Applications of particle microbeams in space radiation research.
Galactic cosmic radiation is acknowledged as one of the major barriers to human space exploration. In space, astronauts are exposed to charged particles from Z = 1 (H) up to Z = 28 (Ni), but the probability of a hit to a specific single cell in the human body is low. Particle microbeams can deliver single charged particles of different charge and energy to single cells from different tissues, and microbeam studies are therefore very useful for improving current risk estimates for long-term space travel. 2D in vitro cell cultures can be very useful for establishing basic molecular mechanisms, but they are not sufficient to extrapolate risk, given the substantial evidence proving tissue effects are key in determining the response to radiation insult. 3D tissue or animal systems represent a more promising target for space radiobiology using microbeams.
GSI, Biophysics Department, and Technical University of Darmstadt, Planckstrasse 1, D-64291 Darmstadt, Germany. M.Durante@gsi.de
Marco
M
Durante
D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011853:Radiobiology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012106:Research; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*