The Crump Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Technology Center houses a cyclotron for production of PET radioisotopes (e.g. [F-18]fluoride), as well as radiochemistry lab space and analytical equipment for characterization and testing of radiochemistry-related technologies, development of new radiolabeling strategies, development of novel PET tracers, and routine production of PET tracers for preclinical imaging. The Center is located in room 2211 of the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) building.
The facility is fully-equipped for research and production of [F-18]-labeled tracers. It houses one 11 MeV negative ion cyclotron (RDS-111 Eclipse HP, Siemens), four hot-cells (von Gahlen), six mini-cells (von Gahlen), one custom-built radioisotope aliquotting system, four semi-preparative radio-HPLCs (Knauer) w/ gamma detectors (Bioscan), seven dose calibrators (CRC-25 PET, Capintec), three automated radiosynthesizers (ELIXYS, Sofie Biosciences), two microwave reactors (Discovery, CEM), two Cerenkov imaging systems for monitoring radioactivity handling in microfluidic chips, and numerous radiochemistry technology projects under development. In addition, there is a dedicated analytical chemistry area, containing one radio-TLC scanner (mini-Gita, Raytest), one gas chromatography system (with mass spectrometry detector) (GC-MS) (7890A GC w/5975 MSD, Agilent), and two analytical radio-HPLC systems (one Waters and one Knauer) equipped with gamma detectors.
Prof. Michael van Dam, Director
Jeff Collins, Manager and Radiochemist
We provide the following services. Please contact Prof. Michael van Dam for current rates.
We produce PET tracers for use in the Crump Preclinical Imaging Technology Center and Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division, or for shipment to outside facilities for preclinical imaging. Currently we are not a cGMP facility and cannot make tracers for use in humans, but clinical tracers may be available via the Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies for PET tracer production, we are able to offer a wide range of tracers. Generally, production must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for ordering any needed materials and for coordinating any associated imaging studies, if applicable.
Tracers currently available:
[F-18]FDG
[F-18]FLT
[F-18]FHBG
[F-18]FNB
[F-18]D-FAC and analogs
[F-18]L-FMAU and analogs
[F-18]D-FEAU
[F-18]Fallypride
[F-18]FDHT
[F-18]DFA
[F-18]F-AraG
[F-18]L-FDOPA
[F-18]Flumazenil ([F-18]FMZ)
[F-18]Clofarabine ([F-18]CFA)
[F-18]Florbetaben ([F-18]FBB)
[F-18]LY2459989 (Kappa opiod receptor (KOR) antagonist)
Prosthetic groups currently available for peptide / protein labeling:
[F-18]SFB
[F-18]FBA
[F-18]FBEM
[F-18]PEG-3-azide
We are also experienced in labeling with a variety of radiometals:
Ga-68
Zr-89
Cu-64
Lu-177
Production includes synthesis, purification, formulation, and sterile filtration, as well as the following basic analytical testing:
visual inspection (color and clarity)
pH
radiochemical identity
radiochemical purity
Chromatograms from radio-HPLC (and radio-TLC if applicable) are available.
More extensive QC testing is available upon request for an additional fee:
radionuclide identity (half-life, gamma spectrometer)
Kryptofix (if applicable)
filter integrity test
residual solvent analysis
bacterial endotoxin
sterilty
We are continually expanding our production capabilities by adapting established (e.g. published) protocols to our equipment. For specific needs, please contact Prof. Michael van Dam to discuss estimates of pricing and timeframe. Due to the development/optimization features of our radiosynthesizer, timeframes can be relatively short if all the needed materials are readily available.
We also perform services to automate the synthesis of known probes on our synthesis hardware (i.e. to bring to UCLA the capability to make that probe on a routine basis), and services to optimize the synthesis of an established probe to improve yield or other characteristics.
In addition we can help develop a cGMP-compliant synthesis protocol and documentation for clinical production of a probe on the ELIXYS radiosynthesizer.
In addition to the production of established probes, we can help you to develop novel probes. Please contact Prof. Michael van Dam and Prof. Jennifer Murphy to set up a meeting to discuss your objectives.