Extraction generator of 223Ra for nuclear medicine

A novel 227 Ac/ 223 Ra extraction generator for nuclear medicine was developed. Its operation is based on selective extraction of 223 Ra with a solution of chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide and polyethylene glycol in a polar diluent from a solution of a mineral acid and a complexing agent. Radium is stripped to any appropriate aqueous solution on adding TBP into the extractant. Trials performed in the manual mode showed that 223 Ra is efficiently separated from the parent isotopes 227 Ac and 227 Th (decontamination factor of 223 Ra from 227 Ac and 227 Th >10 6 ). It is the most convenient to use the 223 Ra generator for the radionuclide production in a regional center, because it allows fairly simple production of large batches of 223 Ra, avoiding problems associated with the need for skilled staff for working with the generator in a medical center and with the radiation-induced degradation of the matrix (ion-exchange resin).