Research Projects Scroll to: Theme 1 | Theme 2 | Theme 3 | Theme 4 Theme 1: The Radionuclide Payload The radionuclide is the radioactive payload that generates ionizing radiation that can be used for both imaging and therapy. To be effective this must reach a specific biological target in the body when included as part of a targeting molecule, called a radiotracer, that has selective bioavailability. This research theme explores the development of targeting molecules to expand and improve their application as radiotracers for the selective delivery of radionuclides. Theme 2: Radiolabelling of Peptides and Peptidomimetics The radiolabelling of peptides or peptidomimetics can be complex, often requiring multistep radiosynthesis procedures. This theme explores innovative methodologies for rapid and efficient precision radiolabelling. Theme 3: Bioconjugation and Targeting Strategies Developing effective methods for conjugating radioisotopes to proteins, peptides, and other targeting modalities is a key challenge for the Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies. These methods must be fast (given the short half-life of radioisotopes), specific (to ensure high target binding), and biocompatible (to work with sensitive biomolecules). Theme 4: New Methodologies for Radiofluorination The fluourine-18 radioisotope is almost ideal for positron emission tomography (PET) due to its relatively longer half life (~2 hrs), low positron energy and short distance travelled inside the body (~1 mm). These properties allow complicated multiple step radiosynthesis to be undertaken, rapid purification and formulation of radiopharmaceuticals for patients, and the generation of the highest quality PET images. The on-going discovery of new, life-saving F-18 PET diagnostics relies heavily upon the development, in parallel, of innovative and improved methods for fluorine-18 radiolabelling.
