University of North Carolina, Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC)

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?

A: My research at the Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC) focuses on the development and validation of novel radiolabeling methods and multimodality molecular imaging probes for various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, neuro-disease, and cardio vasculature disease. To be more specific, the major efforts of my current research include: 1) developing novel radiochemistry for cancer diagnosis, neuroimaging, cardiac imaging, diabetic research, drug discovery and development, and targeted radionuclide therapy;  2) developing multimodality molecular imaging agents; 3) developing novel nanotechnology and studying its biomedical applications; 4) developing pre-targeted drug delivery system for cancer imaging and therapy; and 5) performing PET related translational research.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR PREVIOUS WORK FLOW OR CHALLENGES?

A: Sometimes we have a reaction, and we do not know which peak contained the product, so we send the sample to the mass spectrometry facility to be analyzed. Additionally, there are times when we have 10-20 peaks, and it is impossible to collect them all to be sent.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION^® CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: The convenience of having a mass spectrometer in our laboratory means that we can increase working efficiencies by not waiting 2-3 days for results from the LC lab. The expression^® CMS is a good system for routine analysis.

Q: TO WHOM WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE EXPRESSION^® CMS?

A: I recommend the expression^® CMS to any traditional organic and radiochemistry laboratory. I am impressed by the smaller size and by how simple it is to operate. We were able to use it quickly.