June Isotope Spotlights

Discover the latest in isotope availability through the National Isotope Development Center’s catalog. Each month, we highlight key isotopes that support critical research and industrial applications. June’s spotlight features: nickel-56, astatine-211, lead-203, promethium-147, and gadolinium-148.

Nickel-56

The Department of Energy Isotope Program (DOE IP) is developing the capability of producing nickel-56 (Ni-56) as a result from the market demands of the nuclear physics community. The DOE IP is currently seeking domestic researchers to evaluate Ni-56 samples from an upcoming test batch planed for late Summer 2025. If selected, this material will be provided free of charge (except shipping fees) in exchange for technical and other relevant feedback that will help the DOE IP validate the production process and set appropriate future specifications.

To express your interest in becoming a test batch recipient of Ni-56, please click the link below and fill out the required information by Friday, June 13, 2025. An NIDC representative will promptly follow up with you directy with more information.

Nickel-56 is used in astrophysics, helping researchers understand the life cycle of stars. Its unique properties make it an essential resource for advancing our understanding of the universe. It is produced at Los Alamos National Laboratory using the Isotope Production Facility. 

Astatine-211 

The DOE IP is dedicated to advancing the development of novel therapeutic isotopes like Astatine-211 (At-211) to address critical needs in medical treatments and innovation.

At-211 is a radioisotope of interest for use in targeted alpha therapy. This short-lived alpha-emitting radionuclide (t_1/2 = 7.214 hours) is well-suited for this purpose, as it offers the potential for extremely localized irradiation of malignant cells when attached to cancer-targeting agents, leaving neighboring healthy cells intact. To date, At-211 has demonstrated significant potential in the treatment of blood, ovarian, and certain types of brain cancers.

Due to the short half-life of At-211, the DOE IP utilizes regional production via University Isotope Network partners – the University of Washington (UW) and Texas A&M University (TAMU). Both of these university sites produce radiochemical grade At-211 via the ²⁰⁹Bi(a, 2n)²¹¹At reaction where natural bismuth metal targets are bombarded with alpha particles. The resulting product is a sodium astatide in NaCl solution with a radioisotopic purity of >99.5% from UW or adsorbed onto 3-octanone impregnated column with a radioisotopic purity of >99% from TAMU.

Lead-203

Lead-203(Pb-203) has drawn interest as a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging isotopic analogue to the therapeutic lead-212, an alpha-emitter. Its addition to the NIDC Catalog establishes a theranostic matched pair of isotopes. The DOE IP is filling a gap in the market as there are currently no other domestic producers.

Pb-203 is routinely available in millicurie quantities. The final product is distributed in a 1.5 mL micro-centrifuge tube with a ≥98% radionuclidic purity.

Promethium-147

The DOE IP entered the market for promethium-147 (Pm-147) in June 2022 to fill critical needs due to disruptions that occurred in the international supply chain. 

Pm-147 used to be produced solely from fuel reprocessing in Russia. For the DOE IP, the radioisotope is currently being extracted from a plutonium waste stream and will also be produced soon through direct irradiation of neodymium-146 (Nd-146) in the High Flux Isotope Reactor.  

Promethium-147 is used industrially as a beta thickness gauge for thin films, as a power source in nuclear batteries, and for medical imaging.

Gadolinium-148

The DOE IP continues to drive innovation in medical and scientific research with the production of Gadolinium-148 (Gd-148), a critical isotope primarily used as a tracer for other gadolinium isotopes in radiochemistry and physics studies.

Recently, a batch of Gd-148 has been reprocessed and put into inventory. Gadolinium-148 is produced through proton-induced spallation of tungsten or tantalum targets. The final product is distributed as Gadolinium (III) in 0.1 N HCl.

Supply Chain Concern

The DOE Isotope Program closely monitors international isotope supply and demand. We routinely assess our production capabilities and take measures to support production for critical isotopes if a shortage should occur. If you have concerns about the stability of an isotope supply chain, please bring these to our attention.