Separation of metal radionuclides
Challenge
Purification of metal radionuclides for medical applications
Problem: Metal radionuclides are increasingly used for diagnosis and therapy of cancer. For medical
applications, the radionuclides must be of extremely high purity. Contamination with other metals
compromises the therapeutic efficiency.
Technology
Our solution: We developed a new class of organic molecules (chelators) that greatly simplify purification of metal radionuclides.
We let the molecules do the hard work.
1. The chelator wraps around the metal to forma complex. Thanks to this molecular coat, the metal behaves as an organic molecule.
2. The chelator is carefully tailored to fit the metal radionuclide. It does not fit well other metals, even if they are chemically similar. The metal complexes behave as different organic molecules.
3. The complex of the radionuclide is easily separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
4. The metal radionuclide is released from the complex with mild acid. Chelator is removed by solid-phase extraction.
Advantages
• Technology compatible with conventional HPLC systems.
• Green chemistry – no toxic chemicals.
• All procedures can be automated.
• Fast separation process (< 10 min).
• No need to use solvents additives.
• Extremely similar metals can be separated (e.g. lanthanides).
Development Status
proof of concept
Patent Situation
European patent application with priority date in 2017.
IP owners
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, v.v.i.