A simple and robust method for radiochemical separation of no-carrier-added 64Cu produced in a research reactor for radiopharmaceutical preparation

Copper-64 is an excellent theranostic radiometal that is gaining renewed attention of the clinical community in the recent times. In order to meet the increasing demand of this radiometal, we have demonstrated the viability of its production via Zn-64 (n,p) Cu-64 reaction in a nuclear reactor. A semi-automated radiochemical separation module based on selective extraction of Cu-64 as dithizonate complex was developed. The maximum available activity at the end of irradiation was similar to 700 MBq. The overall yield of Cu-64 after the separation process was >85% and it could be obtained with similar to 12 GBq/mu g specific activity, >99.9% radionuclidic purity and >98% radiochemical purity. The separated Cu-64 could be utilized for preparation of a wide variety of radiopharmaceuticals.