Molybdenum-99 production pathways and the sorbents for 99Mo/99mTc generator systems using (n, γ) 99Mo: a review

Abstract

Technetiun-99 m (99m Tc) is a widely used and versatile radioisotope obtained from the beta decay of molybdenum (99 Mo). 99 Mo can be produced by thermal fission or neutron activation process. Production of 99 Mo via the neutron capture method draws attention as an alternative to fission derived 99 Mo due to non-proliferation issues. The main concern with neutron capture-produced 99 Mo (n, γ) over the common fission-produced involves both lower Curie yield and lower specific activity. In this work, different adsorbents using low specific activity 99 Mo for 99m Tc generator have been discussed.

Radiolabeled nanomaterials for biomedical applications: radiopharmacy in the era of nanotechnology

“…The reduction is obtained by various reducing agents include stannous chloride, stannous citrate, stannous tartrate, sodium borohydride, ferrous sulfate, etc. (Saptiama et al 2016;Hou et al 2007;Hasan and Prelas 2020). The use of 99m Tc has continued to evolve, especially with modern gamma cameras with advanced electronics and computing systems, revolutionizing nuclear medicine procedures.…”

Discovery, nuclear properties, synthesis and applications of technetium-101

“…Of the separation pathways presented here, the majority are focused on the use of Mo targets as the source of transmuted 101 Tc. A variety of techniques have been explored for isolating Tc from Mo targets under the circumstances for 99m Tc radiopharmaceuticals 108 , 109 . These include many of the same presented here for 101 Tc, such as liquid–liquid extraction, column chromatography, volatilization, etc.…”

Porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks as molybdenum adsorbents for the 99Mo/99mTc generator

“…In addition, 99m Tc can be produced by the β − decay of Molybdenum-99 ( 99 Mo) from the 99 Mo/ 99m Tc generator, which provides a convenient and reliable supply of this radionuclide in nuclear medicine departments all over the world. 3 Currently, most of the 99 Mo is produced by the fission of enriched uranium-235 in six nuclear reactors worldwide. 4 Unfortunately, the reliability of 99 Mo production has been affected in the past few years due to sudden shutdowns and maintenance of some reactors, leading to a global 99 Mo supply shortage in 2009.…”