Furthermore, it is short-lived, undergoing quick radioactive decay by releasing positively charged alpha particles to achieve nuclear stability. The researchers added that this separation method will bring Texas A&M one step closer to being able to provide astatine-211 for distribution through the Department of Energy's Isotope Program's National Isotope Development Center as part of the University Isotope Network.ĭetails on the chemical reaction to purify astatine-211 in the journal Separation and Purification Technology.Īstatine is one of the least abundant elements on Earth. 'Texas A&M University is one of a handful of places in the world that can make astatine-211, and we have delineated a rapid astatine-211 separation process that increases the usable quantity of this isotope for research and therapeutic purposes.'

Jonathan Burns, research scientist in the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station's Nuclear Engineering and Science Center. But the problem is that the supply chain for this element is very limited because only a few places worldwide can make it,' said Dr. 'Astatine-211 is currently under evaluation as a cancer therapeutic in clinical trials.

Half life 3 pre alpha