Synthesis and characterization of a novel acryl amide-based yttrium imprinted sorbent via the ATRP approach for the preparation of medical-grade 90Y

Abstract

Abstract Because of its favorable radionuclidic properties (pure beta emitter, E βmax = 2.28 MeV, T 1/2 = 64.1 h), the preparation of carrier free 90Y is of a great importance in radiopharmacy. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and application of a novel yttrium sorbent prepared on the basis of the ion-imprinting concept. The ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) was prepared by atom transfer radical copolymerization of acryl amide (AAm, functional monomer) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAAm) crosslinking agent in the presence of a complex of yttrium ions (template ions) with a homemade chelator, i.e., 2,2-bis(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate)propane-1,3-disuccinate (also as initiator). For elimination of yttrium ions, which act as the template, the prepared particles were treated with 50% v:v HCl : H2O to produce yttrium-imprinted polymeric sorbent. To control the imprinting effect, corresponding non-imprinted particles (NIP) were prepared in a similar manner except that yttrium ions were not used. The synthesized chemicals for the preparation of the chelator-initiator compound and the product itself were assessed in every step using 1H-NMR analysis. NIP and YIP were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), infra-red spectroscopy (IR) and BET surface area analysis for characterization studies. Sorption/desorption studies were conducted, and the effects of potentially interfering ions, such as Sr2+ (α = 119.69) and Zr4+ (α = 73.01) in presence of radio-yttrium, were investigated (particle size: 50–100 μm, resultant recovery of > 99% within 60 min and a capacity of 33.33 mg Y(III) per gram of sorbent). The results showed that amounts of radio-yttrium as low as 250 μg could be extracted effectively with high radionuclidic and radiochemical purity from macro-gram amounts of strontium.