Polymer-based substrates for potential generation of nitrogen-13 for positron emission tomography

Author

Elizabeth M. Zippi

Date of Award

5-1991

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Chemistry

Major Professor

George W. Kabalka

Committee Members

D.C. Kleinfelter, John H. Shibata, John R. Kennedy

Abstract

Nitrogen-13 is a medically useful positron-emitting isotope with applications in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Target materials currently available for the production of nitrogen-13 possess a number of deficiencies. New polymer-based materials are being evaluated in an effort to improve nitrogen-13 production on medical cyclotrons. A series of microscopic, spherical poly(styrene/divinylbenzene) derivatives have been synthesized via suspension polymerization and then pyrolyzed to form carbonized beads. Deuteron irradiation studies have been conducted at UCLA using a 22 MeV multi-particle cyclotron on pyrolyzed particles that possess the desired properties (e.g., size, shape, overall yield). The stability of the beads upon irradiation, and the yields of nitrogen-13 at end of bombardment (EOB) as well as the purity of nitrogen-13 labelled ammonia were investigated.

Recommended Citation

Zippi, Elizabeth M., "Polymer-based substrates for potential generation of nitrogen-13 for positron emission tomography. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 1991.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/11260