Preparation of 31Si-labelled silicate : a radiotracer for silicon studies in biosystems

No-carrier-added 31Si was produced by 31P(n,p)31Si in the nuclear reactor of the Delft University of Technology. Several methods were investigated to remove the side product 32P, and the chemical form of 31Si was investigated. All methods except one gave good results. Anion exchange with Dowex resin gave the best results in activity concentration (3.8 × 106 Bq/ml, with only 3.2 × 103 Bq/ml 32P as by-product) and specific activity (As>17 TBq/g). The product is suitable for biological systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.