The primary research interest is the development of methods to radiolabel biologically relevant molecules in which the introduction of ¹⁸F can be easily and efficiently accomplished.  Examples of these small molecules include the anticancer drug analog [¹⁸F]Paclitaxel, the HIV drug analog [¹⁸F]FPMPA, and the muscarinic agonist [¹⁸F]xanomeline.  An expansion of this interest is  the preparation of small radiolabeled organic prosthetic groups that can subsequently be used to radiolabel larger molecules, such as peptides or proteins. Prosthetic groups may contain hydroxysuccinimidyl esters for selective conjugation with lysine residues or maleimidyl moieties for selective conjugation with cysteine residues. Recently, we described the conjugation of [¹⁸F]FBEM (fluorobenzoylaminoethyl maleimide) with HER2-specific Affibody molecule, an scVEGF fragment and with a cysteine-containing analog of exendin-4.  These projects have yielded radiotracers with potential clinical applications.

In order to extend the probes available for PET, we have explored other available radionuclides.  The group previously had collaborative projects in the use of Br-76 (t_1/2 16.2 h) and Zr-89 (t _½ 78.4h). The synthesis of NOTA modified peptides that allow complexation of [¹⁸F]aluminum fluoride as well as Ga-68 (t_1/2 68 min) and Cu-64 (t_1/2, 12.7 h) are used extensively in the laboratory.