Logo: to the web site of Uppsala University

Access to radionuclides is critical for the development and clinical application of radiotracers. However, their production, separation, and characterization can be complex and labor intensive. This poses a challenge as the demand for radionuclides is rapidly increasing, and limited access will slow research and their adoption into the clinics. One way to increase the availability of radionuclides is through automation, which allows for larger quantities to be produced while lowering the dose to the operator. 

Automated processes need to be reliable, standardized, repeatable, and they often also need to be fast as radionuclides decay. Another, at least perceived, challenge is added to radionuclide production with solid targets given their history of being difficult to automate. Automating solid target production comes with challenges such as target design, target material deposition and adhesion, transportation, and dissolution. This thesis sought to overcome these challenges by developing easy-to-use, automated radiometal production and separation processes.

Paper I demonstrates an automated, cassette-based separation method to produce ⁶¹Cu and ⁶⁴Cu using Ni targets. By using a combination of two solid phase extraction resins, Cu could be separated from Ni, Fe, and Co, resulting in high separation factors and adequate molar activity and apparent molar activity values.

In paper II, a different solid target platform was used to produce ⁵¹Mn from ⁵⁴Fe, which improved the ease-of-use on the targetry and the dissolution side. ⁵¹Mn was purified using a manual and an automated SPE method, with the automated method being significantly faster. 

Both papers demonstrate improved, automated radiometal production, dissolution, and purification from solid targets with quality control results suitable for clinical translation.