[66Ga] oxine complex; preparation and stability as a possible PET radiopharmaceutical

ABSTRACT

Gallium-66 [T1/2= 9.49 h] is an interesting radionuclide that has potential for positron emission tomography [PET] imaging of biological processes in intermediate to slow target tissue uptake. Oxine has been labeled with this radioisotope in the form of [66Ga]gallium chloride for its possible diagnostic properties. Materials and methods: 66Ga was produced in the 30 MeV cyclotron [Cyclon-30, IBA] via the 66Zn[p,n]66Ga reaction.TLC was performed on polymer backed silica gel. A Gamma spectrometer HPGe detector was used for countings. After the bombardment, the production yield was 11.2 mCi/ m Ah. The [66Ga]Oxine complex was obtained at the pH=5 in phosphate buffer medium at 37°C in 10 minutes. Radio-TLC showed an overall radiochemical yield of 97% [radiochemical purity > 98%]. The chemical stability of the complex was checked in vitro with a specific activity of 896 mCi/ml. [66Ga]oxine can be used in diagnostic studies due to its suitable physico-chemical properties both in vitro and in vivo