Preparation of Ca-alginate biopolymer beads and investigation of their decorporation characteristics for 85Sr, 238U and 234Th by in vitro experiments

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2013 Jan;153(1):47-55. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncs088. Epub 2012 May 30.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate whether Ca-alginate biopolymer beads (CaABBs) can be used to reduce the bioavailability of radionuclides in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. The uptake of strontium, uranium and thorium from a simulated gastrointestinal system was studied by in vitro techniques using CaABBs. This agent was prepared from Na-alginate through cross-linking with divalent calcium ions according to the egg-box model. The effects of process variables such as pH of the gastrointestinal juice, incubation time and solid-to-solution ratio for the removal of radionuclides from the gastrointestinal juice were investigated. The results suggest that CaABBs are a potent material for reducing the bioavailability of radionuclides with a high uptake efficiency in the gastrointestinal tract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry*
  • Biopolymers / chemistry*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Gastric Juice / chemistry
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Pancreatic Juice / chemistry
  • Strontium Radioisotopes / pharmacology*
  • Thorium / pharmacology*
  • Uranium / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Biopolymers
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Strontium Radioisotopes
  • Uranium
  • Thorium