Radiopharmaceutical chemistry

 

In the research area of radiopharmacy essential elements of nuclear chemistry (determination of nuclear data, isotope production, radiochemical separations, radioactive labeling reactions), organic-preparative synthesis (synthesis of suitable lead structures for biological targets) and preclinical evaluation of suitable molecules (autoradiography, in vitro-assays, μPET studies) are combined with the biochemically, pharmaceutically and medically motivated application of the radiolabeled compounds, the radiopharmaceuticals.

Hence, positron-emitting radioisotopes are introduced into such compounds, which are used for basic research and medical research, but also for diagnostic approaches in nuclear medicine and to examine normal and abnormal biochemical and physiological processes in humans. The behavior of the radiopharmaceuticals in the human body can be quantified with high spatial resolution and non-invasive means using positron emission tomography (PET).

Therefore, a small animal PET scanner for preclinical studies is operated by the Institute of Nuclear Chemistry in cooperation with the Clinic and Policlinic for Nuclear Medicine is and PET and PET/CT scanners for human studies are operated by the Clinic and Policlinic for Nuclear Medicine.

Due to the complex needs of this area, research activities are arranged both in a large number of intramural, as well as external research collaborations.

In principle, the investigations carried out in our working group can be divided into four different areas: radiochemical, oncological, neurological and cardiological examinations.