Radiometals and Functional Labeling Chemistry

The research activities of this group are dedicated to the chemical and radiochemical development and characterization of novel compounds that can be used for both imaging and therapy of tumors with the same underlying targeting molecule (theranostics). We pursue innovative approaches involving the combination of radiometals with diverse properties, various chelator systems, and, for instance, near-infrared dyes for the labeling of peptides, proteins, antibodies, as well as low-molecular-weight compounds. In doing so, the entire methodological repertoire of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and radiochemistry is employed. Our core expertise and particular interest lie in radiolabeling using copper nuclides 61 (positron emitter), 64 (positron/Auger emitter), and 67 (electron/gamma emitter), as well as other radionuclides that fulfill the requirements of a so-called matched pair.

Recent key publications

• Sihver W. et al., Bioconjugate Chem, 35:1402, 2024. (Editors' Choice)
• Kubeil M. et al., Chem Eur J, 30, e202400366, 2024. (Cover feature)

Projects (multicenter)

• Development of radio- and fluorescence labeling approaches for targeted cancer theranostics (collaboration with the Department of Medicinal Radiochemistry (Robert Wodtke group, Kristof Zarschler group), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, and the Department of Radiation Research on Biological Systems (Manja Kubeil group), Institute of Resource Ecology)

Research initiatives

• Auger- and Conversion-Electron Radiopharmaceuticals