The role of surface modified TiO2 nanoparticles for application in 68Ge/68Ga generator systems and the use of molecular imprinted polymers for 68Ge breakthrough control

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has potential as an adsorbent within the 68Ge/68Ga generator context. To function effectively, three basic requirements are required: optimum 68Ga elution efficiency, stability and removal of the 68Ge breakthrough. After analysis of the 68Ga elution efficiency and the 68Ge breakthrough, two models are proposed, namely; surface modification and molecular imprinted polymer, to address factors influencing 68Ga elution efficiency and minimize 68Ge breakthrough. The surface modifiers that were investigated are 3-aminopolypropyltriethoxy silane (3-APTES), 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxy silane (3-MPTMS), bis(3-aminopropyl)amine (BAPA) and 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine silane (CDMT).