IOSIN Research Centre for Light Stable Isotopes – CCISU

The CCISU is an integrated technological research and innovation infrastructure that incorporates specific technological facilities for isotopic separations, a laboratory for the synthesis of ²H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N, and ¹⁸O labeled compounds, and high-tech equipment for isotopic analysis and diagnostics. The organizational structure of CCISU creates a favorable environment for accomplishing the complete value chain, isotopic separation, synthesis of isotopically labeled compounds, and applications of isotopic technologies in areas of high relevance, such as biomedical and advanced materials.

CCISU infrastructure includes:

1. Research and production facilities for stable isotopes

1.1. Isotopic exchange plant for technology research and production of ¹⁵N

This is a complex technological research and production plant developed in INCDTIM for the production of ¹⁵N by isotopic exchange between nitric acid and nitrogen oxides and is capable of producing nitric acid with an isotopic concentration of over 99% at. ¹⁵N.

1.2. Experimental plant for the separation of ¹³C by cryogenic distillation of carbon monoxide

This is a modular plant consisting of three packed separation columns equipped with an external circuit, which allows experimentation of the separation process under different conditions for the separation of carbon isotopes. The interconnection of the separation columns and the complex monitoring system allows isotope separations to be carried out in a cascade mode or various independent column operating modes and is capable of separating ¹³C at an isotope concentration of 82%.

1.3. Experimental plant for the separation of ¹³C by chemical exchange CO₂ – carbamate

The separation of carbon isotopes can also be achieved by isotopic exchange between a solution of carbamate and carbon dioxide. The separation plant operating this system has a stainless steel separation column with Helipack packing and is capable of separating ¹³C at an isotopic concentration of over 8%.

2. Equipment for the development of isotopic applications

Analytical techniques based on Isotopic Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (SNIF-NMR) are used to optimize and develop new instrumental analysis methods for the physico-chemical characterization of some interest compounds.

The essential equipment used for the development of isotopic applications in the CCISU are:

– IRMS Delta V Advantage Spectrometer
– Bruker Advance III 500 MHz RMN Spectrometer for liquid samples
– Bruker Advance III 500 MHz RMN Spectrometer for solid samples
– IRMS Isoprime 100 Spectrometer
– Isotopic analyzer for liquid samples DL

3. Synthesis laboratory of isotopically labeled compounds

The isotopic separation activities of CCISU lead to the compounds: H¹⁵NO₃ – enrichment degree > 99 % at., and ¹³CO (¹³CO₂) – enrichment degree ~ 80 % at. These “raw materials” are subsequently used as primary precursors in complex and laborious isotopic labeling processes of other interest compounds. The laboratory has the equipment needed to optimize organic/inorganic synthesis technologies and the analytical quality control equipment necessary to meet user requirements. To capitalize on this accumulated experience, together with the competitive advantage of access to raw materials from local resources, the first concern of the synthesis laboratory of labeled compounds is the development of specialized technologies for custom isotopic labeling services.

4. Auxiliary equipment

4.1. Liquid nitrogen production plant StirLIN 1 Compact

4.2. Liquid nitrogen production plant StirLIN 1 Economy