Column Chromatography Using Nano-Sorbent: A Viable Approach Towards Post-Processing Concentration of ¹²⁵I for Medical Applications

Abstract

Successful use of ion-exchange chromatographic technique using nano-zirconia (t-ZrO₂), to concentrate ¹²⁵I solution obtained from wet chemical distillation method to levels required for preparation of ¹²⁵I brachytherapy sources, is reported. A careful scrutiny of the sorption parameters of t-ZrO₂ was carried out and implemented to arrive at conditions resulting in optimum retention of ¹²⁵I from its solution of low radioactive concentration on a tiny column containing t-ZrO₂, followed by its elution in a small volume of eluent. The developed procedure was validated using samples containing varying amounts of ¹²⁵I activity in the feed and the concentration factors (CF) of ¹²⁵I > 5 could be obtained. The overall recovery of ¹²⁵I was >90% with appropriate radiochemical purity. The compatibility of the product in the preparation of ¹²⁵I brachytherapy sources was found to be satisfactory.

Keywords:

• Concentration Factor (CF)
• distribution ratio
• elution
• nano zirconia
• post-processing concentration
• radiochemical purity

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are highly grateful to Prof. M. R. A. Pillai, Head, Radiopharmaceuticals Division for his keen interest, encouragement, valuable scientific discussions, and support. The authors express their sincere thanks to the Dr. R. B. Manolkar and Mr. P. V. Joshi of Radiopharmaceuticals Division for providing ¹²⁵I activity for this work. Our special thanks go to Mr. B. G. Avhad of Isotope Applications Division, BARC who has fabricated the hinged type shielded assemblies for housing chromatographic column.

Notes

‘±’ indicates standard deviation, n = 3.