Microfluidic modules for [18F-] activation - towards an integrated modular Lab on a chip for PET radiotracer synthesis

We present the fabrication and implementation of two microfluidic modules for the activation of [18/19 F-] fluoride that will ultimately form part of a lab-on-a-chip platform for fully integrated synthesis of fluoride-containing Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiotracers. The first module employs a dam structure and the second magnetic forces; in both modules fluoride was activated via an anion exchange reaction on a solid support. All necessary steps were performed on-chip, including the activation of the solid support, the trapping of fluoride, and its elution in acetonitrile in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst (Kryptofix K2.2.2). Furthermore, we demonstrate the reusability and regeneration of the anion exchange particles for reusability of the system.