Issue 5, 2024

Microfluidic synthesis of radiotracers: recent developments and commercialization prospects

Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful diagnostic tool that holds incredible potential for clinicians to track a wide variety of biological processes using specialized radiotracers. Currently, however, a single radiotracer accounts for over 95% of procedures, largely due to the cost of radiotracer synthesis. Microfluidic platforms provide a solution to this problem by enabling a dose-on-demand pipeline in which a single benchtop platform would synthesize a wide array of radiotracers. In this review, we will explore the field of microfluidic production of radiotracers from early research to current development. Furthermore, the benefits and drawbacks of different microfluidic reactor designs will be analyzed. Lastly, we will discuss the various engineering considerations that must be addressed to create a fully developed, commercially effective platform that can usher the field from research and development to commercialization.

Graphical abstract: Microfluidic synthesis of radiotracers: recent developments and commercialization prospects

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
14 9 2023
Accepted
22 11 2023
First published
02 1 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Lab Chip, 2024,24, 1226-1243

Microfluidic synthesis of radiotracers: recent developments and commercialization prospects

M. Mc Veigh and L. M. Bellan, Lab Chip, 2024, 24, 1226 DOI: 10.1039/D3LC00779K

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