Methodology for the qualitative screening of parallel arrays of potential Am3+ ligands using a photographic film

A screening method for parallel Am3+ ligand libraries is presented. The method makes use of α-radiation in combination with a photographic film to detect the complexed Am3+. After screening and development of the film spots of varying intensities are obtained. The intensities of the spots correspond with the amount of complexed Am3+. This allows a fast discrimination between the Am3+ complexation efficiencies of ligands from large libraries. Depending on the exposure time of the film, activities as small as 5 Bq 241Am can be detected. Using internal standards a semi-quantitative assessment can be performed.