Cyclotron Production of (99m)Tc using (100)Mo2C targets

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Chemistry
• Radiochemistry
• Medical Isotope Production

Background:

• Technetium-99m (99mTc) is a crucial radionuclide for diagnostic imaging.
• Efficient production methods for 99mTc are continuously sought to meet clinical demand.
• Molybdenum-100 (100Mo) is a promising precursor for 99mTc production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the (100)Mo (p,2n)99mTc reaction using molybdenum-100 carbide ((100)Mo2C) as a target material.
• To evaluate the suitability of (100)Mo2C for 99mTc production on a medical cyclotron.
• To assess the efficiency of thermo-chromatography for 99mTc separation and isolation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of (100)Mo2C from (100)MoO3.
• Irradiation of the (100)Mo2C target with protons on a medical cyclotron.
• Separation and isolation of 99mTc using high-temperature thermo-chromatography.
• Radiochemical purity assessment and labeling with MDP for imaging.

Main Results:

• The (100)Mo (p,2n)99mTc reaction was successfully performed using (100)Mo2C for the first time.
• Activity yields for 99mTc averaged 84% of theoretical yields.
• Percent recovery of the precursor MoO3 was high at 85%, indicating good target material lifecycle.
• Produced 99mTc was radio-chemically pure and suitable for labeling.

Conclusions:

• Molybdenum-100 carbide ((100)Mo2C) is an effective target material for cyclotron-based 99mTc production.
• Thermo-chromatography is a viable method for efficient 99mTc separation and isolation from the target.
• This method offers a promising route for reliable 99mTc supply for medical imaging.