AJNMMI Copyright © 2011-present, All rights reserved. Published by e-Century Publishing Corporation, Madison, WI 53711, USA
Am J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2012;2(3):273-306

Review Article
Molecular imaging probe development: a chemistry perspective

Donald D Nolting*, Michael L Nickels*, Ning Guo, Wellington Pham

Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University; Vanderbilt Ingram
Cancer Center; *These authors contributed equally to this work

Received June 1, 2012; accepted June 29, 2012; Epub July 10, 2012; Published July 30, 2012

Abstract: Molecular imaging is an attractive modality that has been widely employed in many aspects of biomedical research;
especially those aimed at the early detection of diseases such as cancer, inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders. The field
emerged in response to a new research paradigm in healthcare that seeks to integrate detection capabilities for the prediction and
prevention of diseases. This approach made a distinct impact in biomedical research as it enabled researchers to leverage the
capabilities of molecular imaging probes to visualize a targeted molecular event non-invasively, repeatedly and continuously in a
living system. In addition, since such probes are inherently compact, robust, and amenable to high-throughput production, these
probes could potentially facilitate screening of preclinical drug discovery, therapeutic assessment and validation of disease
biomarkers. They could also be useful in drug discovery and safety evaluations. In this review, major trends in the chemical
synthesis and development of positron emission tomography (PET), optical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes have
been discussed. (ajnmmi1112002).

Keywords: Positron emission tomography, radiochemistry, MRI, optical probes, molecular imaging


Address all correspondence to:
Dr. Wellington Pham
Vanderbilt University, Institute of Imaging Science
Department of Radiology, 1161 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37232-2310, USA.
Tel: (615) 936-7621; Fax: (615) 322-0734
E-mail: wellington.pham@vanderbilt.edu