GALLIUM-68 GENERATOR COMPRISING AROMATIC POLYHYDROXYL MOLECULES COATED ON SILICA GEL

摘要

The invention provides a molecule for attaching germanium-68 as a parent nuclide to an inert support of silica gel. The molecule for attaching the parent nuclide comprises one of pyrogallol and catechol, and a hydrophobic molecular moiety capable of forming a non-polar bond to the support. The thus-functionalized support may then be used as a stationary phase in a radionuclide generator, to generate a daughter radionuclide, gallium-68. The invention also provides a process for preparing gallium-68 from germanium-68 with a high degree of purity, as the molecule attaching the parent nuclide germanium-68 prevents its detachment and elution from the support. It is thus possible to avoid contamination of the daughter radionuclide in the eluate, and to extend the lifespan of the generator for subsequent elutions.