Evaluation of 72Se/72As generator and production of 72Se for supplying 72As as a potential PET imaging radionuclide

Positron-emitting 72As is the PET imaging counterpart for beta-emitting 77As. Its parent, no carrier added (n.c.a.) 72Se, was produced for a 72Se/72As generator by irradiating an enriched 7°Ge metal-graphite target via the 70Ge(α, 2 n)72Se reaction. Target dissolution used a fast, environmentally friendly method with 93% radioactivity recovery. Chromatographic parameters of the 72Se/72As generator were evaluated, the eluted n.c.a. 72As was characterized with a phantom imaging study, and the previously reported trithiol and aryl-dithiol ligand systems were radiolabeled with the separated n.c.a. 72As in high yield. •72Se production by α irradiation of 70Ge.•Simple Ge metal dissolution.•72Se/72As generator prepared and evaluated.