Hansraj College, University of Chicago explore joint research on radiopharmaceutical chemistry

Hansraj College at the University of Delhi and the University of Chicago are considering a research partnership in the field of radiopharmaceutical chemistry. This collaboration aims to create next-generation PET tracers for enhanced molecular imaging and biomedical research. The initiative would involve Hansraj College's Department of Chemistry and the H.G.

Khorana Centre for Chemical Biology, under the leadership of Prof. Brijesh Rathi, as well as researchers from the University of Chicago's radiopharmaceutical research division. Prof. Satish Chitneni, a research faculty member and Faculty Director of the Cyclotron Facility at the University of Chicago, recently visited Hansraj College to explore potential joint research opportunities.

Chitneni's visit focused on discussing areas of mutual interest and reviewing research presentations by Hansraj College students, which included novel chemistry concepts relevant to radiopharmaceutical development. Radiopharmaceutical chemistry is a multidisciplinary field that combines chemistry, nuclear medicine, pharmacology, biochemistry, medical physics, and other specialties.

The goal is to develop molecules linked with radioactive isotopes for application in drug-like agents for disease diagnosis and therapy. The development of these compounds is crucial for both diagnostic and therapeutic uses, particularly in oncology. Radiopharmaceutical development hinges on the ability to rapidly incorporate radioactive isotopes into molecules, given the limited time available in many medical applications.

Chitneni highlighted the growing significance of radiopharmaceuticals in therapeutics, especially for cancer treatment, and the close relationship between their development and medical imaging. He emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of the field, requiring expertise from various scientific disciplines. The potential collaboration between Hansraj College and the University of Chicago was facilitated by Prof. Anil Kumar Mishra of IIT Roorkee, whose efforts helped bridge the research teams.

The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to foster ongoing academic and research exchanges between the two institutions in the realm of radiopharmaceutical chemistry and related areas.