{"entity": "publication", "iuid": "36b91cc1d78942b99ead3dbcaec0e49a", "timestamp": "2026-08-20T20:52:58.017Z", "links": {"self": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/36b91cc1d78942b99ead3dbcaec0e49a.json"}, "display": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/publication/36b91cc1d78942b99ead3dbcaec0e49a"}}, "title": "Extending the shelf life of \u2076\u2078Ge/\u2076\u2078Ga generators via preconcentration of [\u2076\u2078Ga]GaCl\u2083 for preclinical application.", "authors": [{"family": "Mallapura", "given": "Hemantha", "initials": "H", "orcid": "0000-0002-7325-4314", "researcher": {"href": "https://publications-affiliated.scilifelab.se/researcher/4d8d3338d3064f1f8e69afb4c33bc749.json"}}, {"family": "Eriksson", "given": "Olof", "initials": "O"}], "type": "journal article", "published": "2025-11-26", "journal": {"title": "EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem", "issn": "2365-421X", "volume": "10", "issue": "1", "pages": "76", "issn-l": null}, "abstract": "\u2076\u2078Ga-labeled tracers are increasingly important for PET imaging and as companion diagnostics with new therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. The \u2076\u2078Ge/\u2076\u2078Ga generator is a common source for clinical and preclinical \u2076\u2078Ga-tracer production; however, its shelf life and efficiency are critical because of the high cost of generator replacement. This study assessed whether preconcentration of [\u2076\u2078Ga]GaCl\u2083 using strong cation exchange (SCX) resin can increase yield, apparent molar activity (AMA) and also extend generator shelf-life for preclinical applications.\n\nA \u2076\u2078Ge/\u2076\u2078Ga generator (1.8 GBq at purchase, 14-18 months old) was used. Direct elution involved elution of [\u2076\u2078Ga]GaCl\u2083 in 0.1 M HCl, followed by addition to a DOTA-conjugated affibody in acetate buffer (pH 4.6). Preconcentration involved trapping [\u2076\u2078Ga]GaCl\u2083 on a SCX (Chromafix PS-H\u207a) cartridge, rinsing, and eluting with 0.12 M HCl in 5 M NaCl (300-500 \u00b5L), followed by radiolabeling. Radiolabeling was performed at 75-80 \u00b0C for 15 min, the products were purified using a NAP-5 column, and the purity was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The SCX cartridge trapping efficiency was > 99%, with a elution efficiency of 95.2 \u00b1 1.2% (n = 8). For direct elution, the decay-corrected radiochemical yield (RCYdc) was 78.7 \u00b1 1.5% (n = 3), the AMA was 5.6 \u00b1 0.4 MBq/nmol, and the radiochemical purity (RCP) was 95.3 \u00b1 0.6%. For preconcentration, RCYdc was 69.0 \u00b1 10.0% (n = 3), AMA was 12.6 \u00b1 2.1 MBq/nmol, and RCP was 95.7 \u00b1 3.0%.\n\nThe preconcentration technique doubled the product yield and AMA, and extended the shelf life of the generator by 9-12 months for preclinical applications. Preconcentration of [\u2076\u2078Ga]GaCl\u2083 using SCX resin is a robust, cost-effective method for maximizing \u2076\u2078Ga recovery and increasing the radiotracer yield and AMA, especially with older generators. This approach extends generator shelf-life, supports sustained preclinical research, and reduces radioactive waste and operational costs.", "doi": "10.1186/s41181-025-00406-y", "pmid": "41296135", "labels": [], "xrefs": [{"db": "pmc", "key": "PMC12669415"}, {"db": "pii", "key": "10.1186/s41181-025-00406-y"}], "notes": [], "created": "2026-08-20T12:37:21.428Z", "modified": "2026-08-20T12:37:21.528Z"}