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  • Review

Recent Advances in Separation Strategies for Medical α-Radionuclides

  • Long Qiu 1,2,   
  • Feize Li 1,   
  • Jiali Liao 1,   
  • Xiaoliang Chen 2,*,   
  • Ning Liu 1,*

Received: 07 May 2026 | Revised: 03 Jul 2026 | Accepted: 19 Aug 2026 | Published: 01 Sep 2026

Abstract

Efficient separation strategies for medical α-radionuclides serve as a critical bridge connecting radionuclide production with biological application. Here, we present a comprehensive review of advanced separation strategies for medical α-radionuclides, systematically summarizing the recent research in the separation of common medical α-radionuclides, including 211At, 212Pb, 213Bi, 223Ra, 224Ra, and 225Ac. A broad spectrum of separation systems is covered, spanning from conventional ion exchange and extraction chromatography to emerging functionalized materials, with detailed elaboration on the underlying principles and practical performance of various strategies. Most importantly, this review aims to provide rational guidance for the design of high-performance separation strategies, thereby facilitating the translation of α-radiopharmaceuticals from laboratory research toward clinical application.

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Qiu, L.; Li, F.; Liao, J.; Chen, X.; Liu, N. Recent Advances in Separation Strategies for Medical α-Radionuclides. Modern Nuclear and Radiochemistry 2026, 1 (1), 2.
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