Physical and chemical processes on the ²¹²Pb radionuclide production for nuclear medicine

An automated ²¹²Pb radionuclide generator with ²²⁸Th as a parent isotope has been designed. The generator operation principle is based on transport by an airflow of gaseous ²²⁰Rn radionuclide emanating from DOWEX ion exchange resin containing ²²⁸Th into a helix-shaped collector vessel where post-decay ²¹²Pb is collected and deposited on the collector walls. After a 72-hour operation cycle of the generator, sampling of ²¹²Pb in the form of solution in 0.1M HCl is executed with approximately 30% yield of ²¹²Pb. The generator is remotely controlled by a PC-based automatic system. The generator is reloaded once in a few years. The generator is intended for medicobiological and radiochemical investigations in the field of developing antineoplastic drugs of targeted delivery. (paper)