Preparation and evaluation of nano-crystalline titania as sorbent for⁹⁹Mo/^99mTc generator

Abstract

In the presented work, nano-crystalline titania (TiO2) was synthesized and evaluated as a novel chromatographic sorbent for the preparation of the medical 99Mo/99mTc generator. TiO2 was synthesized by dissolving TiCl4.6H2O with isopropyl alcohol to form a semisolid mass that was extensively dried and washed. The physicochemical parameters and surface area of the synthesized nano-crystalline TiO2 were evaluated. TiO2 was packed as a chromatographic column to study the sorption of 99Mo-polymolybdate (VI) anionic solution by dynamic equilibrium. The maximum sorption capacity of 99Mo was ~141±2mg Mo/g TiO2, thereby confirming its suitability for using low specific activity 99Mo for the preparation of 99Mo/99mTc generator. The elution performance of the prepared 99Mo/99mTc generator based on Ti-99Mo was evaluated. It showed high radiochemical purity (≥ 97% TcO4−), high radionuclidic purity (≥ 99.99%99mTc) and high chemical purity; all of these specifications show the suitability for use in nuclear medicine applications.