Fully Automated Production of Multiple 11C-Labeled PET Tracers Using a Self-Cleaning TracerMaker Radiosynthesizer

Abstract

The rapid translation of carbon-11 PET radiotracers into clinical and preclinical research requires automated synthesis modules capable of fast, reliable, and reproducible production. Here, we report the development and application of a fully automated TracerMaker radiosynthesizer for routine production of multiple ¹¹C-labeled PET tracers at the PET Research Core, Stony Brook University. The system integrates automated Sep-Pak preconditioning, in-line sterile filter integrity testing, and a fully automated postproduction cleaning protocol that significantly reduces operator workload and radiation exposure. Using this module, three radiotracers with high clinical research interest, (E)-3-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-ylethynyl)-cyclohex-2-enone-O-¹¹C-methyl-oxime ((E)-[¹¹C]ABP688), 5-(4-(Methoxy-¹¹C)phenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1H-1,2,4-triazole ([¹¹C]PS13), and ¹¹C-labeled Pittsburgh Compound B ([¹¹C]PiB) were successfully produced without hardware modification. The automated cleaning protocol enables rapid turnaround between runs and supports high-throughput sequential production. These results demonstrate that the TracerMaker module provides a robust, flexible, and cost-effective platform for the routine clinical production of carbon-11 radiopharmaceuticals.