Advances in Materials for Strontium-Yttrium Separation: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Radiochemistry
• Materials Science
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) is a key radionuclide for targeted cancer therapy (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, lymphoma).
• The ⁹⁰Sr-⁹⁰Y generator is the primary method for producing no-carrier-added (NCA) ⁹⁰Y.
• Strict separation of the radiotoxic parent ⁹⁰Sr is essential due to its bone-seeking nature and long half-life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in solid-phase adsorbent materials for Y³⁺/Sr²⁺ separation.
• To analyze design strategies, recognition mechanisms, and performance of functional separation systems.
• To provide an outlook on next-generation ⁹⁰Sr-⁹⁰Y generator materials.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of extraction chromatography (EXC) resins (organophosphorus extractants, diglycolamide derivatives, crown ethers).
• Analysis of inorganic ion exchangers (antimony-based materials, manganese oxides, zeolite-like molecular sieves).
• Evaluation of composite modification strategies (silica/polymer composites, metal doping) for enhanced properties.

Main Results:

• Various adsorbent materials demonstrate high efficiency in separating Y³⁺ from Sr²⁺.
• Composite materials and metal doping enhance radiation resistance, acid stability, and separation factors (SF).
• Current materials show promise for improving the safety and efficacy of ⁹⁰Y-based therapies.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in developing advanced materials for ⁹⁰Sr-⁹⁰Y separation.
• Optimized materials are crucial for meeting clinical demands for NCA ⁹⁰Y.
• Future research should focus on transitioning laboratory findings to robust, field-ready generator applications.