44Ti/44Sc Generator Development and Radiolabeling Optimization for Medical Applications

Author

Christine E. Schmidt-Kennelty, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

9-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Chemistry

Advisor

Melissa A. Deri

Advisor

Jennifer A. Shusterman

Committee Members

Vanessa A. Sanders

Andrei Jitianu

Brian Zeglis

Subject Categories

Inorganic Chemistry | Radiochemistry

Keywords

Titanium-44, Scandium-44, Radionuclide Generator, Radiolabeling, Isotope Production

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in scandium-44 (⁴⁴Sc) for medical applications due to its favorable decay properties. With a relatively short half-life of 3.97 hours and high positron branching ratio of 94.3%, ⁴⁴Sc is an ideal candidate for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. However, producing ⁴⁴Sc without an on-site cyclotron limits access, as its short half-life makes it impractical to ship to more remote locations.

To address this issue, ⁴⁴Ti/⁴⁴Sc generators have become a focal point of research, providing an onsite source of⁴⁴Sc. Despite their potential, current ⁴⁴Ti/⁴⁴Sc generators face several challenges, including inefficient separation of ⁴⁴Sc from the parent ⁴⁴Ti, possible degradation of the stationary phase overtime, and challenges in maintaining consistent performance and high purity of ⁴⁴Sc for radiolabeling. A more robust stationary phase could reduce the amount of ⁴⁴Ti breakthrough, increase the chemical and radioisotopic purity of ⁴⁴Sc, and increase the lifetime of ⁴⁴Ti/⁴⁴Sc generators.

This thesis explores several projects focused on different ⁴⁴Ti/⁴⁴Sc generator stationary phases, including the synthesis of an inorganic-based SnO₂ resin and a titanium molybdate gel with ⁴⁴Ti incorporated into the structure, as well as further exploration of a covalently bound hydroxamate-based resin. It also covers the evaluation and optimization of these materials, including any post-elution processing necessary to remove trace amounts of ⁴⁴Ti, and subsequent radiolabeling optimization for DOTA and 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO). By examining these aspects, this research aims to add to the toolbox of ⁴⁴Ti/⁴⁴Sc generators for clinical and research applications.

Recommended Citation

Schmidt-Kennelty, Christine E., "44Ti/44Sc Generator Development and Radiolabeling Optimization for Medical Applications" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6022