99m Tc generator using molybdenum nanoparticles

A novel 99m Tc generator was proposed herein using nanoparticles consisting of natural Mo and an alumina column for 99m Tc scintigraphy. 99m Tc was obtained from 99 Mo decay produced via the irradiation of nanoparticles consisting of natural Mo with bremsstrahlung γ-rays using a 30 MeV electron beam. The irradiated nanoparticles were placed in an alumina column, and the 99m Tc daughter from 99 Mo decay was separated by the removal of the ion-exchanged water or saline. This separation procedure was repeated at regular intervals for one week. The maximum separation yield of 99m Tc was 14.4 ± 0.7%, which is sufficiently high to produce 99m Tc suitable for medical use.