How nature inspires radiochemistry: advances in bioactive compound radiolabeling and speciation

Radiolabeled bioactive compounds play a pivotal role in modern nuclear medicine, enabling precise non-invasive imaging and targeted therapeutic interventions. Natural product-derived radio conjugates, such as peptides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and siderophores, are garnering significant attention due to their intrinsic biological activity, specific targeting abilities, and favorable pharmacokinetics. Recent advances in radiolabeling techniques have made it possible to seamlessly integrate both diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides into these natural products. However, a major challenge remains in understanding their chemical speciation, a critical process necessary for identifying the various chemical forms they assume under physiological conditions, which in turn influences their stability and effectiveness. Despite remarkable progress in analytical methodologies, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and computational modelling, further investigation is needed to completely elucidate these complex speciation phenomena.This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest developments at the intersection of natural product chemistry, radiochemistry, and coordination chemistry, with a particular emphasis on bioinorganic speciation. It seeks to address the current challenges by pursuing novel research directions that effectively tackle issues related to radiolabeled natural compounds, innovative chelator designs, and the mechanistic dynamics of metal-ligand interactions. Specifically, the goal is to foster research that bears translational relevance in applications like PET/SPECT imaging, radionuclide therapy, and theragnostic approaches, with considerations for biological performance, imaging accuracy, and therapeutic efficacy.To gather further insights into this complex and promising area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Chelator design and coordination chemistry of (radio)metals with bioactive ligands.- In vitro and in vivo chemical speciation studies of radiolabeled compounds.- Radiolabeling techniques for natural compounds, including peptides, flavonoids, and alkaloids.- In silico modelling and advanced analytical methods for speciation and stability assessments. - Development and clinical integration of radiopharmaceuticals sourced from natural products.- Theragnostic strategies involving natural compounds labelled with radionuclides.- Detailed insights into the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism of radiolabeled bioactive.- Comparative studies on radiometal-ligand complexes from various natural compound classes.- Considerations for regulatory compliance and clinical application of natural radiopharmaceuticals.We encourage a diverse range of manuscript types, including original research articles, reviews, mini reviews, brief research reports, and perspectives, to facilitate dynamic academic discourse and innovation in this burgeoning field. Topic editors: Sofia Gama, Rosita Cappai, Erika Ferrari Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/71511/how-nature-inspires-radiochemistry-advances-in-bioactive-compound-radiolabeling-and-speciation