99mTc generator using molybdenum nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel 99mTc generator was proposed herein using nanoparticles consisting of natural Mo and an alumina column for 99mTc scintigraphy. 99mTc was obtained from 99Mo decay produced via the irradiation of nanoparticles consisting of natural Mo with bremsstrahlung γ-rays using a 30 MeV electron beam. The irradiated nanoparticles were placed in an alumina column, and the 99mTc daughter from 99Mo decay was separated by the removal of the ion-exchanged water or saline. This separation procedure was repeated at regular intervals for one week. The maximum separation yield of 99mTc was 14.4 ± 0.7%, which is sufficiently high to produce 99mTc suitable for medical use.