Improved synthesis of [(18)F]FLETT via a fully automated vacuum distillation method for [(18)F]2-fluoroethyl azide purification

The synthesis of [(18)F]2-fluoroethyl azide and its subsequent click reaction with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) to form [(18)F]FLETT was performed using an iPhase FlexLab module. The implementation of a vacuum distillation method afforded [(18)F]2-fluoroethyl azide in 87±5.3% radiochemical yield. The use of Cu(CH3CN)4PF6 and TBTA as catalyst enabled us to fully automate the [(18)F]FLETT synthesis without the need for the operator to enter the radiation field. [(18)F]FLETT was produced in higher overall yield (41.3±6.5%) and shorter synthesis time (67min) than with our previously reported manual method (32.5±2.5% in 130min).

Batch-reactor microfluidic device: first human use of a microfluidically produced PET radiotracer

The very first microfluidic device used for the production of (18)F-labeled tracers for clinical research is reported along with the first human Positron Emission Tomography scan obtained with a microfluidically produced radiotracer. The system integrates all operations necessary for the transformation of [(18)F]fluoride in irradiated cyclotron target water to a dose of radiopharmaceutical suitable for use in clinical research. The key microfluidic technologies developed for the device are a fluoride concentration system and a microfluidic batch reactor assembly. Concentration of fluoride was achieved by means of absorption of the fluoride anion on a micro ion-exchange column (5 μL of resin) followed by release of the radioactivity with 45 μL of the release solution (95 ± 3% overall efficiency). The reactor assembly includes an injection-molded reactor chip and a transparent machined lid press-fitted together. The resulting 50 μL cavity has a unique shape designed to minimize losses of liquid during reactor filling and liquid evaporation. The cavity has 8 ports for gases and liquids, each equipped with a 2-way on-chip mechanical valve rated for pressure up to 20.68 bar (300 psi). The temperature is controlled by a thermoelectric heater capable of heating the reactor up to 180 °C from RT in 150 s. A camera captures live video of the processes in the reactor. HPLC-based purification and reformulation units are also integrated in the device. The system is based on "split-box architecture", with reagents loaded from outside of the radiation shielding. It can be installed either in a standard hot cell, or as a self-shielded unit. Along with a high level of integration and automation, split-box architecture allowed for multiple production runs without the user being exposed to radiation fields. The system was used to support clinical trials of [(18)F]fallypride, a neuroimaging radiopharmaceutical under IND Application #109,880.

Determination of residual Kryptofix 2.2.2 levels in [18F]-labeled radiopharmaceuticals for human use

4,7,13,16,21,24-Hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (Kryptofix 2.2.2) is used in the routine preparation of [18F]-labeled tracers employed in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Confirming the absence of Kryptofix in radiopharmaceuticals is a quality control criterion required before they can be released for human use. Analysis of Kryptofix levels using the iodoplatinate spot-test can be complicated by false-positive results due to nitrogen containing tracers and/or false-negative results caused by added stabilizers. To overcome this issue, we have developed a universal TLC method for the rapid and reliable determination of Kryptofix levels in the wide range of fluorine-18 radiopharmaceuticals we prepare, including complex multi-component formulations.

6-Chloro-3-(((1-[11C]methyl)-2-(S)-pyrrolidinyl)methoxy)-5-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)pyridine ([11C]JHU85270), a potent ligand for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor imaging by positron emission tomography

6-Chloro-3-((1-methyl)-2-(S)-pyrrolidinyl)methoxy)-5-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)pyridine (JHU85270), a novel high-affinity ligand for the alpha4beta2 nicotine acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) (K(i)=86, 115 pM; K(i)(JHU85270)/K(i)(epibatidine)=1.7) with a log D(7.4)=1.6 was synthesized in 56% overall yield. [(11)C]JHU85270 was synthesized from [(11)C]-methyl iodide and the corresponding normethyl precursor. The average time of radiosynthesis, purification, and formulation was 37 min from the end of bombardment. The average radiochemical yield of [(11)C]JHU85270 was 37%+/-3% (non-decay corrected). The average specific radioactivity was 398+/-165 GBq/micromol (10750+/-4468 mCi/micromol) and the radiochemical purity was greater than 99%.

Radiosynthesis of 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]-fluoro-5-methyl-1-beta-L-arabinofuranosyluracil ([18F]-L-FMAU) for PET

Radiosynthesis of 2'-deoxy-2'-[(18)F]-fluoro-5-methyl-1-beta-L-arabinofuranosyluracil ([(18)F]-L-FMAU) is reported. Compound 1 was synthesized and converted to 2-triflate 2. Compound 3 was prepared from 2 using tetrabutylammonium[(18)F]fluoride, converted to 4, and then coupled with 5. The crude product was hydrolyzed, and purified by HPLC to obtain 7a. The radiochemical yield of [(18)F]-L-FMAU was 26% decay corrected (d.c.) in four runs with radiochemical purity >99% and specific activity 2200 mCi/micromol. The synthesis time was 3.3-3.5h from the end of bombardment (EOB).

A new precursor for the preparation of 6-[18F]Fluoro-L-m-tyrosine ([18F]FMT): efficient synthesis and comparison of radiolabeling

For the electrophilic preparation of 6-[18F]fluoro-L-m-tyrosine ([18F]FMT), a PET tracer for measuring changes in dopaminergic function in movement disorders, a novel precursor, N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-(tert-butoxycarbonyloxy)-6-trimethylstannnyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester, was synthesized in four steps and 26% yield starting from L-m-tyrosine. [18F]FMT produced by two methods at two institutions was comparable in both radiochemical yield, 25-26%, and quality (chemical, enantiomeric, and radiochemical purity and specific activity) as that obtained with the original N-trifluoroacetyl-3-acetyl-6-trimethylstannyl-L-m-tyrosine ethyl ester [18F]FMT precursor.

Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of 18F-fluorinated α-amino acids under phase-transfer conditions using (s)-NOBIN

We describe a new method for the asymmetric synthesis of [(18)F]fluorinated aromatic alpha-amino acids (FAA) under phase transfer conditions using achiral glycine derivative NiPBPGly and (S)-NOBIN as a novel substrate/catalyst pair. The key alkylation step proceeds under mild conditions. Substituted [(18)F]fluorobenzylbromides were prepared using nucleophilic [(18)F]fluoride and were used as alkylation agents. Two important FAA, 2-[(18)F]fluoro-L-tyrosine (2-FTYR) and 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-FDOPA), were synthesized with an ee of 92 and 96%, respectively. The total synthesis time was 110-120 min and radiochemical yields (d.c.) were 25+/-6% for 2-FTYR and 16+/-5% for 6-FDOPA.

Purification of the precursor for the automated radiosynthesis of []FCWAY by counter-current chromatography

Radiolabeled FCWAY (N-(2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazino])-N-(2-pyridinyl) trans-4-fluorocyclohexanecarboxamide) was prepared for human positron emission tomography (PET) studies by a simple one-step radiosynthesis. The LC-MS analysis of the products indicated that it contained impurities which may interfere with FCWAY uptake of 5-HT1A receptors and that these impurities were derived from an impurity originally present in the precursor preparation. Since preparative HPLC failed to resolve one of the impurities from the precursor, preparative-scale high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was used for purification of this FCWAY precursor. A suitable two-phase solvent system composed of cyclohexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water at a volume ratio of 1:1:1:1 or 4:5:4:5 was selected based on the partition coefficients of the precursor and impurity as determined by a LC-MS method. Using the second solvent ratio of 4:5:4:5 with the organic phase as a mobile phase, a 2.57 g amount of precursor preparation was successfully purified yielding 2.2 g of the pure precursor by a single run.

PET Practice in Nuclear Pharmacy

PET systems, which are based on many years of work in theoretical and practical physics, provide a window into both normal and disease state biochemical processes not possible by other external imaging techniques. FDG is a workhorse of PET chemistry, helping to visualize the accumulation of glucose in cancer cells. A complex series of steps is involved in [18F]fluoride ion production to make a sterile, injectable solution of FDG. PET and CT scanners are being developed that increase greatly the clinical utility of both technologies.

Improved target system for production of high purity [18F]fluorine via the 18O(p,n)18F reaction

An improved aluminium target system for production of elemental fluorine via the 18O(p,n)18F reaction using a two-step irradiation protocol is described. In the first step highly enriched gaseous oxygen-18 is irradiated with protons to form fluorine-18 which gets deposited on the inner target surface. In the second step, after cryogenic recovery of oxygen-18 target gas, a mixture of elemental 'cold' fluorine and krypton is introduced and a short proton irradiation is done, whereby an isotopic exchange between the gaseous fluorine and the deposited radiofluorine occurs. The second step leads to the recovery of the radiofluorine as [18F]fluorine. Optimisation studies were performed regarding the yield and specific radioactivity of [18F]fluorine. Furthermore, some irradiation parameters relevant to the recovery step were investigated. It was found that a 15 to 20 min irradiation with a beam current of 20 microA is sufficient for the isotopic exchange between the fluorine-carrier and the 18F-radioactivity deposited on the inner wall of the target. The distribution of the 18F-radioactivity deposited on the inner target surface is inhomogeneous, probably due to convection effects. Extensive radioanalytical techniques were applied to characterise the reactivity of [18F]fluorine and to identify undesired nonreactive 18F-compounds, mainly [18F]tetrafluoromethane and [18F]nitrogentrifluoride. The [18F]fluorine produced in the system used has the distinction of having a negligible contamination from those inert 18F-compounds. This is a combined effect of the use of highest purity gases and a welded target construction, which avoids any contact of the gases with organic material during irradiations. The target has proved to be very reliable for production of [18F]fluorine in high yields of up to 34 GBq and specific activities of 350-600 GBq/mmol, both at 30 min after end of activation bombardment.

A simple and semi-automated system for increasing the recovery of aqueous [18F] fluoride from target

A simple semi-automated apparatus is described for rinsing the transport line from the [18F] fluoride. target to the hot-cell after recovery of aqueous [18F] fluoride. The additional activity thus recovered can then be added to that previously trapped on Dowex 1X8 (CO3=) or, alternatively, diverted to a second vial for other uses such as research, PET-camera calibration or bone investigations by PET. Inclusion of the target chamber in the rinsing procedure increased the additional recovery of activity up to ca. 15%, without a noticeable effect on the isotopic integrity of the recovered [18O]H2O.

Production of [18F]F2 using the 16O(3He,p)18F reaction

For the first time, the 16O(3He,p)18F reaction has been used for the production of 18F electrophilic reagents. The predominant reactive chemical specie recovered in the single-step postirradiation gases was [18F]F2. Decay curve and Ge(Li) analyses established the main radionuclidic impurities in this nuclear reaction as 11C and 15O. Recovery of the 18F activity was exceptionally high, approaching 90% using an electroformed nickel target body. Consistent 18F recoveries for this nuclear reaction (approximately 70%) were realized with a novel aluminum target body. The utility of the [18F]F2 recovered from this oxygen gas target system in radiopharmaceutical preparations is demonstrated by the successful synthesis of 6-[18F]fluoro-L-dopa (11.0 mCi at EOB) via a fluorodemercuration method.

Development of an improved target for [18F]F2 production

An A1 body target with improved yields of electrophilic [18F]F2 on the Siemens/CTI 11 MeV proton cyclotron at Wisconsin has been developed. The saturation yield is 3.10 +/- 0.40 GBq/microA for beam currents up to 45 microA. The target has routinely produced 20-40 GBq of [18F]F2 for clinical and experimental use over 1600 microA-h operation, with a maximum yield to date of 45.5 GBq (1.2 Ci). Target design, performance and reliability are discussed.

Aqueous carbonic acid: a readily removable electrolyte for the recovery of [18F]fluoride from anion exchange resins

[18F]Fluoride was recovered from [18O]target water in high yield by trapping it on a microcolumn of an anion exchange resin (20 mg Dowex 1 x 8, 400 mesh) and subsequent elution of the column (in the reverse direction) by aqueous carbonic acid at 52 atm. The carbonic acid was removed from the [18F]fluoride solution by brief heating at 85 C, 1 atm. Thus no extraneous electrolyte was introduced by the extraction process. The resulting bicarbonate form of the resin was immediately capable of trapping further [18F]fluoride, permitting a repetitive remote system for recovery of [18O]water. Chloride was substantially retained on the column permitting separation of [18F]fluoride from the former.

Recovery and purification of no-carrier-added [18F]fluoride with bistrimethylsilylsulfate (BTMSS)

No-carrier-added trimethylsilyl[18F]fluoride (TMS[18F]F) was rapidly liberated from a variety of dry supports containing unreactive [18F]fluoride by simply heating with neat bistrimethylsilylsulfate. The supports included calcium phosphate, anion exchange resins, alumina, borosilicate and porous carbon beads, to which [18F]fluoride was applied by absorption or evaporation of aqueous solution. TMS[18F]F was evolved essentially free of entrained moisture or excess silylating agent and was efficiently absorbed and rapidly cleaved to free [18F]fluoride ion by 0.1% benzyltrimethylammonium methoxide in anhydrous methanol. Passage of this solution through a strong cation exchange column provided purified hydrogen[18F]fluoride, which was subsequently trapped on a quaternary 4-aminopyridinium resin and used for heterogeneous nucleophilic radiofluorination of 1,3,4,6-tetraacetyl-beta-mannopyranose-2-triflate in 70% yield. The purified [18F]fluoride was also used for solution phase nucleophilic labeling of ethyl [18F]4-fluorobenzoate following addition of K2 CO3/Kryptofix and DMSO. This approach provides a simplified way to ensure high reactivity in [18F]fluoride ion from cyclotron targets. It also may be used to salvage active [18F]fluoride ion from insoluble complexes and radiofluorination reaction residues.

Extraction of [18F]fluoride from [18O]water by a fast fibrous anion exchange resin

[18F]Fluoride for nucleophilic radiofluorination was recovered from target water by trapping on a fibrous anion exchange resin in the hydroxide form and subsequent displacement into wet methanolic K2CO3. Extraction into methanol facilitated rapid evaporation and resolubilization of the [18F]fluoride as an ion pair. The resin was first dried in situ and rehydrated with [18O]H2O to avoid isotopic dilution of the target water.

Separation of [18F]fluoride from [18O]water using anion exchange resin

The separation of no carrier added [18F]fluoride from 18O enriched water is described. The [18F]fluoride is deposited on Dowex 1 x 10 anion exchange resin as the water is passed through. The 18F is removed by elution with a dilute solution of cesium carbonate or potassium carbonate in water. Recovery of the 18F is greater than 95% efficient with a loss of 18O water of less than 5 microL from a volume of 3 mL.

Recovery of [18F]fluoride from [18O]water in an electrochemical cell

The recovery of [18F]fluoride from [18O]water using an electric field to deposit and remove the fluoride is described. An electrolytic cell was constructed to study [18F]fluoride recovery as a function of voltage, voltage gradient, and time using vitreous carbon and platinum electrodes. The fluoride ion is both deposited onto and removed from the carbon electrode most efficiently at voltages more than 10 V. Typically 95% of the 18F activity from the target could be deposited onto the carbon electrode. Seventy percent of the activity deposited could then be released from the carbon electrode after excitation of the cell with an electric field of an opposite polarity and equal magnitude to the deposition field. These efficiencies were obtained after excitation of the cell for 5 min for both the deposition and the release of [18F]fluoride. The reactivity of [18F]fluoride reclaimed from the electrolytic cell was probed using the syntheses of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose and para [18F]fluoronitrobenzene as test systems.

Rapid, inexpensive quality control of fluorine-18 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose preparations using the hexokinase reaction in vitro

A rapid enzymatic method for determining the purity of 2FDG preparations has been devised. A small aliquot of the preparation is incubated with a hexokinase/adenosine triphosphate/Mg+2 mixture and passed through a Dowex 1 ion-exchange column, which retains the 2FDG-6-phosphate. Another aliquot, without prior incubation, is passed through an identical column and the 2FDG radioactivity is found in the eluant. The criteria for purity are quantitative retention of the 2FDG-6-phosphate on the column and no retention of 2FDG. Comparison of the HK method with thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography assays indicate that the HK method can serve as a rapid, simple and inexpensive alternative to these other methods. It can be used in a routine quality control program and may be easily adaptable to automated 2FDG synthetic methods.