Chitosan-TiO2 composite: A potential 68Ge/68Ga generator column material.

A durable and ready to use 68Ge-68Ga generator column material is required for its routine use in radiopharmaceutical procedures. The present work comprises preliminary studies for development and evaluation of chitosan-TiO 2 based microsphere (C-TOM) composite towards its competence as a column material. The batch uptake studies showed higher distribution coefficients for 68Ge vis-à-vis 68Ga in the complete concentration range of HCl examined (0.01–1 mol.L−1). Furthermore, C-TOM showed enduring physical and chemical stability in 0.01 mol.L−1 HCl with persistent 68Ga elution profiles (>95%) and negligible 68Ge breakthrough (2 × 10−4%) for the preliminary evaluation period of ∼2 months. Overall, the studies indicated that, 68Ga with high radionuclidic purity (≥99.99%) can be eluted routinely in a small volume (∼1.5 mL) of 0.01 mol.L−1 HCl proving its potentials as a novel solid phase extractant for 68Ge/68Ge generator system. Image 1 • Novel approach towards synthesis of chitosan-TiO 2 microsphere (C-TOM). • Superlative physical and chemical stability of C-TOM in 0.01 M HCl. • Separation of 68Ga from 68Ge with high radionuclidic purity. • Consistent 68Ga elution profile with low 68Ge breakthrough. • Possible application of C-TOM as a potential 68Ge/68Ga generator material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]