A comparison of labelling characteristics of manual and automated synthesis methods for gallium-68 labelled ubiquicidin

Gallium-68 labelled 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid ubiquicidin (NOTA-UBI) is currently investigated as a PET radiopharmaceutical for the imaging of infections. The aim of this study was to compare the labelling characteristics of an optimized manual radiosynthesis method with those of optimized automated synthesis methods. Data from this study suggest that automated radiosynthesis of [Ga-68]Ga-NOTA-UBI provides a higher degree of robustness and repeatability than the manual method. Our results also suggest that for our fullscale automated synthesis, radical scavengers should be considered to reduce radiolysis. Automated synthesis methods have the advantage of markedly reducing radiation exposure to operators. Standardised automation also makes the synthesis more reliably compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines.

Automated summary

This study compared the labelling characteristics of manual and automated synthesis methods for Gallium-68 labelled NOTA-UBI, finding that automated synthesis provides higher robustness and repeatability while reducing radiation exposure to operators. It also suggests the consideration of radical scavengers to reduce radiolysis in automated synthesis.