of [Tc(OH₂)(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂]⁺ as a reactive entry point for further studies in the little explored field of the organometallic chemistry of technetium.

Synthesis and evaluation of new mixed "2 + 1" Re, 99mTc and 186Re tricarbonyl dithiocarbamate complexes with different monodentate ligands

A series of "2 + 1" mixed ligand tricarbonyl complexes of the general formula fac-[Re/^99mTc/¹⁸⁶Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(L)] containing diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) as a monoanionic bidentate ligand and a series of monodentate ligands L was synthesized, characterized and evaluated. The impact of ligand L on the radiochemical yield (RCY) and biodistribution of the final compounds was also investigated. DDTC and the appropriate L ligand [cyclohexyl isocyanide (cisc), tert-butyl isocyanide (tbi), triphenylphosphine (PPh₃), methyldiphenylphosphine (PPh₂Me), triphenylarsine (AsPh₃), imidazole (im), and 4-aminopyridine (4AP)] readily reacted in equimolar amounts with the [Et₄N]₂[Re(CO)₃Br₃] precursor to afford fac-[Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(cisc)], Re1, fac-[Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(tbi)], Re2, fac-[Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(PPh₃)], Re3, fac-[Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(PPh₂Me)], Re4, fac-[Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(AsPh₃)], Re5, fac-[Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(im)], Re6 and fac-[Re(CO)₃(DDTC)(4AP)], Re7, complexes in high yields (>80%). All Re complexes were fully characterized by IR, NMR, and in addition Re4, Re5, and Re7 with X-ray crystallography. Analogous reactions as performed with Re were subsequently explored on the ^99mTc and ¹⁸⁶Re-tracer levels using the corresponding fac-[^99mTc/¹⁸⁶Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ precursor. Complexes ^99mTc1 - ^99mTc5, ¹⁸⁶Re1 and ¹⁸⁶Re3 were obtained in high radiochemical yield (>91%), while the complexes ^99mTc6, ^99mTc7 and ¹⁸⁶Re7 formed with radiochemical yields of 55%, 28%, and 75%, respectively. The ^99mTc and ¹⁸⁶Re-complexes were characterized by comparative HPLC analysis using the analogous Re complexes. During histidine and cysteine challenge experiments at 37 °C through 6 h, complexes ^99mTc1 - ^99mTc5 remained > 92% stable, while complexes ^99mTc6 and ^99mTc7 remained only 8% stable through 3 h. Similar studies for ¹⁸⁶Re-complexes showed that ¹⁸⁶Re1 and ¹⁸⁶Re3 remained > 95% stable for up to 48 h, while ¹⁸⁶Re7 had decreased to 7% after 3 h. LogD_7.4 data of ^99mTc1 - ^99mTc5, ¹⁸⁶Re1, and ¹⁸⁶Re3 complexes, which ranged from 2.59 to 3.39, suggested high lipophilicity. Biodistribution studies in healthy Swiss albino mice showed hepatobiliary excretion for ^99mTc1, ^99mTc2, and ^99mTc4, fast blood clearance for ^99mTc4, while high liver uptake and retention for ^99mTc3 and ^99mTc5 were measured. Moreover, ^99mTc2 showed high accumulation in the lungs with sustained retention (52.80% ID/g at 4 h p.i.) and significant brain uptake at 2 min p.i. (1.89% ID/g). The study showed the great influence of monodentate ligand in the synthesis and biodistribution of the mixed ligand complexes.

Nanoparticles Functionalised with Re(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes for Cancer Theranostics

Globally, cancer is the second (to cardiovascular diseases) leading cause of death. Regardless of various efforts (i.e., finance, research, and workforce) to advance novel cancer theranostics (diagnosis and therapy), there have been few successful attempts towards ongoing clinical treatment options as a result of the complications posed by cancerous tumors. In recent years, the application of magnetic nanomedicine as theranostic devices has garnered enormous attention in cancer treatment research. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are capable of tuning the magnetic field in their environment, which positively impacts theranostic applications in nanomedicine significantly. MNPs are utilized as contrasting agents for cancer diagnosis, molecular imaging, hyperfusion region visualization, and T cell-based radiotherapy because of their interesting features of small size, high reactive surface area, target ability to cells, and functionalization capability. Radiolabelling of NPs is a powerful diagnostic approach in nuclear medicine imaging and therapy. The use of luminescent radioactive rhenium(I), 188/186Re, tricarbonyl complexes functionalised with magnetite Fe3O4 NPs in nanomedicine has improved the diagnosis and therapy of cancer tumors. This is because the combination of Re(I) with MNPs can improve low distribution and cell penetration into deeper tissues.

Exploring preliminary structural relationships and mitochondrial targeting of fac-[MI(CO)3]-bis(diarylphosphino)alkylamine complexes (M = 99Tc, Re)

Preliminary structural relationships in fac-[MI(CO)3]-bis(diarylphosphino)alkylamine complexes (M = 99Tc, Re), antimicrobial and mitochondrial targeting are reported.

Optimal His-Tag Design for Efficient [99mTc(CO)3]+ and [188Re(CO)3]+ Labeling of Proteins for Molecular Imaging and Radionuclide Therapy by Analysis of Peptide Arrays

Hexahistidine tags (His-tags), incorporated into recombinant proteins to facilitate purification using metal-affinity chromatography, are useful binding sites for radiolabeling with [^99mTc(CO)₃]⁺ and [¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃]⁺ for molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy. Labeling efficiencies vary unpredictably, and the method is therefore not universally useful. To overcome this, we have made quantitative comparisons of radiolabeling of a bespoke Celluspots array library of 382 His-tag-containing peptide sequences with [^99mTc(CO)₃]⁺ and [¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃]⁺ to identify key features that enhance labeling. A selected sequence with 10-fold enhanced labeling efficiency compared to the most effective literature-reported sequences was incorporated into an exemplar protein and compared biologically with non-optimized analogues, in vitro and in vivo. Optimal labeling with either [^99mTc(CO)₃]⁺ or [¹⁸⁸Re(CO)₃]⁺ required six consecutive His residues in the protein sequence, surrounded by several positively charged residues (Arg or Lys), and the presence of phosphate in the buffer. Cys or Met residues in the sequence were beneficial, to a lesser extent. Negatively charged residues were deleterious to labeling. His-tags with adjacent positively charged residues could be labeled as much as 40 times more efficiently than those with adjacent negatively charged residues. ³¹P NMR of [Re(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ and electrophoresis of solutions of [^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ suggest that phosphate bridges form between cationic residues and the cationic metal synthon during labeling. The trial optimized protein, a scFv targeted to the PSMA antigen expressed in prostate cancer, was readily labeled in >95% radiochemical yield, without the need for subsequent purification. Labeling occurred more quickly and to higher specific activity than comparable non-optimized proteins, while retaining specific binding to PSMA and prostate cancer in vivo. Thus, optimized His-tags greatly simplify radiolabeling of recombinant proteins making them potentially more widely and economically available for imaging and treating patients.

The "Carbonyl Story" and Beyond; Experiences, Lessons and Implications

The complex [^99m Tc(OH₂ )₃ (CO)₃ ]⁺ has become a versatile building block in radiopharmaceutical chemistry, applied by many groups worldwide. However, despite widespread efforts, only one compound has made it right the way through clinical trials. Along the way from its discovery to its development into an eventual product, the author experienced issues that he would handle differently in retrospect. In this article, these experiences are turned into "lessons" that might be helpful for young researchers finding themselves in similar situations. Beside issues with patenting and company strategies, the carbonyl story has provided scientific implications beyond its own story, and insights from which any future ^99m Tc-based chemistry for radiopharmacy or molecular imaging might benefit.

Glycoconjugated Metal Complexes as Cancer Diagnostic and Therapeutic Agents

The possibility of selectively delivering metal complexes to a defined cohort of cells on the basis of their metabolic features is a highly challenging goal, which may be extremely useful for a series of purposes, including diagnosis and therapy of pathological states, such as cancer. Tumor cells display augmented requests for carbohydrates and, in particular, for glucose in order to sustain their high proliferation rate, which causes an increased glycolytic process (Warburg effect). Since several metal complexes display diagnostic and/or therapeutic properties, their conjugation to carbohydrate portions often induce their preferential accumulation in cancer cells, similarly to what is observed with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). In this review we have considered the latest developments of glycoconjugates containing metal complexes in their structures. These compounds are classified as diagnostic or therapeutic agents and are further systematically discussed on the basis of the metal atom they contain. Several diagnostic techniques are possible with these probes, since, depending on the metal species included in their structures, they may be employed in nuclear medicine (PET, SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging, luminescence and phosphorescence. At the same time, the lack of selective cytotoxicity displayed by several metal-based chemotherapeutic agents, may also be solved by the conjugation of these agents to carbohydrate portions. Overall, data so far available reveal the great potential of this chemical class in the early detection and in the cure of severe neoplastic diseases, which still needs to be fully explored in the clinic.

Preparation of technetium-99m labeled ibuprofen by direct route and technetium-99m tricarbonyl route: a comparison of in vivo behaviors

In the current study, ibuprofen (ibu) which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was radiolabeled with ^99mTc using two different methods: stannous chloride method (direct route) and technetium-99m tricarbonyl [^99mTc(CO)₃]⁺ route. Thus, it's aimed to investigate the radiolabeling potential of ibu for inflammation detection and to monitor if there is any difference in in vivo distribution depending on the radiolabeling route. Quality control studies of both radiolabeled ibu were performed by radiochromatographic methods (Thin Layer Liquid Radio Chromatography and High Performance Liquid Radio Chromatography). Radiolabeling yields of ^99mTc-ibu and ^99mTc(CO)₃-ibu were determined as 99.05 ± 0.83% and 91.79 ± 3.30% (n = 5), respectively. Experimental lipophilicities of both radiolabeled ibu were determined. The biological behavior of both radiolabeled ibu was investigated in healthy Albino Wistar male rats by in vivo biodistribution studies. It was seen that both radiolabeled ibuprofen showed renal excretion while organ uptakes of ^99mTc-ibu and ^99mTc(CO)₃-ibu differ against time.

Direct Synthesis of Rhenium and Technetium-99m Metallosurfactants by a Transmetallation Reaction of Lipophilic Groups: Potential Applications in the Radiolabeling of Liposomes

A new zinc dithiocarbamate functionalized with palmitoyl groups is described as a useful tool for the preparation of metallosurfactants through a transmetallation reaction with the transition metals rhenium and technetium. An amphiphilic rhenium complex is synthesized by a transmetallation reaction with the zinc complex in presence of the polar phosphine sodium triphenylphosphine trisulfonate, which leads to a rhenium complex with a lipophilic dithiocarbamate and a polar phosphine ligand. The study of this rhenium complex has shown that it self-aggregates, leading to the formation of aggregates that have been analyzed by dynamic light scattering and cryotransmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). In addition, this amphiphilic rhenium complex is incorporated into soy phosphatidylcholine liposomes, whether liposomes are prepared by mixing phospholipid and the rhenium complex or by the incorporation of the rhenium complex into preformed liposomes. The one-pot reaction of the radiocompound [^99mTc(H₂O)₃(CO)₃]⁺ with the above-mentioned zinc dithiocarbamate, the phosphine sodium triphenylphosphine trisulfonate and the phospholipid soy phosphatidylcholine, leads to liposomes labeled with a Tc-99m homologous complex of the rhenium complex, in accordance with the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data.

Crystal structure of hexacarbonyl-(μ2-methanoato-k2 O:O′)-(μ2–bis(di-p-tolylphosphino)cyclohexylamine-κ2 P:P′)dirhenium(I), C42H45NO8P2Re2

C42H45NO8P2Re2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 24.1612(7) Å, b = 13.0229(3) Å, c = 14.9180(4) Å, β = 121.383(3)°, V = 4007.2(2) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0235, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0596, T = 173(2) K.

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Tracer

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is the state-of-the-art imaging modality in nuclear medicine despite the fact that only a few new SPECT tracers have become available in the past 20 years. Critical for the future success of SPECT is the design of new and specific tracers for the detection, localization, and staging of a disease and for monitoring therapy. The utility of SPECT imaging to address oncologic questions is dependent on radiotracers that ideally exhibit excellent tissue penetration, high affinity to the tumor-associated target structure, specific uptake and retention in the malignant lesions, and rapid clearance from non-targeted tissues and organs. In general, a target-specific SPECT radiopharmaceutical can be divided into two main parts: a targeting biomolecule (e.g., peptide, antibody fragment) and a γ-radiation-emitting radionuclide (e.g., ^99mTc, ¹²³I). If radiometals are used as the radiation source, a bifunctional chelator is needed to link the radioisotope to the targeting entity. In a rational SPECT tracer design, these single components have to be critically evaluated in order to achieve a balance among the demands for adequate target binding, and a rapid clearance of the radiotracer. The focus of this chapter is to depict recent developments of tumor-targeted SPECT radiotracers for imaging of cancer diseases. Possibilities for optimization of tracer design and potential causes for design failure are discussed and highlighted with selected examples.

Formation of a highly dense tetra-rhenium cluster in a protein crystal and its implications in medical imaging

The fact that a protein crystal can serve as a chemical reaction vessel is intrinsically fascinating. That it can produce an electron-dense tetranuclear rhenium cluster compound from a rhenium tri-carbonyl tri-bromo starting compound adds to the fascination. Such a cluster has been synthesized previously in vitro, where it formed under basic conditions. Therefore, its synthesis in a protein crystal grown at pH 4.5 is even more unexpected. The X-ray crystal structures presented here are for the protein hen egg-white lysozyme incubated with a rhenium tri-carbonyl tri-bromo compound for periods of one and two years. These reveal a completed, very well resolved, tetra-rhenium cluster after two years and an intermediate state, where the carbonyl ligands to the rhenium cluster are not yet clearly resolved, after one year. A dense tetranuclear rhenium cluster, and its technetium form, offer enhanced contrast in medical imaging. Stimulated by these crystallography results, the unusual formation of such a species directly in an in vivo situation has been considered. It offers a new option for medical imaging compounds, particularly when considering the application of the pre-formed tetranuclear cluster, suggesting that it may be suitable for medical diagnosis because of its stability, preference of formation and biological compatibility.

Rhenium-188 Labeled Radiopharmaceuticals: Current Clinical Applications in Oncology and Promising Perspectives

Rhenium-188 (¹⁸⁸Re) is a high energy beta-emitting radioisotope with a short 16.9 h physical half-life, which has been shown to be a very attractive candidate for use in therapeutic nuclear medicine. The high beta emission has an average energy of 784 keV and a maximum energy of 2.12 MeV, sufficient to penetrate and destroy targeted abnormal tissues. In addition, the low-abundant gamma emission of 155 keV (15%) is efficient for imaging and for dosimetric calculations. These key characteristics identify ¹⁸⁸Re as an important therapeutic radioisotope for routine clinical use. Moreover, the highly reproducible on-demand availability of ¹⁸⁸Re from the ¹⁸⁸W/¹⁸⁸Re generator system is an important feature and permits installation in hospital-based or central radiopharmacies for cost-effective availability of no-carrier-added (NCA) ¹⁸⁸Re. Rhenium-188 and technetium-99 m exhibit similar chemical properties and represent a “theranostic pair.” Thus, preparation and targeting of ¹⁸⁸Re agents for therapy is similar to imaging agents prepared with ^99mTc, the most commonly used diagnostic radionuclide. Over the last three decades, radiopharmaceuticals based on ¹⁸⁸Re-labeled small molecules, including peptides, antibodies, Lipiodol and particulates have been reported. The successful application of these ¹⁸⁸Re-labeled therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals has been reported in multiple early phase clinical trials for the management of various primary tumors, bone metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and endocoronary interventions. This article reviews the use of ¹⁸⁸Re-radiopharmaceuticals which have been investigated in patients for cancer treatment, demonstrating that ¹⁸⁸Re represents a cost effective alternative for routine clinical use in comparison to more expensive and/or less readily available therapeutic radioisotopes.

Structures of rhenium(I) complexes with 3-hydroxyflavone and benzhydroxamic acid as O,O'-bidentate ligands and confirmation of π-stacking by solid-state NMR spectroscopy

The synthesis and crystal structures of two new rhenium(I) complexes obtained utilizing benzhydroxamic acid (BHAH) and 3-hydroxyflavone (2-phenylchromen-4-one, FlavH) as bidentate ligands, namely tetraethylammonium fac-(benzhydroxamato-κ²O,O')bromidotricarbonylrhenate(I), (C₈H₂₀N)[ReBr(C₇H₆NO₂)(CO)₃], 1, and fac-aquatricarbonyl(4-oxo-2-phenylchromen-3-olato-κ²O,O')rhenium(I)-3-hydroxyflavone (1/1), [Re(C₁₅H₉O₃)(CO)₃(H₂O)]·C₁₅H₁₀O₃, 3, are reported. Furthermore, the crystal structure of free 3-hydroxyflavone, C₁₅H₁₀O₃, 4, was redetermined at 100 K in order to compare the packing trends and solid-state NMR spectroscopy with that of the solvate flavone molecule in 3. The compounds were characterized in solution by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy using the cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) technique. Compounds 1 and 3 both crystallize in the triclinic space group P-1 with one molecule in the asymmetric unit, while 4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁. Molecules of 1 and 3 generate one-dimensional chains formed through intermolecular interactions. A comparison of the coordinated 3-hydroxyflavone ligand with the uncoordinated solvate molecule and free molecule 4 shows that the last two are virtually completely planar due to hydrogen-bonding interactions, as opposed to the former, which is able to rotate more freely. The differences between the solid- and solution-state ¹³C NMR spectra of 3 and 4 are ascribed to inter- and intramolecular interactions. The study also investigated the potential labelling of both bidentate ligands with the corresponding fac-^99mTc-tricarbonyl synthon. All attempts were unsuccessful and reasons for this are provided.

fac-99mTc/Re-tricarbonyl complexes with tridentate aminocarboxyphosphonate ligands: suitability of the phosphonate group in chelate ligand design of new imaging agents

Ligands that coordinate via dianionic phosphonate groups have not been widely utilized in radiopharmaceuticals. N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (1, PMIDA) and N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (2, PMG) were investigated as new chelators for the 99mTc/Re-tricarbonyl "core" (fac-M(CO)3, M = 99mTc, Re) present in a major class of radiopharmaceuticals. fac-M(CO)3(PMIDA) and fac-M(CO)3(PMG) complexes were studied by HPLC and 1H/13C/31P NMR methods for M = Re (Re-1 and Re-2) and by HPLC for M = 99mTc ( 99m Tc-1 and 99m Tc-2). Re-1 and 99m Tc-1 complexes exhibit a similar pH-dependent equilibrium between geometric linkage isomers (M-1a and M-1b). However, only one isomer exists for M-2 under all conditions. Structural characterization by X-ray crystallography reveals the presence of a bond between a phosphonate oxygen and the Re(I) center in fac-Re(CO)3(PMG) (Re-2). Detailed comparisons of NMR data for Re-2 conclusively demonstrate that the phosphonate group is coordinated in Re-1b (isomer favored at high pH) but not in Re-1a, which has a dangling N-(phosphonomethyl) group. To our knowledge, Re-1b and Re-2 and their 99mTc analogs are the first well-documented examples of complexes with these metal-tricarbonyl cores having a dianionic phosphonate group directly coordinated in a fac-M(CO)3-O-P grouping. Pharmacokinetic studies using Sprague-Dawley rats reveal that 99m Tc-2 is a robust tracer. Hence, phosphonate groups should be considered in designing 99mTc and 186/188Re radiopharmaceuticals, including agents with bioactive moieties attached to dangling carboxylate or phosphonate groups.

Radioactive Transition Metals for Imaging and Therapy

Nuclear medicine is composed of two complementary areas, imaging and therapy. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon imaging, including single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), comprise the imaging component of nuclear medicine. These areas are distinct in that they exploit different nuclear decay processes and also different imaging technologies. In PET, images are created from the 511 keV photons produced when the positron emitted by a radionuclide encounters an electron and is annihilated. In contrast, in single-photon imaging, images are created from the γ rays (and occasionally X-rays) directly emitted by the nucleus. Therapeutic nuclear medicine uses particulate radiation such as Auger or conversion electrons or β^- or α particles. All three of these technologies are linked by the requirement that the radionuclide must be attached to a suitable vector that can deliver it to its target. It is imperative that the radionuclide remain attached to the vector before it is delivered to its target as well as after it reaches its target or else the resulting image (or therapeutic outcome) will not reflect the biological process of interest. Radiochemistry is at the core of this process, and radiometals offer radiopharmaceutical chemists a tremendous range of options with which to accomplish these goals. They also offer a wide range of options in terms of radionuclide half-lives and emission properties, providing the ability to carefully match the decay properties with the desired outcome. This Review provides an overview of some of the ways this can be accomplished as well as several historical examples of some of the limitations of earlier metalloradiopharmaceuticals and the ways that new technologies, primarily related to radionuclide production, have provided solutions to these problems.

Synthesis of ReI tricarbonyl complexes with various sulfur- and oxygen-donating ligands: crystal structures of two ReI dinuclear structures bridged by S atoms

The synthesis and characterization of two dinuclear complexes, namely fac-hexacarbonyl-1κ³C,2κ³C-(pyridine-1κN)[μ-2,2'-sulfanediyldi(ethanethiolato)-1κ²S¹,S³:2κ³S¹,S²,S³]dirhenium(I), [Re₂(C₄H₈S₃)(C₅H₅N)(CO)₆], (1), and tetraethylammonium fac-tris(μ-2-methoxybenzenethiolato-κ²S:S)bis[tricarbonylrhenium(I)], (C₈H₂₀N)[Re₂(C₇H₇OS)₃(CO)₆], (2), together with two mononuclear complexes, namely (2,2'-bithiophene-5-carboxylic acid-κ²S,S')bromidotricarbonylrhenium(I), (3), and bromidotricarbonyl(methyl benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylate-κ²O,S)rhenium(I), (4), are reported. Crystals of (1) and (2) were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of (1) revealed two Re-S-Re bridges. The thioether S atom only bonds to one of the Re^I metal centres, while the geometry of the second Re^I metal centre is completed by a pyridine ligand. The structure of (2) is characterized by three S-atom bridges and an Re...Re nonbonding distance of 3.4879 (5) Å, which is shorter than the distance found for (1) [3.7996 (6)/3.7963 (6) Å], but still clearly a nonbonding distance. Complex (1) is stabilized by six intermolecular hydrogen-bond interactions and an O...O interaction, while (2) is stabilized by two intermolecular hydrogen-bond interactions and two O...π interactions.

99mTc(CO)3+ labeled domain I/II-specific anti-EGFR (scFv)2 antibody fragment for imaging EGFR expression

Bifunctional chelators (BFCs) are covalently linked to biologically active targeting molecules and radiolabeled with radiometals. Technetium-99 m (^99mTc) is the most widely used isotope in nuclear medicine because of its excellent physical properties. The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize a novel BFC that allows for the labeling of antibodies and antibody fragments using the ^99mTc(CO)₃⁺ core which forms a very stable complex with ^99mTc in the +1 oxidation sate. This study reports the synthesis of a BFC 1-pyrrolidinyl-2,5-dione-11-(bis((1-(carboxymethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl)amino)undecanoic acid (SAAC-CIM NHS ester), and the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of ^99mTc(CO)₃-SAAC-CIM-DLO6-(scFv)₂ (^99mTc(CO)₃-DLO6-(scFv)₂), a domain I/II-specific anti-epidermal growth factor receptor I (anti-EGFR) antibody fragment. The chelator allowed radiolabeling the (scFv)₂ antibody fragment in very mild conditions with no significant decrease in binding to EGFR. Radiochemical yields of >50% (radiochemical purity > 95%) of the resulting anti-EGFR (scFv)₂ immunoconjugate ^99mTc(CO)₃-DLO6-(scFv)₂ was obtained. The radioimmunoconjugate was stable in histidine challenge experiments with less than 20% transchelation at 24 h after challenge in the presence of a 1500-fold excess of histidine. In vivo biodistribution of ^99mTc(CO)₃-DLO6-(scFv)₂ indicates that the tracer was mainly cleared via renal excretion and to a lesser extent via the hepatobiliary pathway. The microSPECT imaging studies performed in mice confirmed the in vitro affinity results. The ^99mTc(CO)₃-DLO6-(scFv)₂ shows some promising properties and warrants further investigation for imaging EGFR.

Self-Assembled Multinuclear Complexes Incorporating 99m Tc

Multinuclear complexes or clusters are rarely investigated in medicinal inorganic chemistry although they represent structural intermediates between molecules and nanomaterials. We present in this report two strategies towards ^99m Tc-containing clusters. In a pre-assembly approach, the preformed but incomplete cluster fragment [Re₃ (μ₂ -OH)₃ (μ₃ -OH)(CO)₉ ]^- reacts with [^99m Tc(CO)₃ ]⁺ to the highly stable [^99m TcRe₃ (μ₃ -OH)₄ (CO)₁₂ ] cube. The same structure self-assembles when reacting the mononuclear Re and ^99m Tc precursors in one pot. Integrating the coordinating OH groups from Schiff bases in this concept leads straight to dinuclear, mixed-metal complexes of the type [^99m TcRe(μ₂ -O^N-R¹ )₂ (CO)₆ ] in quantitative yields. Both strategies are unprecedented and open a future path towards clusters, incorporating a ^99m Tc radiolabel while being decorated with targeting or cytotoxic moieties.

Covalent hybrids based on Re(i) tricarbonyl complexes and polypyridine-functionalized polyoxometalate: synthesis, characterization and electronic properties

A series of [Re(CO)₃Br(N^N)] (N^N = substituted 2,2'-bipyridine ligand) complexes based on polypyridine-functionalized Dawson polyoxometalate (1-3) has been synthesized. The new hybrids (4-6) were characterized by various analytical techniques, including absorption, vibrational and luminescence spectroscopies as well as electrochemistry. Both units, the polyoxometalate and the transition metal complex, retain their intrinsic properties. Their combination in the newly prepared hybrids results in improved photosensitization in the high-energy visible region. However, a complete quenching of the emission for the [Re(CO)₃Br(N^N)] complexes is observed due to formation of a charge separated state, Re(ii) - POM^-, as shown by quenching experiments as well as theoretical modelling via DFT.