Chemistry
The Imaging Sciences core houses synthetic, organic, and analytical chemistry laboratories, equipped with several multi-user fume hoods and the requisite infrastructure to support the synthesis and characterization of small molecule, peptide, and antibody-based imaging probes.
Radiochemistry
Our newly renovated radiochemistry facility, housed in the PET Center in the Robinson Research Building, is well-equipped for radiochemical preparations that use common radionuclides. The core is equipped with a CTI/Siemens RDS-112/00, a negative-ion cyclotron with targets and ancillary equipment optimized for generating 18F, 11C, 13N, and related radionuclides.
Adjacent hot laboratories utilize 2 Von Gahlen hot cells with CRL manipulators and two "dual mini-cells" housing two GE Tracerlabs FX-FN fluorination modules and an FX-C gas phase 11C methyl iodide/methylation module. Three radiochemical hoods are designated for lower-level work with short-lived gamma-emitting radionuclides other than iodine. Additionally, a dedicated radioiodination hood, equipped with activated carbon and HEPA filters, is located in a separate laboratory for 123I and 125I manipulations. A Galaxie-networked system of HPLC equipment includes 3 Varian HPLC setups with UV (conventional and photodiode array) and radiometric detectors, including a Bioscan coincidence-mode metabolite detector, 2 Waters HPLC setups, and a Varian gas chromatograph.
PETNet Radiopharma, a division of Siemens, operates a lab in partnership with VUMC Radiology and produces [18F] FDG (2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose) for commercial distribution throughout Tennessee and neighboring states. The PET Chemistry Research Lab is connected to the cyclotron through lead-shielded lines allowing direct delivery of [18F] fluoride or [11C]carbon dioxide to shielded "hot cells" for production of radiotracers.
Online Resources
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Chemistry and Radiochemistry |