Two methods are presented for the synthesis of acrylamides labelled with C-11 (beta(+), t(1/2) = 20.4 min) and C-11 in the carbonyl position. In the first method, [1-C-11]acrylic acid is synthesised from [C-11]carbon monoxide by palladium-mediated hydroxy-carbonylation of acetylene. The labelled carboxylic acid is converted into the acyl chloride and subsequently treated with amine to yield N-benzyl[carbonyl(11)C]acrylamide, The second method utilizes [C-11]carbon monoxide in a palladium-mediated carbonylative cross-coupling of vinyl halides and amines. A higher radiochemical yield is achieved with the latter method and the amount of amine needed is decreased to 1/20. The C-11-labelled acrylamides were isolated in up to 81 % decay-corrected radiochemical yield. Starting from 10 +/- 0.5GBq of [C-11]carbon monoxide, N-benzyl[carbonyl-C-11]acrylamide was obtained in 4 min with a specific radioactivity of 330 +/- 4 GBq mu mol-(1). Co-labelling with C-11 and C-13 enabled confirmation of the labelled position by C-13 NMR spectroscopy.

Background

The serotonin precursor 5-hydroxy-L-[β-¹¹C]tryptophan ([¹¹C]HTP) is in clinical use for localization of neuroendocrine tumors and has been suggested as a proxy marker for pancreatic islet cells. However, degradation by monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) reduces retention and the contrast to non-endocrine tissue.

Methods

A synthesis method was developed for 5-hydroxy-L-[β-¹¹C²H]tryptophan ([¹¹C]DHTP), an isotopologue of [¹¹C]HTP, labeled with ¹¹C and ²H at the β-position adjacent to the carbon involved in MAO-A decarboxylation. MAO-A-mediated degradation of [¹¹C]DHTP was evaluated and compared to non-deuterated [¹¹C]HTP.

Results

[¹¹C]DHTP was synthesized with a radiochemical purity of >98%, radioactivity of 620 ± 190 MBq, and deuterium (²H or ²H₂) incorporation at the β-position of 22% ±5%. Retention and resistance to MAO-A-mediated degradation of [¹¹C]DHTP were increased in cells but not in non-human primate pancreas.

Conclusions

Partial deuteration of the β-position yields improved resistance to MAO-A-mediated degradation in vitro but not in vivo.

Huisgen cycloaddition is attractive to label peptide because of its rapidity and bioorthogonality. However, for larger tracers, the physico-chemical differences between the precursor and the tracer are usually insufficient to allow their separation by HPLC, reducing the specific activity. This is of importance for peptidic tracers because the combination of their high-affinity receptor with low specific activity results in the precursor saturating the receptors, causing non-specific tracer binding. Here, we report a fast, one-pot, general strategy to circumvent this issue, yielding a tracer of improved specific activity. It consists in adding a lipophilic azide after the labeling step to scavenge unreacted precursor into a more lipophilic species that does not co-elute with the tracer. We applied this strategy to a new fluorinated cyclopentapeptidic CXCR4 antagonist for the PET imaging of cancer, CCIC15, for which we managed to reduce the apparent peptide concentration by a factor of 34 in 10min. This tracer was radiolabeled by click chemistry with 2-[F-18]fluoroethylazide, yielding the tracer in 18 +/- 6% (n=5) end-of-synthesis radiochemical yields (EOS-RCY) in 1.5h from [F-18]fluoride with a specific activity of 19.4GBq mu mol(-1). Preliminary biological evaluation of the probe confirmed potency and specificity for CXCR4; further biological evaluation is underway.

Molecular imaging of the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) would be a valuable tool for drug development by enabling in vivo target engagement studies in human. It has also been suggested as a putative target for beta cell imaging, but the inherent lipophilicity of most FFAR1 binders produces high off-target binding, which has hampered progress in this area. The aim of this study was to generate a suitable lead compound for further PET labeling. In order to identify a lead compound for future PET labeling for quantitative imaging of FFAR1 in human, we evaluated tritiated small molecule FFAR1 binding probes ([H-3]AZ1, [H-3]AZ2 and [H-3]TAK-875) for their off-target binding, receptor density and affinity in human pancreatic tissue (islets and exocrine) and rodent insulinoma. [H-3]AZ1 showed improved specificity to FFAR1, with decreased off-target binding compared to [H-3]AZ2 and [H-3]TAK-875, while retaining high affinity in the nanomolar range. FFAR1 density in human islets was approximately 50% higher than in exocrine tissue. AZ1 is a suitable lead compound for PET labeling for molecular imaging of FFAR1 in humans, due to high affinity and reduced off-target binding.

As part of our ongoing investigation into the imaging of angiogenic processes, a small library of eight vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta dual inhibitors based on the N-phenyl-N'-4-(4-quinolyloxy)-phenyl-urea was labelled with C-11 (beta(+), t(1/2) = 20.4 min) in the urea carbonyl position via rhodium-mediated carbonylative cross-coupling of an aryl azide and different anilines. The decay-corrected radiochemical yields of the isolated products were in the range of 38-81% calculated from [C-11]carbon monoxide. Starting with 10.7+/-0.5 GBq of [C-11]carbon monoxide, 1-[4-(6,7-dimethoxy-quinolin-4-yloxy)-3-fluoro-phenyl]-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-[C-11]-urea (2.1 GBq) was isolated after total reaction time of 45 min with a specific activity of 92+/-4 GBq mu mol(-1).

BACKGROUND: This study investigates whether a histone deacetylase subtype 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor could be used in the treatment of solid tumours.

METHODS: We evaluated the effect of a novel inhibitor, C1A, on HDAC6 biochemical activity and cell growth. We further examined potential of early noninvasive imaging of cell proliferation by [(18)F]fluorothymidine positron emission tomography ([(18)F]FLT-PET) to detect therapy response.

RESULTS: C1A induced sustained acetylation of HDAC6 substrates, α-tubulin and HSP90, compared with current clinically approved HDAC inhibitor SAHA. C1A induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of a panel of human tumour cell lines from different origins in the low micromolar range. Systemic administration of the drug inhibited the growth of colon tumours in vivo by 78%. The drug showed restricted activity on gene expression with <0.065% of genes modulated during 24 h of treatment. C1A treatment reduced tumour [(18)F]FLT uptake by 1.7-fold at 48 h, suggesting that molecular imaging could provide value in future studies of this compound.

CONCLUSION: C1A preferentially inhibits HDAC6 and modulates HDAC6 downstream targets leading to growth inhibition of a diverse set of cancer cell lines. This property together with the favourable pharmacokinetics and efficacy in vivo makes it a candidate for further pre-clinical and clinical development.

PURPOSE: With the ambition of improving the management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P-NETs), we developed and preliminary validated a novel fluorine-18 labelled HSP₉₀ ligand.

METHODS: A precursor containing methoxymethyl ethers protecting groups and a tosyl as leaving group was synthesized. The target compound was labeled with nucleophilic ¹⁸F-fluoride and the protecting groups was subsequently removed with hydrochloric acid before purification. In vitro cell- and frozen section autoradiography and in vivo animal studies were performed.

RESULTS: The precursor was successfully synthesized and utilized in the ¹⁸F-radiolabeling giving 0.5-1.0 GBq of pure product with a synthesis time of 70 min. In vitro experiments indicated a high specific binding, but in vivo studies showed no tumor uptake due to fast hepatobiliary metabolism and excretion.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the unfavorable in vivo properties of the tracer, the promising results from in vitro autoradiography experiments in frozen sections of P-NETs from surgical resection encourage us to continue the project aiming the improvement of in vivo properties of the tracer.

Due to the wide scale of inflammatory processes in different types of disease, more sensitive and specific biomarkers are required to improve prevention and treatment. Cluster of differentiation 69 (CD69) is one of the earliest cell surface proteins expressed by activated leukocytes. Here we characterize and optimize potential new imaging probes, Affibody molecules targeting CD69 for imaging of activated immune cells. Analysis of candidates isolated in a previously performed selection from a Z variant E. coli library to the recombinant extracellular domain of human CD69, identified one cross-reactive Z variant with affinity to murine and human CD69. Affinity maturation was performed by randomization of the primary Z variant, followed by selections from the library. The resulting Z variants were evaluated for affinity towards human and murine CD69 and thermal stability. The in vivo biodistribution was assessed by SPECT/CT in rats following conjugation of the Z variants by a DOTA chelator and radiolabeling with Indium-111. A primary Z variant with a K-d of approximately 50 nM affinity to human and murine CD69 was identified. Affinity maturation generated 5 additional Z variants with improved or similar affinity. All clones exhibited suitable stability. Radiolabeling and in vivo biodistribution in rat demonstrated rapid renal clearance for all variants, while the background uptake and washout varied. The variant Z(CD69:4) had the highest affinity for human and murine CD69 (34 nM) as well as the lowest in vivo background binding. In summary, we describe the discovery, optimization and evaluation of novel Affibody molecules with affinity for CD69. Affibody molecule Z(CD69:4) is suitable for further development for imaging of activated immune cells.

Introduction

Pathological formation of fibrosis, is an important feature in many diseases. Fibrosis in liver and pancreas has been associated to metabolic disease including type 1 and 2 diabetes. The current methods for detecting and diagnosing fibrosis are either invasive, or their sensitivity to detect fibrosis in early stage is limited. Therefore, it is crucial to develop non-invasive methods to detect, stage and study the molecular processes that drive the pathology of liver fibrosis. The peptide LRELHLNNN was previously identified as a selective binder to collagen type I with an affinity of 170 nM. Radiolabelled LRELHLNNN thus constitute a potential PET tracer for fibrosis.

Method

LRELHLNNN was conjugated to a DOTA/NOTA moiety via a PEG₂-linker. DOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN was labelled with Gallium-68 and NOTA- PEG₂-LRELHLNNN with aluminium fluoride-18. Biodistribution of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN and [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN was performed in healthy rats ex vivo and in vivo. The ⁶⁸Ga-labelled analogue was evaluated in a mouse model of liver fibrosis by PET/MRI-imaging. The human predicted dosimetry of the tracers was extrapolated from rat ex vivo biodistribution studies at 10, 20, 40, 60, 120, 180 min (only fluoride-18) post-injection.

Results

The peptides were successfully radiolabelled with gallium-68 and aluminium fluoride-18, respectively. The biodistribution of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN and [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN was favorable showing rapid clearance and low background binding in organs where fibrosis may develop. Binding of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN to fibrotic liver was higher than surrounding tissues in mice with induced hepatic fibrosis. However, the binding was in the range of SUV 0.3, indicating limited targeting of the tracer to liver. The extrapolated human predicted dosimetric profiles of [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN and [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN were beneficial, potentially allowing at least three PET examinations annually.

Conclusions

We describe the modification, radiolabelling and evaluation of the collagen type I binding peptide LRELHLNNN. The resulting radiotracer analogues demonstrated suitable biodistribution and dosimetry. [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-DOTA-PEG₂-LRELHLNNN exhibited binding to hepatic fibrotic lesions and is a promising tool for PET imaging of fibrosis.

Advances in knowledge

Validation of a new collagen targeting PET tracer.

Implications for patient care

Early, non-invasive diagnosis and stratification of fibrosis in order to improve the diagnosis, staging and treatment of patients with diseases involving fibrosis.

The poor permeability of theranostic agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) significantly hampers the development of new treatment modalities for neurological diseases. A new biomimetic nanocarrier is discovered using heparin (HP) that effectively passes the BBB and targets glioblastoma. Specifically, HP-coated gold nanoparticles (HP-AuNPs) are designed that are labeled with three different imaging modalities namely, fluorescein (FITC-HP-AuNP), radioisotope (68)Gallium (Ga-68-HP-AuNPs), and MRI active gadolinium (Gd-HP-AuNPs). The systemic infusion of FITC-HP-AuNPs in three different mouse strains (C57BL/6JRj, FVB, and NMRI-nude) displays excellent penetration and reveals uniform distribution of fluorescent particles in the brain parenchyma (69-86%) with some accumulation in neurons (8-18%) and microglia (4-10%). Tail-vein administration of radiolabeled Ga-68-HP-AuNPs in healthy rats also show Ga-68-HP-AuNP inside the brain parenchyma and in areas containing cerebrospinal fluid, such as the lateral ventricles, the cerebellum, and brain stem. Finally, tail-vein administration of Gd-HP-AuNPs (that displays approximate to threefold higher relaxivity than that of commercial Gd-DTPA) in an orthotopic glioblastoma (U87MG xenograft) model in nude mice demonstrates enrichment of T1-contrast at the intracranial tumor with a gradual increase in the contrast in the tumor region between 1 and 3 h. It is believed, the finding offers the untapped potential of HP-derived-NPs to deliver cargo molecules for treating neurological disorders.

PurposePolyvinylalcohol-carbazate (PVAC) is a soluble functionalized polymer acting as a carbonyl scavenger. This study aimed to create a radiolabelled PVAC and investigate the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of PVAC in naïve animals and ischemia models. 

MethodsPVAC was labelled using radionuclide [18F]FBA to track the substance with PET. Sprague Dawley rats underwent an ischemic event, either to the hind limb or to the kidney, while others served as controls. To study the pharmacokinetics rats were injected with radiolabelled or fluorochrome labelled PVAC. Radiolabelled PVAC was injected, and animals were followed by PET for 90 min, biodistribution ex vivo was finally examined.  Injection of fluorochrome-labelled PVAC was followed by repeated blood sampling to measure the circulating concentration. 

ResultsIn control animals, PVAC was mainly confined to the bloodstream followed by elimination via kidneys and accumulation in the bladder. Ex vivo biodistribution of PVAC confirmed the highest uptake in urine followed by blood, kidneys and other well-perfused organs. The elimination of I.V. administered PVAC was split into a fast phase (t1/2 = 0.2 h) followed by a slow phase (t1/2 = 10.73 h), with near-complete elimination from blood after 48 h. Both the ischemic kidney (fourfold increase, p = <0.001) and limb models (threefold increase, p = <0.001) demonstrated a higher uptake of PVAC in ischemic tissues, ex vivo radioactivity detection.

ConclusionLabelled PVAC, an aldehyde-carbonyl scavenger, is a promising new strategy to detect ischemic tissues. Potential therapeutic effects of PVAC on ischemic injuries should be investigated further.

Herein we describe the development of new methodologyfocusing on ¹¹C-labelling of sulfonyl carbamates in a multicomponentreaction comprising a sulfonyl azide, an alkyl alcohol and [¹¹C]CO. Anumber of 11C-labelled sulfonyl carbamates were synthesised andisolated, and the developed methodology was then applied in thepreparation of a biologically active molecule. The target compoundwas obtained in 18±8% isolated radiochemical yield and wasevaluated for binding properties in a tumor cell assay, as well asundergoing in vivo biodistribution and imaging studies. Thisrepresents the first successful radiolabelling of C21, a non-peptideangiotensin II receptor subtype 2 agonist currently in clinical trials.

We describe the development of a new methodology focusing on C-11-labeling of sulfonyl carbamates in a multicomponent reaction comprised of a sulfonyl azide, an alkyl alcohol, and [C-11] CO. A number of C-11-labeled sulfonyl carbamates were synthesized and isolated, and the developed methodology was then applied in the preparation of a biologically active molecule. The target compound was obtained in 24 +/- 10% isolated radiochemical yield and was evaluated for binding properties in a tumor cell assay; in vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were also performed. This represents the first successful radiolabeling of a non-peptide angiotensin II receptor subtype 2 agonist, C21, currently in clinical trials for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Choline kinase alpha is hyperactivated in many solid tumours and regulates malignant progression, making it a promising cancer drug target. The successful design and synthesis of novel inhibitors with high cellular activity are described.

Expression of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in prostate cancer suggests that this receptor can be used as a potential molecular target to visualize and treat these tumors. We have previously investigated an antagonist analog of bombesin (D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2, RM26) conjugated to 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N',N ''-triacetic acid (NOTA) via a diethylene glycol (PEG(2)) spacer (NOTA-P2-RM26) labeled with Ga-68 and In-111. We found that this conjugate has favorable properties for in vivo imaging of GRPR-expression. The focus of this study was to develop a F-18-labelled PET agent to visualize GRPR. NOTA-P2-RM26 was labeled with F-18 using aluminum-fluoride chelation. Stability, in vitro binding specificity and cellular processing tests were performed. The inhibition efficiency (IC50) of the [F-nat]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 was compared to that of the Ga-nat-loaded peptide using I-125-Tyr(4)-BBN as the displacement radioligand. The pharmacokinetics and in vivo binding specificity of the compound were studied. NOTA-P2-RM26 was labeled with F-18 within 1 h (60-65% decay corrected radiochemical yield, 55 GBq/mu mol). The radiopeptide was stable in murine serum and showed high specific binding to PC-3 cells. [F-nat]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 showed a low nanomolar inhibition efficiency (IC50=4.4 +/- 0.8 nM). The internalization rate of the tracer was low. Less than 14% of the cell-bound radioactivity was internalized after 4 h. The biodistribution of [F-18]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 demonstrated rapid blood clearance, low liver uptake and low kidney retention. The tumor uptake at 3 h p. i. was 5.5 +/- 0.7 % ID/g, and the tumor-to-blood, -muscle and -bone ratios were 87 +/- 42, 159 +/- 47, 38 +/- 16, respectively. The uptake in tumors, pancreas and other GRPR-expressing organs was significantly reduced when excess amount of non-labeled peptide was co-injected. The low uptake in bone suggests a high in vivo stability of the Al-F bond. High contrast PET image was obtained 3 h p. i. The initial biological results suggest that [F-18]AlF-NOTA-P2-RM26 is a promising candidate for PET imaging of GRPR in vivo.

In this study, systematic analysis of nanotechnology education programmes was carried out from a global and local perspective. Although several universities offer 3-4 year nanotechnology-centred educational programmes, in general the most common modes for nanotechnology education include either modular courses integrated in traditional scientific disciplines or 2-year specialised MSc programmes. Nanotechnology education has a number of peculiarities. For example, it is common to include “nano”-labelling of education for marketing purposes to attract students to study traditional disciplines. Another conclusion of the analysis is that specialised nanotechnology programmes require access to advanced characterisation equipment, which can be limiting for programmes with small number of students. The nanotechnology education in Sweden does not differ much from other countries in its structure. MSc programmes or modular courses in nanotechnology are offered by major universities. Lund University and KTH offer 2-year MSc programmes with specialisation in nanoscience, having strong focus on nanoelectronics and nanophysics, whereas Chalmers is offering nanoelectronics as a part of international 2-year Erasmus Mundus MSc programme in nanoscience and nanotechnology- EMMNano. The nanotechnology education at Uppsala University is conducted mainly through modular courses, with significantly higher number of courses specialised in life sciences applications than that at other major Swedish universities. At this time, it appears that no 2-year MSc programme is offered by major Swedish universities with specialisation in nanomedicine. Finally, extensive analysis of nanotechnology for life science education is conducted to highlight core concepts in the field.

Essential hypertension occurs in approximately 25% of the adult population and one cause of hypertension is primary aldosteronism. Targeting the angiotensin II AT₁ receptor using PET and an appropriate tracer may offer a diagnostic method for adrenocortical tissue. This report describes the synthesis of the selective AT₁ receptor antagonist [carboxyl-¹¹C]eprosartan 10, 4-[2-butyl-5-((E)-2-carboxy-3-thiophen-2-yl-propenyl)-imidazol-1-ylmethyl]-[carboxyl-¹¹C]benzoic acid, and its precursor (E)-3-[2-butyl-3-(4-iodo-benzyl)-3H-imidazol-4-yl]-2-thiophen-2-ylmethyl-acrylic acid 9. ¹¹C-carboxylation of the iodobenzyl moiety was performed using a palladium-mediated reaction with [¹¹C]carbon monoxide in the presence of tetra-n-butyl-ammonium hydroxide in a micro-autoclave using a temperature gradient from 25 to 140°C over 5 min. After purification by semipreparative HPLC, [carboxyl-¹¹C]eprosartan 10 was obtained in 37–54% decay-corrected radiochemical yield (from [¹¹C]carbon monoxide) with a radiochemical purity >95% within 35 min of the end of bombardment (EOB). A 5-µAh bombardment gave 2.04 GBq of 10 (50% rcy from [¹¹C]carbon monoxide) with a specific activity of 160 GBq µmol⁻¹ at 34 min after EOB. Frozen-section autoradiography shows specific binding in kidney, lung and adrenal cortex. In vivo experiments in rats demonstrate a high accumulation in kidney, liver and intestinal wall.

Combinatorial synthesis is extensively used in drug development and lead optimisation. However, this approach has rarely been used for positron emission tomography because of limitations in available technologies. [¹¹C]Carbon monoxide is amenable to combinatorial synthesis in transition-metal-catalysed reactions because it can react with a wide variety of electrophiles and nucleophiles, which opens up the possibilities for combinatorial radiochemistry. Herein, we exemplify the combinatorial approach by ¹¹C-labelling a library of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. The selection of candidates was guided by molecular docking. Epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in a variety of tumours, and it has become an important drug target. The ¹¹C-labelling reactions were performed using four substituted vinyl iodides and three different 4-anilino-6-aminoquinazolines using a palladium-mediated reaction with [¹¹C]carbon monoxide using a single set of reaction conditions. In total, 12 labelled acrylamide derivatives were radiolabelled and obtained in 24–61% decay-corrected radiochemical yield (from [¹¹C]carbon monoxide). Starting from 5.6 GBq [¹¹C]carbon monoxide, 0.85 GBq of formulated N-[4-(3-bromo-phenylamino)-quinazolin-6-yl]-acryl[¹¹C]amide [¹¹C]12da was obtained within 47 min from end of bombardment (specific activity of 60 GBq µmol⁻¹). This strategy is an example of how [¹¹C]carbon monoxide can be utilised in the labelling of libraries of drug candidates and positron emission tomography tracers for in vitro and in vivo testing.

The urea moiety is present in many biologically active compounds and thus an attractive target for C-11-labelling. To extend the scope of the rhodium(I)-mediated carbonylative cross-coupling reaction between an azide and an amine and investigate its tolerance for functional groups, we have synthesized eight ureas and two sulphonylureas that were C-11-labelled in the carbonyl position. The decay-corrected analytical radiochemical yields were in the range of 14-96% (from [C-11] carbon monoxide). For example: starting from 1.33 GBq [C-11] carbon monoxide, 0.237 GBq (66%) of the cytotoxic sulphonylurea [C-11] LY-181984 11 was isolated within 60 min from end of bombardment. The mild reaction conditions and generality regarding functional groups of this method make it an attractive alternative to the [C-11] phosgene method for the synthesis of C-11-labelled ureas.

Three C-11-radiolabelled high-affinity nonpeptide AT(2) receptor-selective ligands were synthesized and one of these was evaluated as positron emission tomography (PET) tracer. The labelling reaction was performed via palladium(0)-mediated aminocarbonylation of the aryl iodide substrate using [C-11] carbon monoxide as the labelled precursor. As an example, starting with 10.0 GBq [C-11] carbon monoxide, 1.10 GBq of the product N-butoxycarbonyl-3-[4-(N-benzyl-[C-11] carbamoyl)phenyl]-5-isobutylthiophene-2-sulphonamide [C-11]4d was obtained in 36% decay-corrected radiochemical yield (from [C-11] carbon monoxide), 42 min from end of bombardment with a specific activity of 110 GBq.mu mol(-1). The N-isopropyl-[C-11] carbamoyl-analogue [C-11]4c (radiochemical purity >95%) was studied employing autoradiography, organ distribution, and small animal PET. In vitro autoradiography showed specific binding in the pancreas and kidney. Organ distribution in six rats revealed a high uptake in the liver, intestine, kidney, and adrenals. Small animal PET showed rapid and reversible uptake in the kidneys followed by accumulation in the urinary bladder suggesting fast renal excretion of the tracer. In addition, high accumulation was also seen in the liver. For future studies, more metabolically stable tracers will need to be developed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt of the use of PET imaging for the detection of expressed, fully functional AT(2) receptors in living subjects.

The present work aims to provide a framework for teaching nanotechnology for life sciences applications, with special focus on nanotechnology-enabled treatments based on advanced physical and biological principles. By expanding and adapting the so-called “Big Ideas” of NSE to further include core elements of cell and molecular biology, an eight-level learning progression is suggested. The challenges of teaching nanotechnology are further addressed in different learning contexts to highlight the importance of size-dependent physical and biological interactions. A number of core nanomedicine concepts are discussed, including, e.g., directed self-assembly, enhance permeability and retention effect, protein corona, size-dependent cellular uptake, disease-specific environment, and theranostics. The outcome of this work will be useful for educators designing curriculum with specialization in nanomedicine.