Biocatalysis Fluorinated Sugar

About

About Opportunity: Combining the sequential use of 2 enzymes – fluorinase and nucleoside hydrolase – we have successfully produced a new radiotracer with potential as an imaging biomarker for PET scans. The fluorinase enzyme combines fluorine with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to generate 5'-fluro-5'-deoxyadenosine (5'-FDA) which is the feedstock for the nucleoside hydrolase enzyme producing [18-F]- fluorodeoxyribose (FDR). Both enzymes have been purified using conventional techniques, maintain high activities after freeze-drying and are available in lyophilised form to interested researchers. In collaboration with the imaging unit at the University of Aberdeen the St Andrews research team have demonstrated that [18-F]-FDR may have applications as an image biomarker in PET scans, and the team’s objective is to undertake further work on a suitable mouse cancer model. Key Benefits: Environmentally compatible process to prepare organo-fluorine compounds for PET. High chemical selectivity Biocatalytic process. Readily available and inexpensive materials. Established protocol. Ease of use Applications: This 2-step biocatalytic process results in the generation of stable fluorine containing compounds, which may then be further reacted with a second enzyme or chemically to produce a wide range of fluorinated compounds with potential as novel radiotracers. Work continues to develop further chemical and/or enzymatic processes utilising the fluorinase product fluorodeoxyadenosine as an intermediate in the pathway to a wider range of fluorinated compounds.   IP Status: St Andrews University would be happy to discuss this technology transfer opportunity.