Cross-Linked Polyethylene Glycol Beads to Separate ^99mTc-Pertechnetate from Low-Specific-Activity Molybdenum

Abstract

We report a kit-based approach for the purification of sodium pertechnetate (^99mTcO₄⁻) from solutions with high MoO₄²⁻ content. Methods: Cross-linked polyethylene glycol resins (ChemMatrix) were used to separate ^99mTc and molybdenum in 4N NaOH. The resins were loaded at various flow rates and eluted with water to release ^99mTc. The ^99mTc solution was passed through a cation exchange resin and an alumina cartridge, followed by saline elution. This process was tested with cyclotron-produced ^99mTc using an automated system and disposable kits. Results: Optimal results were obtained by loading 500 mg of resin at flow rates of up to 3.1 mL/min, with quantitative extraction of ^99mTc from the molybdate solution and complete release of ^99mTc after elution with water. The automated system was highly efficient at isolating Na^99mTcO₄ within minutes, with a recovery rate of 92.7% ± 1.1% (mean ± SD) using cyclotron-produced ^99mTc. Conclusion: ChemMatrix resins were highly effective at separating ^99mTcO₄⁻ from molybdate solutions.