Rapid Detection of the Residual Kryptofix 2.2.2 Levels in [18F]-Labeled Radiopharmaceuticals by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A fast and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC/MS/MS) method was developed and validated for determination of the residual levels of Kryptofix 2.2.2 (K222) in [¹⁸F]-labeled radiopharmaceuticals. The analytical time was only 3 min, and the injection volume was 5 μL. An electrospray ionization source was used in the positive mode (ESI⁺) for UPLC/MS/MS. The analytical measurements were performed in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The calibration curve at the spiked concentrations of 2–500 ng/mL for K222 showed good linearity. The intra- and inter-day precisions were not more than 5%. The accuracy satisfied the requirement of quality control analysis, the recoveries were found to be 80–120%. This method was successfully applied to detect the residue of K222 in [¹⁸F]-fluorodeoxyglucose [(¹⁸F)FDG], [¹⁸F]-fluoromisonizole[(¹⁸F)FMISO], 3′-deoxy-3′-[¹⁸F]-fluorothymidine [(¹⁸F)FLT], and two new [¹⁸F]-labeled radiopharmaceuticals 4-[-(2-[¹⁸F]fluoroethoxy) methyl]-1-[2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H- imidazol-1-yl) ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (named as ¹⁸F-BNU-1) and 4-[-(2-[¹⁸F] fluoroethoxy) methyl]-1-[2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (named as ¹⁸F-BNU-2) produced in our lab.     

5-O-(4-[125 I]Iodobenzyl)-L-ascorbic acid: electrophilic radioiodination and biodistribution in mice

As a part of our efforts to develop potential imaging agents for ascorbate bioactivity, 5-O-(4-[(125)I]iodobenzyl)-L-ascorbic acid ([(125)I]1) was prepared through a two-step sequence which involved radioiodo-destannylation of a protected tributylstannyl precursor 6, followed by hydrolysis in acidic methanol of the protecting groups in 61% overall radiochemical yield, with a radiochemical purity of over 98% and a specific activity of more than 15.4?GBq/μmol. Tissue distribution of [(125)I]1 in tumor-bearing mice showed signs of distribution profiles similar to the reported results for 6-deoxy-6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-ascorbic (6-(18)FAsA) acid and 6-deoxy-6-[(131)I]iodo-L-ascorbic acid (6-(131)IAsA) but with notable differences in the adrenal glands, in which considerably lower uptake of radioactivity and rapid clearance with time were observed. Pretreatment of mice with a known inhibitor of ascorbate transport, sulfinpyrazone, did not produce any significant change in the adrenal uptake of radioactivity after injection of [(125)I]1 compared to the control, suggesting that uptake in the adrenal glands is independent of the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 transport mechanism. Introduction of a bulky substituent at C-5 on AsA, such as an iodobenzyloxy group, may not be suitable for the design of analogs that may still be able to maintain characteristic distribution properties in vivo seen with AsA itself.     

Synthesis of no-carrier-added 4-[18F]fluorophenol from 4-benzyloxyphenyl-(2-thienyl)iodonium bromide

4-[(18)F]Fluorophenol is a versatile synthon for the synthesis of more complex radiopharmaceuticals bearing a 4-[(18)F]fluorophenoxy moiety. In order to prepare 4-[(18)F]fluorophenol in no-carrier-added (n.c.a.) form only a nucleophilic labelling method starting from [(18)F]fluoride is suitable. In this paper a new, two step radiosynthesis starting from 4-benzyloxyphenyl-(2-thienyl)iodonium bromide and [(18)F]fluoride with subsequent deprotection is described, yielding n.c.a. [(18)F]fluorophenol in 34 to 36% radiochemical yield.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of Rhizobium sin-1 lipid A derivatives

A highly convergent strategy for the synthesis of several derivatives of the lipid A of Rhizobium sin-1 has been developed. The approach employed the advanced intermediate 3-O-acetyl-6-O-(3-O-acetyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-beta-d-glucopyrano-syl)-2-azido-4-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-1-thio-alpha-d-glucopyranoside (5), which is protected in such a way that the anomeric center, the C-2 and C-2' amino groups, and the C-3 and C-3' hydroxyls can be selectively functionalized. The synthetic strategy was used for the preparation of 2-deoxy-6-O-[2-deoxy-3-O-[(R)-3-hydroxy-hexadecanoyl]-2-[(R)-3-octacosanoyloxy-hexadecan]amido-beta-d-glucopyranosyl]-2-[(R)-3-hydroxy-hexadecan]amido-3-O-[(R)-3-hydroxy-hexadecanoyl]-alpha-d-glucopyranose (11) and 2-deoxy-6-O-[2-deoxy-3-O-[(R)-3-hydroxy-hexadecanoyl]-2-[(R)-3-octacosanoyloxy-hexadecan]amido-beta-d-glucopyranosyl]-2-[(R)-3-hydroxy-hexadecan]amido-3-O-[(R)-3-hydroxy-hexadecanoyl]-d-glucono-1,5-lactone (13), which contain an unusual octacosanoic acid moiety and differ in the oxidation state of the anomeric center. The results of biological studies indicate that 11 and 13 lack the proinflammatory effects of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Furthermore, 13 emulated the ability of heterogeneous R. sin-1 LPS to antagonize enteric LPS, providing evidence for the critical role of the gluconolactone moiety of R. sin-1 LPS in mediating this antagonistic effect. Compound 13 is the first example of a lipid A derivative that is devoid of phosphate but possesses antagonistic properties, making it an attractive lead compound for development of a drug to use in the treatment of Gram-negative septicemia.     

Synthesis of 18F-labelled cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors via Stille reaction with 4-[18F]fluoroiodobenzene as radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET)

The Stille reaction with 4-[(18)F]fluoroiodobenzene as a novel approach for the synthesis of radiotracers for monitoring COX-2 expression by means of PET has been developed. Optimized reaction conditions were elaborated by screening of various catalyst systems and solvents. By using optimized reaction conditions (18)F-labelled COX-2 inhibitors [(18)F]-5 and [(18)F]-13 could be obtained in radiochemical yields of up to 94% and 68%, respectively, based upon 4-[(18)F]fluoroiodobenzene.     

A simple, rapid procedure for nucleophilic radiosynthesis of aliphatic [18F]trifluoromethyl groups

A procedure for the radiosynthesis of aliphatic [(18)F]trifluoromethyl groups by reacting 1,1-difluorovinyl precursors with [(18)F]fluoride ions, resulting in the equivalent of direct nucleophilic addition of H[(18)F]F, has been developed. A variety of (18)F-labelled model compounds were then obtained and two potential [(18)F]radiotracers were synthesised by a two step process starting from 1,1-difluorovin-2-yl 4-toluenesulfonate. The method is widely applicable for the synthesis of novel radiotracers in high radiochemical yields and good specific activity.     

Sulfonyl fluoride-based prosthetic compounds as potential (18) f labelling agents

Nucleophilic incorporation of [(18) F]F(-) under aqueous conditions holds several advantages in radiopharmaceutical development, especially with the advent of complex biological pharmacophores. Sulfonyl fluorides can be prepared in water at room temperature, yet they have not been assayed as a potential means to (18) F-labelled biomarkers for PET chemistry. We developed a general route to prepare bifunctional 4-formyl-, 3-formyl-, 4-maleimido- and 4-oxylalkynl-arylsulfonyl [(18) F]fluorides from their sulfonyl chloride analogues in 1:1 mixtures of acetonitrile, THF, or tBuOH and Cs[(18) F]F/Cs(2) CO(3(aq.)) in a reaction time of 15?min at room temperature. With the exception of 4-N-maleimide-benzenesulfonyl fluoride (3), pyridine could be used to simplify radiotracer purification by selectively degrading the precursor without significantly affecting observed yields. The addition of pyridine at the start of [(18) F]fluorination (1:1:0.8 tBuOH/Cs(2) CO(3(aq.)) /pyridine) did not negatively affect yields of 3-formyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonyl [(18) F]fluoride (2) and dramatically improved the yields of 4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)benzenesulfonyl [(18) F]fluoride (4). The N-arylsulfonyl-4-dimethylaminopyridinium derivative of 4 (14) can be prepared and incorporates (18) F efficiently in solutions of 100?% aqueous Cs(2) CO(3) (10?mg?mL(-1) ). As proof-of-principle, [(18) F]2 was synthesised in a preparative fashion [88(±8)?% decay corrected (n=6) from start-of-synthesis] and used to radioactively label an oxyamino-modified bombesin(6-14) analogue [35(±6)?% decay corrected (n=4) from start-of-synthesis]. Total preparation time was 105-109?min from start-of-synthesis. Although the (18) F-peptide exhibited evidence of proteolytic defluorination and modification, our study is the first step in developing an aqueous, room temperature (18) F labelling strategy.     

Enantiospecific synthesis of 2-[18F]fluoro-L-phenylalanine and 2-[18F]fluoro-L-tyrosine by isotopic exchange

2-[(18)F]Fluoro-L-phenylalanine and 2-[(18)F]fluoro-L-tyrosine have been developed as promising radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging using positron emission tomography (PET). However, the lack of a convenient radiosynthetic pathway has limited their practical use. In this work a new three-step nucleophilic synthesis of these compounds starting from [(18)F]fluoride is described. Corresponding precursors (1a and 1b) were (18)F-fluorinated by isotopic exchange, followed by the removal of an activating formyl group with Rh(PPh(3))(3)Cl and subsequent hydrolysis of protecting groups in acidic medium. All reactions were carried out using both conventional and microwave heating. Conventional heated reactions yielded the desired products 2-[(18)F]Fphe and 2-[(18)F]Ftyr in 43% and 49% whereas radiochemical yields of 34% and 43%, respectively, were obtained when they were heated by microwaves. Under optimized conditions the enantiomeric purity was ≥94% for both radiopharmaceuticals.     

Direct, nucleophilic radiosynthesis of [(18)F]trifluoroalkyl tosylates: improved labelling procedures

A rapid and efficient protocol to afford the title compound 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2,2-difluoroethyl tosylate ([(18)F]7b) is described. Starting from [(18)F]fluoride ion, labelling reagent 7b was obtained in good yields and a high specific radioactivity. Compound ([(18)F]7b) was then used to synthesise a prospective radiotracer for PET-imaging in dementia.     

Homogeneous nucleophilic radiofluorination and fluorination with phosphazene hydrofluorides

A series of phosphazenium hydrofluorides, P(1)(tBu)·[(18/19)F]HF, P(1)(tOct)·[(18/19)F]HF, P(2)(Et)·[(18/19)F]HF, and P(4)(tBu)·[(18/19)F]HF, was synthesized. The radioactive phosphazenium [(18)F]hydrofluorides were obtained by the one-step formation and trapping of gaseous [(18)F]HF with the respective phosphazene bases. The [(19)F] isotopomers were prepared from the corresponding phosphazene bases and Et(3)N·3HF. Under the design of experiment (DoE)-optimized conditions, P(2)(Et)·HF and P(4)(tBu)·HF fluorinated alkyl chlorides, bromides, and pseudohalides in 76-98% yield, but gave lower yields with iodides and electron-deficient arenes. DoE models showed that fluorination can be performed in glass vessels, and that the reactivity of P(2)(Et)·HF and P(4)(tBu)·HF is dominated by solvent polarity but is insensitive to water to at least 2 equiv. In contrast, P(1)(tBu)·HF and P(1)(tOct)·HF were unstable towards autofluorolysis. DFT calculations were performed to rationalize this finding in terms of diminished steric bulk, higher Parr's electrophilicity, and chemical hardness of P(1)(R)H(+). The corresponding radiofluorination reaction gave no valid DoE model but displayed similar substrate scope. High specific activity and excellent radiochemical yields with various pseudohalides (81-91%) suggest that the proposed radiofluorination methodology can complement the current [(18)F]KF/Kryptofix methods, particularly in the areas for which nonpolar reaction conditions are required.     

Copper-free click chemistry with the short-lived positron emitter fluorine-18

The copper-free strain-promoted click chemistry between (18)F-labeled aza-dibenzocyclooctyne [(18)F]FB-DBCO and various azides is described. [(18)F]FB-DBCO was prepared in 85% isolated radiochemical yield (decay-corrected) through acylation of amino aza-dibenzocyclooctyne 1 with N-succinimidyl 4-[(18)F]fluorobenzoate ([(18)F]SFB). [(18)F]FB-DBCO showed promising radiopharmacological profil with fast blood clearance as assessed with dynamic small animal PET studies. Metabolic stability of [(18)F]FB-DBCO was 60% of intact compound after 60 min post injection in normal Balb/C mice and blood clearance half-life was determined to be 53 s based on the time-activity-curve (TAC). Copper-free click chemistry was performed with various azides at low concentrations (1-2 μM) which differed in their structural complexity in different solvents (methanol, water, phosphate buffer and in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution). Reaction proceeded best in methanol (>95% yield after 15 min at room temperature), whereas reaction in BSA required longer reaction times of 60 min and 40 °C upon completion.     

Biocompatible inorganic nanoparticles for [18F]-fluoride binding with applications in PET imaging

A wide selection of insoluble nanoparticulate metal salts was screened for avid binding of [(18)F]-fluoride. Hydroxyapatite and aluminium hydroxide nanoparticles showed particularly avid and stable binding of [(18)F]-fluoride in various biological media. The in vivo behaviour of the [(18)F]-labelled hydroxyapatite and aluminium hydroxide particles was determined by PET-CT imaging in mice. [(18)F]-labelled hydroxyapatite was stable in circulation and when trapped in various tissues (lung embolisation, Subcutaneous and intramuscular), but accumulation in liver via reticuloendothelial clearance was followed by gradual degradation and release of [(18)F]-fluoride (over a period of 4 h) which accumulated in bone. [(18)F]-labelled aluminium hydroxide was also cleared to liver and spleen but degraded slightly even without liver uptake (Subcutaneous and intramuscular). Both materials have properties that are an attractive basis for the design of molecular targeted PET imaging agents labelled with (18)F.     

Syntheses of Novel Nonreducing-Sugar Subunit Analogs of Lipid a Carrying 2-Acyloxytetradecanoyl and 2-Hydroxyacyl Groups of Different Carbon Chain Length

Abstract

To investigate the biological influence of the 2-(acyloxy)tetradecanoyl and 2-hydroxyacyl groups in the nonreducing-sugar subunit analogs of lipid A, a novel series of 3-(O-[(2RS)-2-acyloxytetradecanoyl]-2-deoxy-2-[(2RS)-2-hydroxytetradecanamido]-4-O-phosphono-d-glucoses (10a-d), 3-O-[(2RS)-2-acyloxytetradecanoyl]-2-deoxy-2-[(3R)-3-hydroxytetradecanamido]-4-O-phosphono-d-glucoses (19a-d), and 2-deoxy-2-[(2RS)-2-hydroxyacyl]amino-4-O-phosphono-3-O-[(3R)-3-tetradecanoyloxytetradecanoyl]-d-glucoses (23e-h) were systematically synthesized.     

Toward [18F]-labeled aryltrifluoroborate radiotracers: in vivo positron emission tomography imaging of stable aryltrifluoroborate clearance in mice

The use of a boronic ester as a captor of aqueous [(18)F]-fluoride has been previously suggested as a means of labeling biomolecules in one step for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. For this approach to be seriously considered, the [(18)F]-labeled trifluoroborate should be humorally stable such that it neither leaches free [(18)F]-fluoride to the bone nor accumulates therein. Herein, we have synthesized a biotinylated boronic ester that is converted to the corresponding trifluoroborate salt in the presence of aqueous [(18)F]-fluoride. In keeping with its in vitro aqueous kinetic stability at pH 7.5, the trifluoroborate appears to clear in vivo quite rapidly to the bladder as the stable trifluoroborate salt with no detectable leaching of free [(18)F]-fluoride to the bone. When this labeled biotin is preincubated with avidin, the pharmacokinetic clearance of the resulting complex is visibly altered. This work validates initial claims that boronic esters are potentially useful as readily labeled precursors to [(18)F]-PET reagents.     

18F]-5-Fluoro-5-deoxyribose, an efficient peptide bioconjugation ligand for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging

[(18)F]-5-Fluoro-5-deoxyribose ([(18)F]-FDR) conjugates much more rapidly than [(18)F]-FDG under mild reaction conditions to peptides and offers new prospects for mild and rapid bioconjugation for fluorine-18 labelling in PET imaging.     

Facile aromatic radiofluorination of [18F]flumazenil from diaryliodonium salts with evaluation of their stability and selectivity

Aromatic radiofluorination of the diaryliodonium tosylate precursor with [(18)F]fluoride ions has been applied successfully to access [(18)F]flumazenil in high radiochemical yields of 67.2 ± 2.7% (decay corrected). The stability and reactivity of the diaryliodonium tosylate precursor plays a key role in increasing the production of (18)F-labelled molecules under the fluorine-18 labelling condition. Various conditions were explored for the preparation of [(18)F]flumazenil from different diaryliodonium tosylate precursors. Optimum incorporation of [(18)F]fluoride ions in the 4-methylphenyl-mazenil iodonium tosylate precursor (5f) was achieved at 150 °C for 5 min by utilizing 4 mg of the precursor, K(2.2.2)/K(2)CO(3) complex, and the radical scavenger in N,N-dimethylformamide. This approach was extended to a viable method for use in automated synthesis with a radiochemical yield of 63.5 ± 3.2% (decay corrected, n = 26) within 60.0 ± 1.1 min. [(18)F]Flumazenil was isolated by preparative HPLC after the reaction was conducted under improved conditions and exhibited sufficient specific activity of 370-450 GBq μmol(-1), with a radiochemical purity of >99%, which will be suitable for human PET studies.     

On-chip pre-concentration and complexation of [¹⁸F]fluoride ions via regenerable anion exchange particles for radiochemical synthesis of Positron Emission Tomography tracers

Microfluidic approaches have demonstrated a relevant impact on radiochemical reactions involving Positron Emission Tomography (PET) nuclides, due to shorter reaction times and smaller precursor quantities. However, little attention has been given to the integration of the initial pre-concentration and drying of radioactive [(18)F]fluoride ions, required for the labeling of radiotracer compounds. In this work we report the design, fabrication and implementation of a glass microfluidic device filled with recyclable anion exchange particles for the repeated recovery of [(18)F] and [(19)F]fluoride ions. The device was first tested with non radioactive [(19)F]fluoride ions and it was shown to repeatedly trap and elute >95% fluoride over 40 successive experimental runs with no decrease in efficiency. The same device was then tested for the trapping and release of [(18)F]fluoride ions over 20 experiments with no measurable decrease in performance. Finally, the [(18)F]fluoride ions were eluted as a K(18)F/K2.2.2 complex, dried by repeated dissolution in acetonitrile and evaporation of residual water, and reacted with ethyl ditosylate (EtDT) leading to the desired product ([(18)F]fluoroethyltosylate) with 96 ± 3% yield (RCY). The overall time needed for conditioning, trapping, elution and regeneration was less than 6 min. This approach will be of great benefit towards an integrated platform able to perform faster and safer radiochemical synthesis on the micro-scale.     

Copper-free click--a promising tool for pre-targeted PET imaging

The copper-free click (CFC) reaction has been evaluated for its potential application to in vivo pre-targeting for PET imaging. A promising biodistribution profile is demonstrated when employing [(18)F]2-fluoroethylazide ([(18)F]1) and optimisation of the CFC reaction with a series of cyclooctynes shows that reactions proceed efficiently with tantalizing opportunities for application-specific tuning.     

HPLC-ELSD Determination of Kryptofix 2.2.2 in the Preparations of 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose and other Radiopharmaceuticals

A new and simple high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detector method for the determination of Kryptofix 2.2.2 (K-222) in the radiopharmaceuticals of 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-d-glucose ([¹⁸F]FDG) and 3′-deoxy-3′-[¹⁸F]fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT) was developed. A C₁₈ column was used and the mobile phase was 10?% (v/v) methanol and 90?% (v/v) water (0.1?% trifluoroacetic acid, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.2?mL?min^?1. The drift tube temperature was 40?°C. The pressure of nebulizing gas (N₂) was 3.0?bar. The gain was 10. Good separation of K-222 from main related substances could be achieved. Excellent linearity (r ²?=?0.9995) was obtained over the range of 5–100?μg?mL^?1. The precision ranged from 0.68 to 5.16?% (RSD) and the accuracy ranged from ?3.05 to 2.62?% (RE). The limit of detection was 2?μg?mL^?1. This method offers simple, rapid and quantitative detection of K-222, thus making it acceptable for routine determination.     

Synthesis of Substituted 3H-Indole-modified b-Cyclodextrin

The hydrophobic cavities of cyclodextrins and the inclusion with various organic molecules in the aqueous solution make them useful in chemical and biological activities1, one of which is the modified cyclodextrins acting as indicators of molecular recognition. Cyclodextrins, which are spectroscopically inert, can be converted into spectroscopically active compounds by modifing one or two of the hydroxy groups with appropriate chromophores, and used as molecular sensor due to the capability of…