About this Research Topic
Isotopic labeling, which substitutes atom(s) in a molecule with their isotope(s), enables tracking and detection of these atoms in various scientific fields. Combined with molecular imaging, which entails visualizing cellular-level biological processes in living organisms, isotopic labeling forms the basis for advancements in personalized medicine. Traditionally, stable isotopes were used for molecular imaging; however, their limitations spurred research towards developing novel isotopic labeling techniques. Radioactive isotopes have emerged as promising alternatives due to their high sensitivity and quantitative imaging potential. However, challenges, such as their short half-life and safety requirements, are driving the pursuit of innovative solutions. The goal is to enhance stability, increase specificity, and minimize harm, optimizing the effectiveness of molecular imaging. These developments could significantly impact our understanding of biological systems as well as disease diagnosis and treatment.
Despite the advantages of radioactive isotopes in molecular imaging, problems persist such as short half-life, limited specificity, and safety concerns. These issues hinder the wide-scale application and effectiveness of isotopic labeling in molecular imaging.
To address these problems, researchers are focusing on developing novel isotopic labeling techniques that are stable, safe, and offer improved specificity. One strategy involves the use of longer-lived isotopes, such as copper-64, iodine-124 or zirconium-89, to increase the temporal window for imaging. Another approach is to engineer isotopes that bind more specifically to target molecules, improving the resolution and accuracy of imaging.
Recent advances include the development of "click chemistry", copper-mediated radiolabeling, and photoredox catalyzed radiolabeling methods, which allow for fast and highly specific reactions between isotopes and target molecules. Additionally, nanoparticles as carriers for isotopes have shown promise for enhancing stability and allowing controlled release, thereby improving safety.
Ultimately, addressing these issues would optimize the effectiveness of molecular imaging, benefiting fields like personalized medicine, pharmacology, and molecular biology.
Research Topic Scope:
This research topic, "The development of novel isotopic labeling techniques for molecular imaging," seeks to gather original research, reviews, and methodology articles exploring innovative isotopic labeling strategies and their applications in molecular imaging.
Specific Themes include, but are not limited to:
1. Novel methods for increasing the half-life of isotopes in molecular imaging.
2. Development of isotopes with higher specificity towards target molecules.
3. Advances in click chemistry methods for isotopic labeling.
4. Use of nanoparticles in isotopic labeling to improve stability and safety.
5. Technological innovations in imaging instruments to better capture isotopically labeled molecules.
6. Exploration of novel isotopic labeling techniques in specific fields such as personalized medicine, pharmacology, or molecular biology.
7. Case studies showcasing the application and effectiveness of novel isotopic labeling techniques in molecular imaging.
Manuscripts of Interest:
1. Original Research: Experimental results from innovative studies on novel isotopic labeling techniques for molecular imaging.
2. Review Articles: Comprehensive overviews of current and emerging trends, techniques, challenges, and applications in isotopic labeling for molecular imaging.
3. Methodology Articles: Detailed descriptions of new methods or significant improvements to existing methods in isotopic labeling.
4. Case Studies: Real-world examples showcasing the application, effectiveness, and impact of novel isotopic labeling techniques in molecular imaging.
Topic editor, Xuedan Wu, is employed by LED Radiofluidics Corp. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Despite the advantages of radioactive isotopes in molecular imaging, problems persist such as short half-life, limited specificity, and safety concerns. These issues hinder the wide-scale application and effectiveness of isotopic labeling in molecular imaging.
To address these problems, researchers are focusing on developing novel isotopic labeling techniques that are stable, safe, and offer improved specificity. One strategy involves the use of longer-lived isotopes, such as copper-64, iodine-124 or zirconium-89, to increase the temporal window for imaging. Another approach is to engineer isotopes that bind more specifically to target molecules, improving the resolution and accuracy of imaging.
Recent advances include the development of "click chemistry", copper-mediated radiolabeling, and photoredox catalyzed radiolabeling methods, which allow for fast and highly specific reactions between isotopes and target molecules. Additionally, nanoparticles as carriers for isotopes have shown promise for enhancing stability and allowing controlled release, thereby improving safety.
Ultimately, addressing these issues would optimize the effectiveness of molecular imaging, benefiting fields like personalized medicine, pharmacology, and molecular biology.
Research Topic Scope:
This research topic, "The development of novel isotopic labeling techniques for molecular imaging," seeks to gather original research, reviews, and methodology articles exploring innovative isotopic labeling strategies and their applications in molecular imaging.
Specific Themes include, but are not limited to:
1. Novel methods for increasing the half-life of isotopes in molecular imaging.
2. Development of isotopes with higher specificity towards target molecules.
3. Advances in click chemistry methods for isotopic labeling.
4. Use of nanoparticles in isotopic labeling to improve stability and safety.
5. Technological innovations in imaging instruments to better capture isotopically labeled molecules.
6. Exploration of novel isotopic labeling techniques in specific fields such as personalized medicine, pharmacology, or molecular biology.
7. Case studies showcasing the application and effectiveness of novel isotopic labeling techniques in molecular imaging.
Manuscripts of Interest:
1. Original Research: Experimental results from innovative studies on novel isotopic labeling techniques for molecular imaging.
2. Review Articles: Comprehensive overviews of current and emerging trends, techniques, challenges, and applications in isotopic labeling for molecular imaging.
3. Methodology Articles: Detailed descriptions of new methods or significant improvements to existing methods in isotopic labeling.
4. Case Studies: Real-world examples showcasing the application, effectiveness, and impact of novel isotopic labeling techniques in molecular imaging.
Topic editor, Xuedan Wu, is employed by LED Radiofluidics Corp. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords: fluorine-18, carbon-11, carbon-13, molecular imaging, therapy, radioisotope, stable isotope, isotopic tracer, PET tracer, MRI agent, catalysis, chelation
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