99Mo/(99m)Tc separation: an assessment of technology options

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Radiochemistry
• Medical Isotope Production

Background:

• Traditional (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generators rely on fission-produced (99)Mo (F (99)Mo) and column chromatography.
• Reduced availability of F (99)Mo has led to shortages of (99)Mo/(99m)Tc generators.
• This necessitates exploring alternative production routes for (99)Mo and (99m)Tc.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review established and novel separation technologies for (99m)Tc production.
• To evaluate the suitability of these methods for clinical-grade (99m)Tc from alternative (99)Mo sources.
• To discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of adapting these techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on separation technologies.
• Analysis of column chromatography, solvent extraction, sublimation, and gel systems.
• Evaluation of emerging techniques: solid-phase extraction, electrochemical separation, extraction chromatography, supported liquid membranes (SLM), and thermochromatography.

Main Results:

• Traditional methods like column chromatography are effective but were less favored due to F (99)Mo availability.
• Alternative routes require separation of (99m)Tc from low specific activity (99)Mo or irradiated molybdenum targets.
• Emerging technologies show promise for future (99m)Tc production scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Proven separation technologies can be adapted for immediate use with irradiated molybdenum targets.
• Further development of emerging techniques is crucial for future (99m)Tc production.
• The review provides insights into selecting appropriate separation methods based on evolving production needs.