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An enzymatic route to 5-deoxy-5-[F-18]fluoro-D-ribose, a [F-18]-fluorinated sugar for PET imaging

This work unites enzymology with PET, using a bacterial fluorinase enzyme from Streptomyces cattleya to incorporate 18F-fluoride into organic molecules, in mild aqueous (hence “green”) conditions without organic solvents. The impact lies in simplification and “greening” of PET radiochemistry. It was exemplified by efficient synthesis of 5-deoxy-5-[18F]fluoro-D-ribose in a sequential one-pot reaction, demonstrating the range and versatility of the fluorinase. The work has generated a novel radiotracer for tumour imaging (O’Hagan, Nucl Med Biol. 2013) and as a platform for bioconjugation of peptides for PET imaging (O’Hagan, Chem Commun, 2012). Gee led the PET radiochemistry work in this study.