Chemistry Facilities

We are able to radiolabel small novel synthetic molecules, peptides and proteins for biological evaluation by the biology group. We have 4 hot cells equipped with robotic arms to perform large scale radiosynthesis. In addition we also have a GE Nuclear Interface box for large scale automated radiosynthesis. We have a clean room, a QC laboratory and a laboratory dedicated for the synthesis of clinical products. We have 3 synthetic laboratories to synthesize our novel synthetic molecules, which are supported with an NMR, 3 preparative HPLCs and a LCMS.

• 7-8 Radiolabelling laboratories
• 2-3 Synthetic laboratories
• 1 Clinical products lab
• LCMS - Mass Spec facilities
• GE Nuclear Interface box for large scale radiosynthesis.
• QC laboratories
• NMR - Bruker Avance DPX 400MHz
• HPLC - 3 preparative HPLCS including a Waters DELTA prep

Radiolabelling Laboratories

There are several labs that are dedicated to radiolabelling, each equipped with HPLCs and shielding for the appropriate isotopes. There are 4 hot cells equipped with robotic arms for large scale synthesis. We are able to radiolabel small novel synthetic molecules, peptides and proteins for biological evaluation by the biology group. There are also facilities such as a freeze dryer and a -80^oC freezer to handle proteins.

Synthetic Laboratories

Generally, many pharmaceuticals are not designed as radiopharmaceuticals. At ANSTO RRI, the synthetic chemists have the challenging task of devising ways to make suitable molecules to incorporate a radionuclide to the pharmaceutical without significantly altering the properties of the pharmaceutical.

LCMS - Mass Spec facilities

The development of synthetic molecules are supported by a LCMS. The LCMS is fully automated for high through put and has high sensitivity that metabolite studies are possible on it. The instrument is a Waters/Micromass ZQ with multi-mode ionisation (ESCI) and attached PDA. It is capable of flow rates of up to 40 ml/minute, with automatic mass-based peak collection and fraction auto re-injection.

GE Nuclear Interface box for large scale radiosynthesis.

To reduce dose to the scientists, many large scale radiosyntheses are performed in a remotely controlled or automated specially designed box.

QC laboratory

All our radiolabelled products, both for clinical work and our own animal studies, are analysed for radiopurity before it can be released.

NMR - Bruker Avance DPX 400MHz

The development of synthetic molecules are supported by our Burker Advance, 400MHz NMR. This vital piece of equipment is used to determine the precise chemical structures of all compounds synthesised by RRI. It is also used by several other groups within ANSTO for a range of applications. It is a Fourier Transform machine, capable of analysing a wide range of nulcei, including ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, and ³¹P, using a QNP probe. The powerful magnetic field required to do this, is generated by a superconducting solenoid immersed in liquid helium.

HPLC - 3 preparative HPLCS including a Waters DELTA prep

Many of the synthetic molecules require rigorous purification before it is suitable for radiolabelling and appropriate for testing in in vitro and in vivo studies. This is supported by many preparative HPLCS. These HPLCS also speed up the purification of challenging synthetic precursors.