ZJU wins gold medal at 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
Recently, the microfluidic modular integrated synthesis system for new PET molecular imaging probes, developed by the research team headed by Prof. ZHANG Hong at the Zhejiang University College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science, garnered a gold medal at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (IEIG).
Molecular imaging is the key to improving the therapy and prognosis of major human diseases. Positron emission tomography (PET), a type of nuclear medicine imaging technology that measures metabolic activity of the cells of body tissues, is known as “in vivo biochemical imaging”. Molecular imaging with PET has become a crucial avenue for precise diagnosis and treatment, and at its core is the synthesis of probes.
Prof. ZHANG Hong (in the middle) and his team
Prof. ZHANG Hong has teamed up with multidisciplinary experts and scholars in the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine and the Department of Chemistry to address key questions regarding the microfluidic synthesis of PET molecular imaging probes in the past 12 years. They are the first to put forward the “microfluidic synthesis system for molecular imaging probes” and have successfully developed core technologies, unit components and an integrated system for the synthesis of PET molecular imaging probes at the microscale in a complex radioactive environment. They have devised ways to synthesize ultra-micro molecular imaging probes in a rapid way and prepare different molecular imaging probes by the same system. They have also established a complete system for the microfluidic modular integrated synthesis system for new PET molecular imaging probes. This work not only expands the clinical application of PET for personalized and precise therapy tremendously but also plays a vital role in supporting the development of new drugs.
IEIG is recognized as one of the most prestigious innovation exhibitions. It is one of the top three events held in Geneva, Switzerland annually and it is exclusively devoted to inventions and innovations. Under the patronage of the Swiss Federal Government and of the State and the City of Geneva, this event showcases and highlights innovations and inventions from around the world.