Development of multiple-elution cartridge-based radioisotope concentrator device for increasing the 99mTc and 188Re concentration and the effectiveness of 99mTc/99Mo utilisation

A self-shielded, sterile and cartridge-based radioisotope concentrator device coupled to 99mTc/188Re generators to increase the 99mTc/188Re-concentration of the generator eluate was developed based on new aminoalkyl-functionalized silica sorbent which conditionally catches and release 99mTc/188Re to concentrate the daughter nuclide of the generator eluates. The cartridge can be used for multiple elutions with an overall concentration factor of >100 and daughter nuclide recovery yield of >85 %. This device can be used for 10 days extension of 99mTc-generator life-time, saving about 20 % of the generator activity and for “early” generator-elution programs, under which the generator is eluted at an optimized build-up time for increasing the effectiveness of 99mTc/99Mo utilisation.