A novel electrochemical technique for the production of clinical grade 99mTc using (n, γ)99Mo

IntroductionIn order to meet the growing demand for 99mTc and to reduce the reliance on fission-produced 99Mo, an electrochemical pathway for accessing 99mTc through the (n, γ)99Mo was explored as a back-up measure and to supplement 99mTc supply for radiopharmaceuticals application.Methods99mTc from an equilibrium mixture of 99Mo/99mTc was selectively deposited on a platinum cathode in an electrochemical cell by applying optimal voltage and stripped back again into the 0.9% saline solution. The radiochemical and radionuclidic purity of the product were determined using standard techniques. 99mTc thus obtained was used for labeling standard ligands such as dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and ethylene dicysteine (EC), to ascertain the usability.ResultsSelective deposition of 99mTc on the platinum electrode was achieved at a potential of 5 V over a period of 1 h in NaOH electrobath. The overall yield of 99mTc was >90%, with >99.99% radionuclidic purity and >99% radiochemical purity. The performance of the generator remained consistent over a period of 10 days. The compatibility of the product in the preparation of 99mTc-labeled formulations such as 99mTc-DMSA and 99mTc-EC was found to be satisfactory in terms of high labeling yields (>98%).ConclusionA novel and attractive method has been developed to obtain highly concentrated 99mTc, without using fission-produced 99Mo.