Radiochemistry

ReDIB offers multiple options for access to radioisotopes and radiolabeling of molecules, using both internally produced and externally sourced isotopes. Our facilities ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and specialized technical support for biomedical and pharmaceutical research.

 

 

CNIC Advanced Translational Imaging Infrastructure: hosts a radiochemistry/nanochemistry lab which includes a relaxometer of 1.5 Tesla, nanosizer ZS-90, homogenizer, 68Ga generator and a synthesis module equipped with an organic chemistry lab.

Molecular and Functional Imaging Platform of CIC biomaGUNE: has a radiochemistry laboratory equipped with 5 shielded hot cells housing versatile automatic synthesis, suitable for the production (synthesis, purification and quality control) of PET and SPECT radiotracers. The facility has specially designed modules for: 
  • Synthesis of [11C] CH3I / [11C] CH3OTf from [11C] CO2 / [11C] CH4, and subsequent methylation reaction
  • 18F-fluorination by nucleophilic and electrophilic substitution
  • Radiotracer synthesis using microfluidics technology
  • Chelation reactions using radiometals (68Ga, 67Ga, 64Cu, 89Zr, etc)

In addition, the laboratory has two shielded hot cells for manual handling of radioactive substances, suitable for the preparation of mono-doses or to perform syntheses with small amounts of radioactivity.

The quality control lab sited into the production lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to perform the complete quality control of the synthesized radiotracers, including the following equipment.

BioImagen Complutense (BioImaC) provides users with the supply of short-lived PET radiotracers for basic research, through an agreement signed with the company Curium Pharma Spain S.A., which facilitates access to the Cyclotron and the Radiopharmacy Unit that the company has located on the Complutense campus.

Radiochemistry Laboratory

The Radiochemistry Laboratory at CIC biomaGUNE is equipped with automated synthesis modules for the production of radiopharmaceuticals and tracers used in molecular and preclinical imaging (PET and SPECT).


It includes a comprehensive quality control infrastructure, featuring high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) systems, as well as instruments for radiochemical, chemical, and specific purity analysis.


The laboratory also features lead-shielded hot cells with 75 mm lead protection, offering front and rear access to enable a safe and efficient workflow between synthesis and quality control areas.
In addition, there are two lead-shielded laminar flow cabinets equipped with a gas compression system, ensuring a sterile and protected environment for the safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals.


These facilities operate ensuring reproducibility, safety, and traceability in the synthesis and quality control of labeled compounds.
Their activity is essential for the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals, biodistribution studies, and biomarker validation in translational biomedical research.

Location: CIC biomaGUNE

Cyclotron IBA 9/18

The IBA 9/18 Cyclotron at CIC biomaGUNE is a particle accelerator designed for the production of radioisotopes used in molecular imaging, nuclear medicine, and preclinical research.


The cyclotron is capable of accelerating protons up to 18 MeV and deuterons up to 9 MeV, and is equipped with seven irradiation targets for the routine production of [¹⁸F]F⁻, [¹⁸F]F₂, [¹³N]NH₄⁺, [¹⁵O]O₂, [¹¹C]CO₂, and [¹¹C]CH₄, as well as a solid target for the production of ⁸⁹Zr and ⁶⁴Cu.


This configuration enables the reliable and efficient synthesis of a broad range of PET radioisotopes for use in radiopharmaceutical production and radiolabeling.


The cyclotron is fully integrated with the Radiochemistry Laboratory, ensuring a seamless workflow from radioisotope generation to synthesis and quality control. It features automated target handling systems and direct transfer lines that deliver radioisotopes safely to the lead-shielded hot cells, ensuring radiological safety, efficiency, and reproducibility throughout the process.


This facility is a key component of the Molecular and Functional Imaging Platform at CIC biomaGUNE, providing in-house, controlled production of medical and research-grade radioisotopes for advanced biomedical and translational studies.

Location: CIC biomaGUNE

ReDIB offers among its services the preparation of radiotracers for use in experimental animals (see table).

[11C]     [13N]  
Colina Aminoacid · oncologic diagnostic   NH3 Ammonium · Perfusion and blood flow
DASB Serotonine brain transporters   [18F]  
FLB-457  Dopaminergic receptors D2/D3   FAP Blood flow
Flumazenil GABAA receptors   FDG  Fluoro deoxyglucose · Glucose metabolism
Harmine Enzimatic monoamine Oxidase MAO-A tracer   FLT Tumor proliferation · Oncologic diagnostic
Metionina  Aminoacid · oncologic diagnostic   FMISO Hypoxia
NNC-112 D1 dopaminergic receptor   NaF Fluoride · Bone alteration
PiB Amyloid beta plaques   PE2I Dopamine transporter
PK-11195 Peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (RPBs)   [68Ga]  
QNB Muscarinic cholinergic receptor   DOTA Somatostatin receptor
Raclopride D2 dopaminergic receptor   NODA Somatostatin receptor

Customized synthesis services are also available.

Maximum activity​

Isotopes Maximum activity mCi Maximum activity GBq
Carbon-11 5.000 185
Nitrogen-13 1.000 37
Oxygen-15 1.000 37
Fluorine-18 15.000 555
Iodine-124 200 7,4
Cobalt-57  20  0,74 
 Copper-64 100 3,70 
 Gallium-67 20 0,74 
 Germanium-68/Gallium-68 120 4,44
 Rubidium-82 20 0,74
Technetium-99m 100 3,70
 Indium-111 20 0,74
Iodine-123 100 3,70
Iodine-125 20 0,74
Thallium-201 20 0,74
Iodine-131 100 1,85
Zirconium-89 50 1,85
Titanium-45 50 1,85
Hydrogen-3 50 1,85
Carbon-14 100 3,70
Lutetium-177  100 1,85 

In ReDiB - Red Distribuida de Imagen Biomédica we use our own and third party cookies to make sure everything works properly. For more information visit our cookie policy. You can accept all cookies by clicking on the "Accept" button or customize your choice by clicking on CONFIGURE OR REJECT.