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Porto F, Cisternino S, Cazzola E, Speltri G, Mou L, Boschi A, Marvelli L, Di Domenico G, Pagnoni A, De Dominicis L, Calliari I, Gennari C, Uccelli L, Pupillo G, Gorgoni G, Esposito J, Martini P. Cyclotron production of manganese-52: a promising avenue for multimodal PET/MRI imaging. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:57. [PMID: 39093479 PMCID: PMC11297007 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-024-00288-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The integration of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) holds promise for advancing diagnostic imaging capabilities. The METRICS project aims to develop cyclotron-driven production of 52Mn for PET/MRI imaging. RESULTS Using the 52Cr(p,n)52Mn reaction, we designed chromium metal targets via Spark Plasma Sintering and developed a separation procedure for isolating 52Mn. Labeling tests were conducted with traditional chelators (i.e. S-2-(4-Isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid) and the 1.4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-8- carbodithioate ligand to produce radioactive complexes suitable for PET/MRI applications. Our methodology yielded high-quality 52Mn suitable for PET radiopharmaceuticals and PET/MRI imaging. Preliminary studies on phantom imaging using microPET and clinical MRI demonstrated the efficacy of our approach. CONCLUSIONS The developed technology offers a promising avenue for producing 52Mn and enhancing PET/MRI imaging capabilities. Further in vivo investigations are warranted to evaluate the potential advantages of this hybrid imaging technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Porto
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70 c/o viale Eliporto, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Cisternino
- Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL-INFN), National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Viale dell'Università, 2, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Emiliano Cazzola
- IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Viale Luigi Rizzardi, 4, 37024, Negrar di Valpolicella, VR, Italy
| | - Giorgia Speltri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Liliana Mou
- Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL-INFN), National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Viale dell'Università, 2, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boschi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Marvelli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Domenico
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat, 1, 44122, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Pagnoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia De Dominicis
- Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL-INFN), National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Viale dell'Università, 2, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 8, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Irene Calliari
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo, 6/a, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Gennari
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo, 6/a, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Licia Uccelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70 c/o viale Eliporto, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gaia Pupillo
- Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL-INFN), National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Viale dell'Università, 2, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Gorgoni
- IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Viale Luigi Rizzardi, 4, 37024, Negrar di Valpolicella, VR, Italy
| | - Juan Esposito
- Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL-INFN), National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Viale dell'Università, 2, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Petra Martini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari, 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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Albanese V, Roccatello C, Pacifico S, Guerrini R, Preti D, Gentili S, Tegoni M, Remelli M, Bellotti D, Amico J, Gorgoni G, Cazzola E. Bifunctional octadentate pseudopeptides as Zirconium-89 chelators for immuno-PET applications. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:38. [PMID: 38705946 PMCID: PMC11070408 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-024-00263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive method that provides fine resolution images, useful in the field of clinical diagnostics. In this context, Zirconium-89 (89Zr)-based imaging agents have represented a great challenge in molecular imaging with immuno-PET, which employs antibodies (mAbs) as biological vectors. Indeed, immuno-PET requires radionuclides that can be attached to the mAb to provide stable in vivo conjugates, and for this purpose, the radioactive element should have a decay half-life compatible with the time needed for the biodistribution of the immunoglobulin. In this regard, 89Zr is an ideal radioisotope for immuno-PET because its half-life perfectly matches the in vivo pharmacokinetics of mAbs. RESULTS The main objective of this work was the design and synthesis of a series of bifunctional octadentate pseudopeptides able to generate stable 89Zr complexes. To achieve this, here we investigated hydroxamate, N-methylhydroxamate and catecholate chelating moieties in complexing radioactive zirconium. N-methylhydroxamate proved to be the most effective 89Zr-chelating group. Furthermore, the increased flexibility and hydrophilicity obtained by using polyoxyethylene groups spacing the hydroxamate units led to chelators capable of rapidly forming (15 min) stable and water-soluble complexes with 89Zr under mild reaction conditions (aqueous environment, room temperature, and physiological pH) that are mandatory for complexation reactions involving biomolecules. Additionally, we report challenge experiments with the competitor ligand EDTA and metal ions such as Fe3+, Zn2+ and Cu2+. In all examined conditions, the chelators demonstrated stability against transmetallation. Finally, a maleimide moiety was introduced to apply one of the most promising ligands in bioconjugation reactions through Thiol-Michael chemistry. CONCLUSION Combining solid phase and solution synthesis techniques, we identified novel 89Zr-chelating molecules with a peptide scaffold. The adopted chemical design allowed modulation of molecular flexibility, hydrophilicity, as well as the decoration with different zirconium chelating groups. Best results in terms of 89Zr-chelating properties were achieved with the N-methyl hydroxamate moiety. The Zirconium complexes obtained with the most effective compounds were water-soluble, stable to transmetallation, and resistant to peptidases for at least 6 days. Further studies are needed to assess the potential of this novel class of molecules as Zirconium-chelating agents for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Albanese
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Palazzo Turchi di Bagno, C.So Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Chiara Roccatello
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Gentili
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area Delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Tegoni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area Delle Scienze 11/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Remelli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Denise Bellotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jonathan Amico
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Gorgoni
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Emiliano Cazzola
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
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Boschi A, Martini P. Metal-Based Radiopharmaceuticals in Inorganic Chemistry. Molecules 2023; 28:2290. [PMID: 36903534 PMCID: PMC10005725 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of radiopharmaceuticals is constantly evolving thanks to the great contribution of specialists coming from different disciplines such as inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, organic and biochemistry, pharmacology, nuclear medicine, physics, etc [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Boschi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Petra Martini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Natural and enriched Cr target development for production of Manganese-52. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1167. [PMID: 36670119 PMCID: PMC9859786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27257-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
52Mn is a promising PET radiometal with a half-life of 5.6 days and an average positron energy of 242 keV. Typically, chromium of natural isotope abundance is used as a target material to produce this isotope through the nat/52Cr(p,n)52Mn reaction. While natural Cr is a suitable target material, higher purity 52Mn could be produced by transitioning to enriched 52Cr targets to prevent the co-production of long-lived 54Mn (t1/2 = 312 day). Unfortunately, 52Cr targets are not cost-effective without recycling processes in place, therefore, this work aims to explore routes to prepare Cr targets that could be recycled. Natural Cr foils, metal powder pellets, enriched chromium-52 oxide and Cr(III) electroplated targets were investigated in this work. Each of these cyclotron targets were irradiated, and the produced 52Mn was purified, when possible, using a semi-automated system. An improved purification by solid-phase anion exchange from ethanol-HCl mixtures resulted in recoveries of 94.5 ± 2.2% of 52Mn. The most promising target configuration to produce a recyclable target was electroplated Cr(III). This work presents several pathways to optimize enriched Cr targets for the production of high purity 52Mn.
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Cyclotron Production of Gallium-68 Radiopharmaceuticals Using the 68Zn(p,n) 68Ga Reaction and Their Regulatory Aspects. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010070. [PMID: 36678699 PMCID: PMC9867404 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Designing and implementing various radionuclide production methods guarantees a sustainable supply, which is important for medical use. The use of medical cyclotrons for radiometal production can increase the availability of gallium-68 (68Ga) radiopharmaceuticals. Although generators have greatly influenced the demand for 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals, the use of medical cyclotrons is currently being explored. The resulting 68Ga production is several times higher than obtained from a generator. Moreover, the use of solid targets yields end of purification and end of synthesis (EOS) of up to 194 GBq and 72 GBq, respectively. Furthermore, experiments employing liquid targets have provided promising results, with an EOS of 3 GBq for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11. However, some processes can be further optimized, specifically purification, to achieve high 68Ga recovery and apparent molar activity. In the future, 68Ga will probably remain one of the most in-demand radionuclides; however, careful consideration is needed regarding how to reduce the production costs. Thus, this review aimed to discuss the production of 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals using Advanced Cyclotron Systems, Inc. (ACSI, Richmond, BC, Canada) Richmond, Canada and GE Healthcare, Wisconsin, USA cyclotrons, its related factors, and regulatory concerns.
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Recovery of Gallium-68 and Zinc from HNO 3-Based Solution by Liquid-Liquid Extraction with Arylamino Phosphonates. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238377. [PMID: 36500470 PMCID: PMC9735965 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The cyclotron production of gallium-68 via the 68Zn(p,n)68Ga nuclear reaction in liquid targets is gaining significant traction in clinics. This work describes (1) the synthesis of new arylamino phosphonates via the Kabachnik-Fields reaction, (2) their use for liquid-liquid extraction of 68Ga from 1 M Zn(NO3)2/0.01 M HNO3 in batch and continuous flow, and (3) the use of Raman spectroscopy as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool for in-line measurement of 68Zn. The highest extraction efficiencies were obtained with the extractants functionalized with trifluoromethyl substituents and ethylene glycol ponytails, which were able to extract up to 90% of gallium-68 in batch and 80% in flow. Only ppm amounts of zinc were co-extracted. The extraction efficiency was a function of pKa and the aqueous solubility of the extractant and showed marked concentration, solvent, and temperature dependence. Raman spectroscopy was found to be a promising PAT tool for the continuous production of gallium-68.
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Target manufacturing by Spark Plasma Sintering for efficient 89Zr production. Nucl Med Biol 2021; 104-105:38-46. [PMID: 34856450 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Zirconium-89 (89Zr) is an emerging radionuclide for positron emission tomography (PET), with nuclear properties suitable for imaging slow biological processes in cellular targets. The 89Y(p,n)89Zr nuclear reaction is commonly exploited as the main production route with medical cyclotrons accelerating low-energy (< 20 MeV) and low-current (< 100 μA) proton beams. Usually, natural yttrium solid targets manufactured by different methods, including yttrium electrodeposition, yttrium sputtering, compressed yttrium powders, and foils, were employed. In this study, the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique has been investigated, for the first time, to manufacture yttrium solid targets for an efficient 89Zr radionuclide yield. The natural yttrium disc was bonded to a niobium backing plate using a commercial SPS apparatus and a prototype machine assembled at the University of Pavia. The resulting targets were irradiated in a TR19 cyclotron with a 12 MeV proton beam at 50 μA. A dedicated dissolution module, obtained from a commercial system, was used to develop an automated process for the purification and recovery of the produced 89Zr radionuclide. The production yield and recovery efficiency were measured and compared to 89Zr produced by irradiating standard yttrium foils. SPS manufactured targets withstand an average heat power density of approximately 650 W∙cm-2 for continuous irradiation up to 5 h without visible damage. A saturation yield of 14.12 ± 0.38 MBq/μAh was measured. The results showed that the obtained 89Zr production yield and quality were comparable to similar data obtained using standard yttrium foil targets. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates that the SPS technique might be a suitable technical manufacturing solution aimed at high-yield 89Zr radioisotope production.
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