A generator system for production of medical alpha-radionuclides Ac-225 and Bi-213

A generator system, consisting of two anion- and one cation-exchange columns for production of medical α-radionuclides 225Ac and 213Bi, has been developed. The first anion-exchange column was used for periodical separation of 225Ac from Th with 8 M HNO3, while the second anion-exchange column was employed for purification of 225Ac from Ra and inactive impurities in mixed HNO3/CH3OH media. From anion-exchange column 225Ac was stripped with 0.1-0.2 M HNO3 and loaded directly onto cation-exchange column, used as a generator for repeated isolation of 213Bi. The cation exchange behavior of Bi and other radionuclides of the interest were studied in diluted HCl, HBr and DTPA solutions used as eluents. As result, a simple and effective method for the production and purification of 225Ac and 213Bi suitable for biomedical studies was elaborated. (author)