ROC

Radiochemistry on chip

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The aim of this project is the design, fabrication and implementation of a microdevice able to synthesise radiopharmaceuticals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) analysis, a technique usually employed in medicine for its unsurpassed sensitivity and specificity. We propose to develop a modular microfluidic architecture which can be used for standard synthesis protocols as well as for R&D of new radiopharmaceuticals. In order to achieve this target, emerging technologies in the field of micro reactors and micro total analysis systems (μ–TAS) have to be applied to the synthetic pathways typical for radiopharmaceuticals, thus improving the traditional approach in terms of efficiency and safety. A deep knowledge of the chemical processes and of the separation techniques involved in radiosynthesis is needed to define the features of the modules to be fabricated as well as state of art techniques in the field of micro fabrications and microfluidics for the implementation of high performance micro devices. Standard synthesis protocols and new radiopharmaceuticals will be carried into the micro devices thus evaluating their efficiency and versatility. The yields and the purity of the products produced into micro devices will be compared with those obtained with traditional methods and tested in vivo for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) analysis. To ensure the success of the overall project, we will take advantage of a strict collaboration between chemists, physics and engineers in an interdisciplinary approach. For this purpose, we built an international network collaboration between academic partners dealing with the technological side, an industrial partner for checking the system robustness and a physiological clinical institute able to evaluate the end-user outcome.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an important medical diagnostic and research tool that requires radioactive labelling of molecules using bulky and expensive equipment. Researchers have developed a cheap, portable alternative for labelling these molecules using a microfluidic chip device.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Radiolabelled molecules generally have a very short period of usefulness, requiring them to be produced on-site. The growing PET market needs require an alternative to the currently used expensive, bulky cyclotron devices to produce these radiopharmaceuticals or molecules.

A project called 'Radiochemistry on chip' (ROC) was funded by the EU to develop a microfluidic device to replace the current technology. The project required collaboration between chemists, physicists and engineers, besides the incorporation of academic, industrial and public health institutions.

Prior to building a functional prototype, a full analysis and optimisation of all the components was performed to see if the device was feasible. This involved testing all components for functionality and safety with both non-radioactive and radioactive reagents.

Once each module had been successfully tested, several microfluidic chips were manufactured using different designs and materials. A prototype device was constructed, incorporating several chips and a radiation detector for added safety.

Early testing results indicated that the yield of the new chip system was comparable to the current standard with higher efficiency and better control. This semi-continuous system had better speed and flexibility.

PET is an increasingly important technique for medical research and diagnosis. The development of an efficient and safe alternative to radiolabelling with a cyclotron represents an important breakthrough for this technology.