Background: Automated radiosynthesizers are vital for routine production of positron-emission tomography tracers to minimize radiation exposure to operators and to ensure reproducible synthesis yields. The recent trend in the synthesizer industry towards the use of disposable kits aims to simplify setup and operation for the user, but often introduces several limitations related to temperature and chemical compatibility, thus requiring reoptimization of protocols developed on non-cassette-based systems. Radiochemists would benefit from a single hybrid system that provides tremendous flexibility for development and optimization of reaction conditions while also providing a pathway to simple, cassette-based production of diverse tracers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe present a plug-and-play radiosynthesis platform and accompanying computer software based on modular subunits that can easily and flexibly be configured to implement a diverse range of radiosynthesis protocols. Modules were developed that perform: (i) reagent storage and delivery, (ii) evaporations and sealed reactions, and (iii) cartridge-based purifications. The reaction module incorporates a simple robotic mechanism that removes tubing from the vessel and replaces it with a stopper prior to sealed reactions, enabling the system to withstand high pressures and thus provide tremendous flexibility in choice of solvents and temperatures.
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