The long-term objective is the development of an efficient, economical, large-scale synthesis of glucose-(1,6-13C2l. This compound is needed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of glucose metabolism in human brain, as it is required for visualization of brain tumors of other brain disfunctions that are engaging in anaerobic metabolism of glucose. At present, the cost of this isotopically labeled form of glucose is much too high for wide-spread use in the lower-field- strength MRI facilities that are commonly available in the U. S. A. A combination of organic chemical synthesis and application of immobilized enzymes will be applied in order to produce the required glucose at an affordable.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research: Large quantities (10-40 g? of glucose-(1,6/13C2) are required for a single MRI procedure on a human patient. If this compound can be provided at a reasonable cost, a demand for this compound of hundreds or even thousands of grams per year can be anticipated. Thus, there is excellent potential for the long-term commercial application of the research.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
