RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Production of [11C]CH4 from gas targets is notorious for weak performance with respect to yield, especially when using high beam currents. Post-target conversion of [11C]CO2 to [11C]CH4 is a widely used roundabout method in 11C-radiochemistry, but the added complexity increase the challenge to control carrier carbon. Thus in-target-produced [11C]CH4 is superior with respect to molar activity. We studied the in-target production of [11C]CO2 and [11C]CH4 from nitrogen gas targets as a function of beam current, irradiation time, and target temperature. RESULTS: [11C]CO2 production was practically unchanged across the range of varied parameters, but the [11C]CH4 yield, presented in terms of saturation yield YSAT(11CH4), had a negative correlation with beam current and a positive correlation with target chamber temperature. A formulated model equation indicates behavior where the [11C]CH4 formation follows a parabolic graph as a function of beam current. The negative square term, i.e., the yield loss, is postulated to arise from Haber-Bosch-like NH3 formation: N2 + 3H2 â 2NH3. The studied conditions suggest that the NH3 (liq.) would be condensed on the target chamber walls, thus depleting the hydrogen reserve needed for the conversion of nascent 11C to [11C]CH4. CONCLUSIONS: [11C]CH4 production can be improved by increasing the target chamber temperature, which is presented in a mathematical formula. Our observations have implications for targetry design (geometry, gas volume and composition, pressure) and irradiation conditions, providing specific knowledge to enhance [11C]CH4 production at high beam currents. Increased [11C]CH4 radioactivity is an obvious benefit in radiosynthesis in terms of product yield and molar radioactivity.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Production of fluorine-18-labeled radiopharmaceuticals is always associated with the varying levels of the same compound containing stable fluorine-19. In practice, this affects the molar activity (Am), defined as amount of radioactivity divided by the molar quantity (Bq/mol). We have focused on studying how the material of the transport tubing connecting the cyclotron target chamber to the synthesis device affects the concentration of fluoride in the water arriving to the reaction vessel and subsequently the Am of the fluorine-18 labeled radiopharmaceuticals produced. METHODS: Batches of irradiated and non-irradiated water were analyzed for fluoride content after being transported via non-fluorinated (PEEK, PP) and fluorinated (PTFE, ETFE) tubing or using no tubing at all. Am for the [18F]fluoride was determined and compared with the Am of [18F]fluciclatide, synthesized from the same [18F]fluoride containing batches of water. RESULTS: Significantly higher concentrations of fluoride were seen in irradiated water that was transported in fluorinated tubing compared to non-irradiated water transported in tubing of the same material. This elevation of fluoride concentration is presumably caused by the interaction of ionizing radiation with the fluorinated tubing used between the target chamber and hot cell. Likewise, a significant difference was seen for PEEK tubing (non-fluorinated). This could be due to the fact that fluorine containing compounds are used in the manufacture of PEEK. When using fluorinated tubing for transport of the irradiated water, the resulting fluciclatide concentrations were significantly higher compared to when using non-fluorinated tubing. No significant difference was seen between fluciclatide concentrations when PTFE or ETFE tubing was compared to each other. Using no tubing resulted in lowest fluciclatide concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorinated tubing is a source of stable fluoride, and Am can be increased by using non-fluorinated transport tubing. Of all the tubing materials studied PP is preferred.