14 MeV Neutrons for Mo/Tc Production: Experiments, Simulations and Perspectives.

Background: the gamma-emitting radionuclide Technetium-99m (Tc) is still the workhorse of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) as it is used worldwide for the diagnosis of a variety of phatological conditions. Tc is obtained from Mo/Tc generators as pertechnetate ion, which is the ubiquitous starting material for the preparation of Tc radiopharmaceuticals. Mo in such generators is currently produced in nuclear fission reactors as a by-product of U fission. Here we investigated an alternative route for the production of Mo by irradiating a natural metallic molybdenum powder using a 14-MeV accelerator-driven neutron source.

Methods: after irradiation, an efficient isolation and purification of the final Tc-pertechnetate was carried out by means of solvent extraction. Monte Carlo simulations allowed reliable predictions of Mo production rates for a newly designed 14-MeV neutron source (New Sorgentina Fusion Source).

Results: in traceable metrological conditions, a level of radionuclidic purity consistent with accepted pharmaceutical quality standards, was achieved.

Conclusions: we showed that this source, featuring a nominal neutron emission rate of about 10 s, may potentially supply an appreciable fraction of the current Mo global demand. This study highlights that a robust and viable solution, alternative to nuclear fission reactors, can be accomplished to secure the long-term supply of Mo.