Molecular Imaging Chemistry Laboratory (MICL)

Welcome 

Welcome to the homepage of the Molecular Imaging Chemistry Laboratory (MICL), the primary facility for the research group of Prof. Franklin Aigbirhio. The group conducts multidisciplinary research in the development, characterision and application of imaging probes and related methodology for the molecular imaging technique of positron emission tomography (PET). The overarching aims of our research programme are to i) develop PET imaging probes that are sensitive markers of pathology in vivo for application in biomedical research and/or disease diagnosis and hence treatment; ii) train scientists in this technology.

Being based the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, gives us unique access to world leading biomedical research, enabling us to form extensive collaborations, in particular with researchers at the University of Cambridge Clinical School. In addition, we have collaborations with several industrial groups such as GE Healthcare, Avid, Siemens and GlaxoSmithKline.

Underpinning our research is support by a range funders including the MRC, EPSRC, Cambridge NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, AR-UK, Wellcome Trust and Amgen. 

Introduction to MICL

Established in 2008 the Molecular Imaging Chemistry Laboratory is a state-of-the-art purpose-designed facility for the design, development and preparation of imaging probes, primarily radiolabelled probes for the molecular imaging technique of positron emission tomography (PET). Hence the laboratory is the primary facility for research programmes in this area for various imaging groups based at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, as well as collaborators in Cambridge and externally. Activities at the MICL include the preparation of PET radiotracers for the pre-clinical imaging programmes based at the West Forvie Building and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. In addition, a major aspect of the laboratory is training in PET radiochemistry and radiopharmacology, ranging from research degree projects to training in the GMP radiosynthesis of PET radiopharmaceuticals. The MICL complements its sister facility the nearby Radiopharmaceutical Unit, which contains a cyclotron and undertakes good manufacturing practice (GMP) for the preparations of radiopharmaceuticals for clinical PET imaging at the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre

The primary group based at the MICL is the research group of Prof Franklin Aigbirhio, who in addition to managing the facilities, they conduct research in the development, characterision and application of PET probes.

Please browse the website to find out more about what we do!

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Recent News 

New equipment in the MICL 

As part of our continuing collaborations with GE Amersham we have received a new GE FASTlab as well as a prep and analytical HPLC systems. Initially, this new equipment will be used to transfer tracers to our GMP facility with further projects to develop novel radiotracers for imaging neurodegenerative disease in the near future.