Detection of SARS-COV-2 by functionally imprinted micelles.

Unlabelled: The near real-time detection of airborne particles-of-interest is needed for avoiding current/future threats. The incorporation of imprinted particles into a micelle-based electrochemical cell produced a signal when brought into contact with particle analytes (such as SARS-COV-2), previously imprinted onto the structure. Nanoamp scales of signals were generated from what may've been individual virus-micelle interactions.

Gas-phase molybdenum-99 separation from uranium dioxide by fluoride volatility using nitrogen trifluoride.

Production of the important Tc medical isotope parent, molybdenum-99 (Mo), the fissioning of high- and low-enriched uranium (HEU/LEU) targets followed by target dissolution in acid and solution-phase purification of Mo is time-consuming, generates quantities of corrosive radioactive waste, and can result in the release of an array of radionuclides to the atmosphere. An alternative Mo purification method has been devised that has the potential to alleviate many of these issues. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of a rapid Mo/Tc gas-phase separation from UO.

Manipulation of mass transport rates using bead-in-a-tube method.

In ultralow Pu analyses, the gold standard is thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), which requires pure sources to achieve its performance. This purity is achieved through step-wise purifications. In this work single, anion-exchange beads were trapped in the tubing to allow for dynamic solution cycling over the surface of the beads to improve the rates of metal complex uptake.

Optimized anion exchange column isolation of zirconium-89 (Zr) from yttrium cyclotron target: Method development and implementation on an automated fluidic platform.

Zirconium-89 (Zr), produced by the (p, n) reaction from naturally monoisotopic yttrium (Y), is a promising positron emitting isotope for immunoPET imaging. Its long half-life of 78.4 h is sufficient for evaluating slow physiological processes.

Solid matrix transformation and tracer addition using molten ammonium bifluoride salt as a sample preparation method for laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Solid sampling and analysis methods, such as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), are challenged by matrix effects and calibration difficulties. Matrix-matched standards for external calibration are seldom available and it is difficult to distribute spikes evenly into a solid matrix as internal standards. While isotopic ratios of the same element can be measured to high precision, matrix-dependent effects in the sampling and analysis process frustrate accurate quantification and elemental ratio determinations.

Np analytical method using Np tracers and application to a contaminated nuclear disposal facility.

Environmental Np analyses are challenged by low Np concentrations and lack of an available yield tracer; we report a rapid, inexpensive Np analytical approach employing the short lived Np (t = 2.3 days) as a chemical yield tracer followed by Np quantification using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Np tracer is obtained via separation from a Am stock solution and standardized using gamma spectrometry immediately prior to sample processing.

An automated flow system incorporating in-line acid dissolution of bismuth metal from a cyclotron irradiated target assembly for use in the isolation of astatine-211.

Astatine-211 (At) is a promising cyclotron-produced radionuclide being investigated for use in targeted alpha therapy. The wet chemical isolation of trace quantities of At, produced within several grams of Bi metal deposited onto an aluminum cyclotron target assembly, involves a multi-step procedure. Because the At isolation method is labor-intensive and complex, automation of the method is being developed to facilitate routine processing at the University of Washington and to make it easier to transfer the process to other institutions.

Extraction chromatographic separations of tantalum and tungsten from hafnium and complex matrix constituents.

Tantalum (Ta), hafnium (Hf), and tungsten (W) analyses from complex matrices require high purification of these analytes from each other and major/trace matrix constituents, however, current state-of-the-art Ta/Hf/W separations rely on traditional anion exchange approaches that show relatively similar distribution coefficient (Kd) values for each element. This work reports an assessment of three commercially available extraction chromatographic resins (TEVA, TRU, and UTEVA) for Ta/Hf/W separations. Batch contact studies show differences in Ta/Hf and Ta/W Kd values of up to 10 and 10 (respectively), representing an improvement of a factor of 100 and 300 in Ta/Hf and Ta/W Kd values (respectively) over AG1×4 resin.

Hexavalent Americium Recovery Using Copper(III) Periodate.

Separation of americium from the lanthanides is considered one of the most difficult separation steps in closing the nuclear fuel cycle. One approach to this separation could involve oxidizing americium to the hexavalent state to form a linear dioxo cation while the lanthanides remain as trivalent ions. This work considers aqueous soluble Cu periodate as an oxidant under molar nitric acid conditions to separate hexavalent Am with diamyl amylphosphonate (DAAP) in n-dodecane.

Mechanical environmental transport of actinides and ¹³⁷Cs from an arid radioactive waste disposal site.

Aeolian and pluvial processes represent important mechanisms for the movement of actinides and fission products at the Earth's surface. Soil samples taken in the early 1970's near a Department of Energy radioactive waste disposal site (the Subsurface Disposal Area, SDA, located in southeastern Idaho) provide a case study for studying the mechanisms and characteristics of environmental actinide and (137)Cs transport in an arid environment. Multi-component mixing models suggest actinide contamination within 2.