Parameters optimization defined by statistical analysis for cysteine–dextran radiolabeling with technetium tricarbonyl core

The objective of this study was the development of a statistical approach for radiolabeling optimization of cysteine–dextran conjugates with Tc-99m tricarbonyl core. This strategy has been applied to the labeling of 2-propylene–S-cysteine–dextran in the attempt to prepare a new class of tracers for sentinel lymph node detection, and can be extended to other radiopharmaceuticals for different targets. The statistical routine was based on three-level factorial design. Best labeling conditions were achieved. The specific activity reached was 5 MBq/μg.