Production of positron-gamma emitters for multiplexed PET (mPET) imaging

The metal radionuclides ⁶⁰Cu (T_1/2 = 23 min), ⁵²mMn (T_1/2 = 21 min) and ⁹⁴mTc (T_1/2 = 53 min) can be used to label tracers of high clinical and preclinical interest in PET studies. Furthermore, as they emit prompt gamma-rays right after the positron emission, they can be distinguished from standard positron emitters like ¹⁸F, enabling multiplexed PET (mPET) imaging. In this work we studied the feasibility of their production using a relatively low-energy (10 MeV) proton beam from a linear accelerator. These radionuclides were produced by bombardment on target foils of natural Nickel, Chromium and Molybdenum respectively. After activation, the emissions from the foils were analyzed by a Ge spectrometer and the absolute activity for each produced species was obtained. The activity generated was in agreement with the expected cross-sections and the isotopes present in the samples. These results The metal radionuclides ⁶⁰Cu (T_1/2 = 23 min), ⁵²mMn (T_1/2 = 21 min) and ⁹⁴mTc (T_1/2 = 53 min) can be used to label tracers of high clinical and preclinical interest in PET studies. Furthermore, as they emit prompt gamma-rays right after the positron emission, they can be distinguished from standard positron emitters like ¹⁸F, enabling multiplexed PET (mPET) imaging. In this work we studied the feasibility of their production using a relatively low-energy (10 MeV) proton beam from a linear accelerator. These radionuclides were produced by bombardment on target foils of natural Nickel, Chromium and Molybdenum respectively. After activation, the emissions from the foils were analyzed by a Ge spectrometer and the absolute activity for each produced species was obtained. The activity generated was in agreement with the expected cross-sections and the isotopes present in the samples. These results show the feasibility of production of these radionuclides with a 10 MeV proton beam.show the feasibility of production of these radionuclides with a 10 MeV proton beam.