Applications of extraction chromatography in the development of radionuclide generator systems for nuclear medicine

Numerous methods have been described for the separation and purification of radionuclides for application in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medici ne, among them ion exchange, solvent extraction, and various forms of chrom atography. Although extraction chromatography has previously been shown to provide a means of performing a number of separations of potential use in r adionuclide generator systems, the application of the technique to generato r development has thus far been limited. Recent work directed at improved m ethods for the determination of radionuclides in biological and environment al samples has led to the development of a series of novel extraction chrom atographic resins exhibiting enhanced metal ion retention from strongly aci dic media and excellent selectivity, among them materials suitable for the isolation of Bi-212, Y-90, and Bi-213. These resins, along with extraction chromatographic materials employing functionalized supports to improve thei r physical stability or metal ion retention properties, are shown to offer promise in the development of improved radionuclide generators.