Preparation of spherical 57Co source for the calibration of intra-operative gamma probe

Opportunities in the Synthesis and Design of Radioactive Thin Films and Nanoparticles

Studies of radioactive isotopes at the liquid-solid or gas-solid interface are enabling a detailed mechanistic understanding of the effects of radioactive decay on physical, biological, and chemical systems. In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in using radioactive isotopes for both imaging and therapeutic purposes by attaching them to the surface of colloidal nanoparticles. By merging the field of nanomedicine with the more mature field of internal radiation therapy, researchers are discovering new ways to diagnose and treat cancer. In this Perspective, we discuss state-of-the-art radioactive thin films as applied to both well-defined surfaces and more complex nanoparticles. We highlight the design considerations that are unique to radioactive films, which originate from the damaging and potentially self-destructive emissions produced during radioactive decay, and highlight future opportunities in the largely underexplored area between radioisotope chemistry and nanoscience.

A chemical deposition method to prepare circular planar 147Pm sources for the measurement of particulate emission in air

This paper describes a method for preparing a circular planar source of 17 mm diameter containing approximately 400 kBq of (147)Pm employing a wet chemical deposition technique to be used in dust monitors. This manuscript described the overall process concept and experimental procedure. The technical feasibility, efficiency of the process and product quality has been evaluated. The quality of the prepared source in terms of nonleachability, uniform distribution of activity and stability, which are necessary attributes of a radioactive source were evaluated and found to be satisfactory.

Preparation of 57Co point sources for the performance evaluation of nuclear imaging instruments

This paper describes the utility of electrodeposition method to prepare (57)Co point sources. A description of the electrolytic cell, the process of (57)Co electrodeposition, encapsulation and quality control of the sealed (57)Co sources is presented. Sources containing ~3.7-4.81 MBq (0.10-0.13 mCi) of (57)Co were prepared, encapsulated in miniature titanium capsules and subjected to quality control tests to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The encapsulated (57)Co sources prepared by the reported procedure were found to be effective in routine performance evaluation of nuclear medicine instruments.

An electrochemical route to prepare planar 204Tl sources for the calibration of beta surface contamination monitors

This paper describes the utility of the electrochemical technique for the preparation of a circular planar 204Tl source required for the calibration of beta surface contamination monitors. The electrolytic cell, the experimental set up used and the process of deposition are described. The factors that influence the electrodeposition of 204Tl onto the circular copper substrate were investigated and a careful control has been exercised to ensure an optimum deposition of the 204Tl activity onto the substrate. The morphology of the deposited layer was examined by SEM, AFM and EDS analyses. Sources containing ∼3.7 MBq (∼0.1 mCi) 204Tl on a copper sheet of 20 mm diameter working area were prepared and housed in a holder. Quality control tests on the leachability, distribution of activity and stability of the source were performed to ensure compliance with regulatory safety requirements.

A novel and facile approach for the preparation of 133Ba source core, encapsulation and quality evaluation

This paper describes a facile and effective method to prepare 133Ba source exploiting the intrinsic properties of the anodized titanium to electro-deposit 133Ba from an aqueous solution. The process consists of anodization of Ti rod [4.8 mm (∅)  ×  10 mm (l)] to create a reactive surface to permit cathodic electrodeposition of 133Ba from an aqueous solution. The factors that influence the electrodeposition of 133Ba onto the anodized titanium substrate were identified and a careful control has been exercised to ensure optimum deposition of 133Ba activity onto the substrate. The morphology of the electrodeposited samples were examined by SEM and EDS analyses. Sources containing ∼ 3.7–11.1 MBq (0.1–0.3 mCi) 133Ba were prepared, encapsulated successfully in titanium capsules and subjected to quality control tests to ensure compliance with mandatory regulatory safety requirements.