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 ⁶⁴Zn (n,p) ⁶⁴Cu reaction in a nuclear reactor. A semi-automated radiochemical separation module based on selective extraction of ⁶⁴Cu as dithizonate complex was developed. The maximum available activity at the end of irradiation was ~ 700 MBq. The overall yield of ⁶⁴Cu after the separation process was >85% and it could be obtained with ~12 GBq/μg specific activity, >99.9% radionuclidic purity and >98% radiochemical purity. The separated ⁶⁴Cu could be utilized for preparation of a wide variety of radiopharmaceuticals.

Copper-64 是一种出色的治疗诊断放射性金属，近来再次受到临床界的关注。为了满足这种放射性金属日益增长的需求，我们已经证明了通过核反应堆中的⁶⁴ Zn (n,p) ⁶⁴ Cu 反应生产其的可行性。开发了一种基于选择性提取⁶⁴ Cu 作为双硫腙络合物的半自动放射化学分离模块。辐照结束时的最大可用活性为 ~ 700 MBq。分离过程后⁶⁴ Cu的总产率>85%，可以得到~12 GBq/μg 的比活度、>99.9% 的放射性核素纯度和 >98% 的放射化学纯度。分离的⁶⁴铜可用于制备多种放射性药物。