Methods for making and processing metal targets for producing Cu-67 radioisotope for medical applications
AssigneeUchicago Argonne, LLC
InventorsDavid A. Ehst, Delbert L. Bowers
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method for producing Cu67 radioisotope suitable for use in medical applications. The method comprises irradiating a metallic zinc-68 (Zn68) target with a high energy gamma ray beam. After irradiation, the Cu67 is isolated from the Zn68 by any suitable method (e.g., chemical and/or physical separation). In a preferred embodiment, the Cu67 is isolated by sublimation of the zinc (e.g., at about 500-700° C. under reduced pressure) to afford a copper residue containing Cu67. The Cu67 can be further purified by chemical means (i.e., dissolution in acid, followed by ion exchange).
Claims20
A method for producing Cu67 radioisotope comprising irradiating a metallic Zn68 target comprising at least about 90% pure Zn68 with a gamma ray beam generated from high energy electrons in a linear accelerator, the electrons having an energy of at least about 40 MeV and a current of at least about 100 microAmperes to convert a portion of the Zn68 to Cu67, and then isolating Cu67 from the irradiated target by subliming away zinc from the irradiated target at a temperature of at least about 500° C. at a pressure of about 10−1 Torr or less, to afford a first metallic residue that is substantially zinc-free and contains Cu67.
A method for producing Cu67 radioisotope comprising irradiating a metallic Zn68 target comprising at least about 99% pure Zn68 with a gamma ray beam generated from high energy electrons in a linear accelerator, the electrons having an energy in the range of about 40 to about 100 MeV and a current in the range of about 100 to about 200 microAmperes for a time sufficient to convert a portion of the Zn68 to Cu67 and generate a Cu67 specific activity in the range of about 5 to about 20 milliCuries-per gram (mCi/g) of target, and then isolating Cu67 from the irradiated target by subliming away zinc from the irradiated target at a temperature of at least about 500° C. at a pressure of about 10−1 Torr or less, to afford a first metallic residue that is substantially zinc-free and contains Cu67.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.