Polymer Embedded Nanocrystalline Titania Sorbent for ⁹⁹Mo-^99mTc Generator

A new sorbent material, polymer embedded nano crystalline titania (Titanium Polymer-TiP) has been developed, from titanium (IV) chloride and isopropyl alcohol, for the adsorption of ⁹⁹Mo, which is a precursor to ^99mTc, a workhorse in radio-pharmaceuticals. The infrared absorption spectra of the TiP showed peaks corresponding to Ti-O groups. X-ray diffraction pattern of the adsorbent corresponded to rutile TiO₂. The surface area of this polymer was 30 m²/g with an average pore size of 40 nm. The average crystallite size of TiO₂, embedded in polymer, was found to be 5 nm. TEM micrograph of the adsorbent revealed the networkof polymer with dispersed titania phase. Potential of this adsorbent for the preparation of ⁹⁹Mo-^99mTc generator has been explored. ⁹⁹Mo could be adsorbed on to the adsorbent column containing TiP at pH 1 from which ^99mTc could be eluted with normal (0.9%) saline solution with an elution yield of ∼80%. The quality of the ^99mTcO⁻ ₄ obtained was in accordance with the international specifications applicable for radiopharmaceutical use. A process demonstration run was carried out with 1.1 GBq (30 mCi) ⁹⁹Mo activity level making use of the above adsorbent and consistent results were obtained over a period of one week, which is generally the shelf life of ⁹⁹Mo-^99mTc generator.