Production of 123I and 28Mg by high-energy nuclear reaction for applications in life sciences

The advantages of high energy cyclotrons as compared to small compact cyclotrons for the production of special radionuclides are outlined. The routine production of 123I (T=13.3 h) and 28Mg (T=21.1 h) by means of high energy nuclear reactions at the Julich Isochronous Cyclotron is described. The reaction 127I(d,6n)123Xe yields (in β+,EC) 123I at 78 to 64 MeV is used for the production of 123I with thick target yields of 8 mCi/μA and high radionuclidic purity. The practical experience in the application of this process, which is well suited for the production of Na123I and for 123Xe-exposure labelling techniques, is reported. 28Mg is produced by the 27Al(α,3p)28Mg reaction at 140 to 30 MeV with thick target yields of 40 μCi/μAh. The carrier-free 28Mg is separated from the matrix activities by coprecipitation and anion exchange with chemical yields of 80%. (author)