Comparison of ‘classic’ Tc-DTPA, Tc(CO)3-DTPA and Tc(CO)2(NO)-DTPA

Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was labeled with ^99mTc in three different ways, resulting in ‘classic’ ^99mTc-DTPA, ^99mTc(CO)₃-DTPA and ^99mTc(CO)₂(NO)-DTPA. The biodistribution of the formed DTPA-complexes was studied in mice with a special emphasis on the behavior of the novel tricarbonyl and dicarbonyl-nitrosyl complexes, which was clearly differing from that of ‘classic’ ^99mTc-DTPA. The conversion of a Tc-tricarbonyl complex to a Tc-dicarbonyl-nitrosyl complex using NO⁺ reagents offers a synthetic tool for preparing a novel class of ^99mTc labeled compounds.     

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.     

The interaction of <Superscript>99m</Superscript>Tc with pyrimidine compounds

The reaction of ^99mTc of different oxidation states (+7, +4) with 2-thiouracil and 5-nitrobarbituric acid have been studied at different temperatures, pH and concentrations. The reaction mixtures have been analyzed at different times using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and a radio detector to show the peaks at the plates. ^99mTc is obtained from the Mo generators with oxidation state (+7). The use of SnCl₂ as a reducing agent gave ^99mTc with oxidation state (+4). It is very difficult to separate the complexes formed from the reactions in very small concentration. The percentage of ^99mTc and its oxidation state involved in the complexes can be determined. The labeling efficiencies (percentage of complex) in the reaction of ^99mTc⁺⁷ with 5-nitro-barbituric-acid increases mostly at pH  10. Both oxidation states of ^99mTc(+7, +4) can be detected at pH’s 4 and 10, but at pH  4, the reduced form ^99mTCO₂, is more pronounced. At pH  7 no complexes were detected and most of ^99mTc remains as ^99mTCO₄ ⁻ . By increasing the ligand concentration, the labeling efficiencies of the complex increases. For the reaction of ^99mTc of oxidation states (+4, +7) with 2-thiouracil at different temperatures and analytical times it is concluded that several complexes with different R_f values were observed in equilibrium and most of these complexes were unstable.     

Developing a Chromatographic 99mTc Generator Based on Mesoporous Alumina for Industrial Radiotracer Applications: A Potential New Generation Sorbent for Using Low-Specific-Activity 99Mo

The commercial low-pressure column chromatographic ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generator represents a reliable source of onsite, ready-to-use ^99mTc for industrial applications. These generators use fission-produced ⁹⁹Mo of high specific activity, posing serious production challenges and raising proliferation concerns. Therefore, many concepts are aimed at using low-specific-activity (LSA) ⁹⁹Mo. Nonetheless, the main roadblock is the low sorption capacity of the used alumina (Al₂O₃). This study investigates the feasibility of using commercial alumina incorporated with LSA ⁹⁹Mo to develop a useful ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generator for industrial radiotracer applications. First, the adsorption profiles of some commercial alumina sorbents for LSA ⁹⁹Mo were tested under different experimental conditions. Then, the potential materials to develop a ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generator were selected and evaluated regarding elution yield of ^99mTc and purity. Among the sorbents investigated in this study, mesoporous alumina (SA-517747) presented a unique sorption-elution profile. It demonstrated a high equilibrium and dynamic sorption capacity of 148 ± 8 and 108 ± 6 mg Mo/g. Furthermore, ^99mTc was eluted with high yield and adequate chemical, radiochemical, and radionuclidic purity. Therefore, this approach provides an efficient and cost-effective way to supply onsite ^99mTc for radiotracer applications independent of fission-produced ⁹⁹Mo technology.     

Preparation of99mTc-thiourea complex as a precursor for Tc(III) labeled compounds

Ligand exchange is one of the possible synthetic routes to obtain^99mTc coordination compounds. However, the success of this route depends on the availability of good precursors. The objective of this work is the preparation of the complex [^99mTc(tu)₆]³⁺ (tu = thiourea), as a potential precursor for^99mTc(III) coordination compounds. The preparation was successfully performed in acidic conditions, the excess of tu serving as reducing agent. At pH values higher than 3, the compound becomes unstable and on addition of polydentate ligands new Tc(III) complexes are formed. With edta, the complex^99mTc(III)-edta was obtained in high yield.     

Rapid Preparation and Easy Quality Control Procedures for 99mTc‐Tin‐Nano Colloid: A Lymphoscintigraphic Agent

^99mTc‐Tin‐nano colloid is a radiopharmaceutical that can be useful in evaluation of the patients with breast cancer. The current method for preparation requires a lengthy boiling water bath procedure, and the recommended quality control procedure is cumbersome and time consuming. Using a microwave oven, the heating time necessary to provide a maximum labeling efficiency has been reduced to 10 second. A new mini paper chromatography (MPC) system has been developed to analyze the radiochemical purity (RCP) of the labeled preparation involving two different developing solvents. The recommended thin layer chromatography (TLC) system involving the use of an Al₂O₃ coated plate requires an average time for drying and development of 34.5 ± 0.44 min (n = 30) to complete, whereas the new MPC system has an average developing time of 2.1 ± 0.2 min (n = 20). For RCP values the MPC and TLC methods are correlated closely (r = 0.94). The combined use of the microwave oven heating method and over quick quality control system will facilitate the rapid emergency use of ^99mTc‐Tin‐nano colloid.     

Characterization of 99mTc(CO)3-iminodiacetic acid (IDA) and its comparison with 99mTc-(IDA)2 using compounds for hepatobiliary scintigraphy

The organometallic precursor of fac-[^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ has attracted much attention because of the robustness and small size of Tc(I)-tricarbonyl complexes compared to Tc(V) complexes and the good labeling affinity with a variety of donor atoms. Among various ligand systems, an iminodiacetic acid (IDA) was proven as a good chelating group to form a Tc(III)-compelx as well as has been shown its potential as a chelating system for fac-[^99mTc(CO)₃] precursor. In an attempt to confirm the similarity and the difference between ^99mTc(CO)₃-IDA and ^99mTc-(IDA)₂-complex, M(CO)₃-IDA (M = ^99mTc, Re) complexes of disofenin, mebrofenin and N-(3-iodo-2,4,6-trimethyl phenylcarbamoylmethyl) iminodiacetic acid were prepared, and the biological evaluation of ^99mTc(CO)₃-disofenin was performed. The ^99mTc(CO)₃-IDA complexes were prepared with a high radiolabeling yield (>98%) in a quantitative manner and showed a negative charge. The in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior of ^99mTc(CO)₃-disofenin showed a similar biological activity to ^99mTc-(disofenin)₂ in that those complexes were quickly cleared from the blood by the hepatocytes and excreted into the gallbladder and intestine. Accordingly, the ^99mTc(CO)₃-IDA derivatives of disofenin and mebrofenin might be used as hepatobiliary imaging agents. Since an IDA is a promising chelator for ^99mTc-based radiopharmaceutical and the biological properties of ^99mTc(CO)₃-IDA derivative shows similar to that of ^99mTc-complex, a biomolecule containing IDA can be freely radiolabeled with fac-[^99mTc(CO)₃]-precursor or ^99mTc. However, the radiolabeling efficiency and the biological behavior demonstrates the favorable properties of ^99mTc(CO)₃-IDA compound for the development of a new imaging agent.     

Preparation and bioevaluation of <Superscript>99m</Superscript>Tc–carbonyl complex of guanine

The aim of this study is to prepare radiolabeled guanine with ^99mTc(CO)₃⁺ core. For this purpose, guanine has been radiolabeled with ^99mTc(CO)₃⁺ core. Quality control study of radiolabeled guanine molecule with ^99mTc(CO)₃⁺ core was performed by thin layer radio chromatography (TLRC) and high performance liquid radio chromatography (HPLRC). The results showed that the radiolabeling yield was quite high (94 ± 3%). Beside that ^99mTc(CO)₃–Gua complex has showed good in vitro stability during the 24 h period. Radiopharmaceutical potential of this complex was evaluated in Wistar Albino Rats. It was concluded that ^99mTc(CO)₃–Gua could be used as a nucleotide radiopharmaceutical for in vivo applications.     

Complexes of technetium(I) (Tc, Tc) pentacarbonyl core with π-acceptor ligands (tert-butyl isocyanide and triphenylphosphine): Crystal structures of [Tc(CO)5(PPh3)]OTf and [Tc(CO)5(CNC(CH3)3)]ClO4

A procedure was developed for preparing [^99mTcX(CO)₅] (X = Cl, Br, I) in a reasonable yield by high-pressure carbonylation with CO of ^99mTcO₄⁻ in aqueous solutions. In the synthesis, the substantial part of the target product is accumulated in the gas phase and can be transferred from the autoclave into various solvents when relieving the pressure. Compounds [^99mTcX(CO)₅] (X = Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) are stable in solutions for several hours, but in the course of longer storage they gradually decompose to give the tricarbonyl species. Substitution of the halide ligands in [⁹⁹TcX(CO)₅] and [^99mTcX(CO)₅] with tert-butyl isocyanide and triphenylphosphine was studied. The structures of the complexes [Tc(CO)₅(PPh₃)]OTf and [Tc(CO)₅(CNC(CH₃)₃)]ClO₄ are presented.     

A novel electrochemical <Superscript>99</Superscript>Mo/<Superscript>99m</Superscript>Tc generator

A novel electrochemical process to avail clinical grade ^99mTc from (n,γ)⁹⁹Mo has been demonstrated. The electrochemical parameters were optimized to maximize the ^99mTc yield with minimal ⁹⁹Mo contamination. ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generators containing up to 29.6 GBq (800 mCi) ⁹⁹Mo were developed and their performance were extensively evaluated for 10 days without changing the operating conditions. Very high radioactive concentration of ^99mTcO₄ ⁻ of acceptable quality, commensurate with hospital radiopharmacy requirements could be availed from the system with >90% yield. The compatibility of the product for the formulation of ^99mTc labeled radiopharmaceuticals such as ^99mTc-DMSA and ^99mTc-EC was found to be satisfactory in terms of high labeling yields. The proposed route represents an important step for enhancing the scope of accessing clinical grade ^99mTc from low specific activity (n, γ)⁹⁹Mo.     

Novel 99mTc labeled σ receptor ligand as a potential tumor imaging agent

A novel ^99mTc labeled complex, [N-[2-((2-oxo-2-(4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl) (2-mercaptoethyl)amino)acetyl]-2-aminoethanethiolato]Technetium(V) oxide (PPPE-MAMA’-^99mTcO) ([ ^99m Tc]-2) has been designed and prepared based on the integrated approach. The corresponding rhenium complex (PPPE-MAMA’-ReO)(Re-2) has been prepared and characterized. In vitro competition binding assays show moderate affinity of Re-2 towards σ₁ and σ₂ receptors with K _i values of 8.67 ± 0.07 and 5.71 ± 1.88 μmol, respectively. Planar images obtained at 0.5 h, 4 h, 20 h after i.v. injection indicate the accumulation of [ ^99m Tc]-2 in MCF-7 human breast tumor bearing mice at 20 h. Furthermore, the accumulation of [ ^99m Tc]-2 has been inhibited at 20 h after co-injection of [ ^99m Tc]-2 plus haloperidol (1 mg/kg). Biodistribution studies of [ ^99m Tc]-2 display an in vivo tumor uptake of 0.14% ± 0.01% ID/g at 24 h post i.v. injection with a tumor/muscle ratio of 6.02 ± 0.87. The above results suggest that [ ^99m Tc]-2, derived from a previously published lead compound, retains certain tumor uptake and affinity for σ receptors. [ ^99m Tc]-2 may be used as a basis for further structural modifications to develop tumor imaging agents with high affinity for σ receptors.     

Chemical and biological evaluation of 99mTc (CO)3 and 99mTc complexes of some IDA derivatives

The confirmation that N-substituted imidodiacetic acids, as small and simple ligand systems containing amines and carboxylic acids, could be coordinated to the tricarbonyl core and form inert complexes with [^99mTc (CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺, is demonstrated. The HPLC quality control results of ^99mTc-carbonyl tagged IDA molecules, performed by gradient HPLC, have shown that HIDA, EHIDA and p-butyl-IDA form complexes with [^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺, with a labeling yield of ~90% for each of ^99mTc(CO)₃ IDA derivatives. However, the changes in the structure of labeled compounds, e.g., EHIDA, influence the changes in the biological behavior. In comparison with ^99mTc-EHIDA, the biliary excretion of ^99mTc(CO)₃ EHIDA was lower, but the urinary excretion higher. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Preparation and Biological Evaluation of [99mTc]Tc-CNGU as a PSMA-Targeted Radiotracer for the Imaging of Prostate Cancer

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a well-established biological target that is overexpressed on the surface of prostate cancer lesions. Radionuclide-labeled small-molecule PSMA inhibitors have been shown to be promising PSMA-specific agents for the diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer. In this study, a glutamate-urea-based PSMA-targeted ligand containing an isonitrile (CNGU) was synthesized and labeled with ^99mTc to prepare [^99mTc]Tc-CNGU with a high radiochemical purity (RCP). The CNGU ligand showed a high affinity toward PSMA (K_i value is 8.79 nM) in LNCaP cells. The [^99mTc]Tc-CNGU exhibited a good stability in vitro and hydrophilicity (log P = −1.97 ± 0.03). In biodistribution studies, BALB/c nude mice bearing LNCaP xenografts showed that the complex had a high tumor uptake with 4.86 ± 1.19% ID/g, which decreased to 1.74 ± 0.90% ID/g after a pre-injection of the selective PSMA inhibitor ZJ-43, suggesting that it was a PSMA-specific agent. Micro-SPECT imaging demonstrated that the [^99mTc]Tc-CNGU had a tumor uptake and that the uptake was reduced in the image after blocking with ZJ-43, further confirming its PSMA specificity. All of the results in this work indicated that [^99mTc]Tc-CNGU is a promising PSMA-specific tracer for the imaging of prostate cancer.     

Evaluation and comparison of 99mTc-labeled d-glucosamine derivatives with different 99mTc cores as potential tumor imaging agents

Isocyanide is a strong coordination ligand that can coordinate with [^99mTc(I)(CO)₃]⁺ core and [^99mTc(I)]⁺ core to produce stable ^99mTc complexes, therefore developing a ^99mTc-labeled isocyanide complex for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging is considered to be of great interest. In order to develop potential tumor imaging agents with satisfied tumor uptake and suitable pharmacokinetic properties in vivo, a novel d -glucosamine isocyanide derivative, 4-isocyano-N-(2,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl)butanamide (CN3DG), was synthesized and radiolabeled with [^99mTc(I)]⁺ and [^99mTc(CO)₃]⁺ cores to obtain [^99mTc(CN3DG)₆]⁺ and [^99mTc(CO)₃(CN3DG)₃]⁺ in high radiolabeling yields (>95%). Both of the complexes showed good hydrophilicity and great stability in vitro. Cell uptake studies performed in S180 cells demonstrated they were transported into cells by glucose transporters. Biodistribution studies of the two complexes in mice bearing S180 tumor showed they had high tumor uptakes and rapid clearance from muscle and blood so that the tumor/blood and tumor/muscle ratios were high. By comparison, [^99mTc(CN3DG)₆]⁺ was superior to [^99mTc(CO)₃(CN3DG)₃]⁺ in regard to tumor uptake, tumor/blood and tumor/liver ratios. S180 tumors could be seen clearly from the SPECT/CT images with [^99mTc(CN3DG)₆]⁺. Considering its favorable properties, [^99mTc(CN3DG)₆]⁺ would be a promising tumor imaging agent and needs to be further studied.     

Preparation and Evaluation of Novel Folate Isonitrile 99mTc Complexes as Potential Tumor Imaging Agents to Target Folate Receptors

In order to seek novel technetium-99m folate receptor-targeting agents, two folate derivatives (CN5FA and CNPFA) were synthesized and radiolabeled to obtain [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA complexes, which exhibited high radiochemical purity (>95%) without purification, hydrophilicity, and good stability in vitro. The KB cell competitive binding experiments indicated that [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specificity to folate receptor. Biodistribution studies in KB tumor-bearing mice illustrated that [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA and [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA had specific tumor uptake. Compared with [^99mTc]Tc-CN5FA, the tumor/muscle ratios of [^99mTc]Tc-CNPFA were higher, resulting in a better SPECT/CT imaging background. According to the results, the two ^99mTc complexes have potential as tumor imaging agents to target folate receptors.     

Practicality of Tetragonal Nano-Zirconia as a Prospective Sorbent in the Preparation of 99Mo/99mTc Generator for Biomedical Applications

The feasibility of using tetragonal nano-zirconia (t-ZrO₂) as an effective sorbent for developing a ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc chromatographic generator was demonstrated. The structural characteristics of the sorbent matrix were investigated by different analytical techniques such as XRD, BET surface area analysis, FT-IR, TEM etc. The material synthesized was nanocrystalline, in tetragonal phase with an average particle size of ~7 nm and a large surface area of 340 m² g^?1. The equilibrium sorption capacity of t-ZrO₂ is >250 mg Mo g^?1. The present study indicates that ⁹⁹Mo is both strongly and selectively retained by t-ZrO₂ at acidic pH and ^99mTc could be readily eluted from it, using 0.9% NaCl solution. A 9.25 GBq (250 mCi) t-ZrO₂ based chromatographic ⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generator was developed and its performance was repeatedly evaluated for 10 days. ^99mTc could be eluted with >85% yield having acceptable radionuclidic, radiochemical and chemical purity for clinical applications. The compatibility of the product in the preparation of ^99mTc labeled formulations such as ^99mTc-EC and ^99mTc-DMSA was evaluated and found to be satisfactory.     

Radioiodinated paroxetine, a novel potential radiopharmaceutical for lung perfusion scan

Paroxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) was successfully labeled with ¹²⁵I via direct electrophilic substitution reaction at ambient temperature. The reaction parameters studied were paroxetine amount, CAT amount, pH of the reaction mixture, reaction temperature, reaction time and in vitro stability of ¹²⁵I-paroxetine. ¹²⁵I-paroxetine was obtained with a maximum labeling yield of 94 ± 0.23% and in vitro stability up to 24 h. Biodistribution studies showed that maximum in vivo uptake of ¹²⁵I-paroxetine in lungs was 27.89 ± 1.03% injected activity/g tissue at 15 min post-injection and retention in lungs remained high up to 1 h, whereas the clearance from mice appeared to proceed mainly via the hepatobiliary pathway. ¹²⁵I-paroxetine is not a blood product and so it is more safe than the currently available ^99mTc-macroaggregated albumin (^99mTc-MAA), and its lung uptake is higher than that of the recently discovered ^99mTc(CO)₅I and ^99mTc-DHPM. As a conclusion, radioiodinated paroxetine could be used as a novel radiopharmaceutical for lung perfusion scan safer than the currently available ^99mTc-MAA and more potential than the recently discovered ^99mTc(CO)₅I and ^99mTc-DHPM.     

Cyclopentadienyl tricarbonyl complexes of Tc for the in vivo imaging of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor in the brain

Technetium and rhenium tricarbonyl complexes with derivatized cyclopentadienyl ligands were prepared starting from pertechnetate and an appropriate ferrocene ligand. Furthermore, the complexes (M(CO)₃cp-COOC₅H₉N-R, M = Tc, Re; R = Me, isopropyl) could be obtained starting from the precursor complexes [^99mTc(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ and [Re(CO)₃Br₃]²⁻. Their chemical identity was confirmed by chromatographic methods and electron spray mass spectrometry. The biodistribution of the ^99mTc complexes (cytectrene I and cytectrene II) in Wistar rats was studied. Both compounds show high uptake in the brain and fast blood clearance. The pattern of regional distribution in the brain demonstrated in autoradiographic studies indicates binding to the 5-HT_1A and α₁ adrenergic receptors.     

Radiosynthesis and evaluation of novel [99mTc(I)]+ and [99mTc(I)(CO)3]+ complexes with a 4-nitroimidazole isocyanide for imaging tumor hypoxia

[^99mTc(I)]⁺ and [^99mTc(I)(CO)₃]⁺ complexes with isocyanide exhibit high stability, which makes them suitable platforms to develop novel ^99mTc radiopharmaceuticals. To develop novel ^99mTc radiotracers for imaging hypoxia, in this study, a novel L ligand (4-nitroimidazole isocyanide derivative) was synthesized and labelled using [^99mTc(I)]⁺ core and [^99mTc(I)(CO)₃]⁺ core to produce [^99mTc(L)₆]⁺ and [^99mTc(CO)₃(L)₃]⁺ with high yields. To verify the structure of the ^99mTc complexes, corresponding rhenium analogues were synthesized and characterized. Both of the ^99mTc complexes were stable and hydrophilic. in vitro cellular uptake results showed they could exhibit good hypoxic selectivity. The evaluation of biodistribution in mice bearing S180 tumors indicated both of them could accumulate in tumor. Between them, [^99mTc(L)₆]⁺ exhibited higher tumor uptake and tumor/non-target ratio than [^99mTc(CO)₃(L)₃]⁺. Further, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging studies of [^99mTc(L)₆]⁺ indicated an obvious accumulation in tumor and the value of the region-of-interest (ROI) ratio of the uptake for the tumor site to the corresponding non-tumor region was 5.64 ± 0.52. The above results suggested [^99mTc(L)₆]⁺ would be a potential tracer for imaging tumor hypoxia.     

Synthesis and characterization of organometallic rhenium(І) and technetium(І) bile acid complexes

Eight bile acid derivatives have been synthesized with alkyl chains of various length based tridentate ligand chelating system. These derivatives have been reacted with the precursor [Et₄N]₂[Re(CO)₃Br₃] and fac-[M(CO)₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ (M = ^99mTc, Re) in ethanol or ethanol–aqueous media to form water-soluble and stable organometallic complexes in good yields. ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR and elemental analysis or HRMS spectroscopic analyses confirmed the tridentate complexation of the metal–tricarbonyl fragment exclusively via the tridentate chelates. In addition, the corresponding radioactive technetium-99m complexes were prepared successfully and challenged for stability in physiological phosphate buffer at 37 °C for 24 h. No decomposition of the complexes could be detected under the condition proving the stability of these complexes.