title: Dosimetry and radiobiological studies of automated alpha-particle irradiator.
abstract: Understanding the effect of alpha radiation on biological systems is an important component of radiation risk assessment and associated health consequences. However, due to the short path length of alpha radiation in the atmosphere, in vitro radiobiological experiments cannot be performed with accuracy in terms of dose and specified exposure time. The present paper describes the design and dosimetry of an automated alpha-particle irradiator named 'BARC BioAlpha', which is suitable for in vitro radiobiological studies. Compared to alpha irradiators developed in other laboratories, BARC BioAlpha has integrated computer-controlled movement of the alpha-particle source, collimator, and electronic shutter. The diaphragm blades of the electronic shutter can control the area (diameter) of irradiation without any additional shielding, which is suitable for radiobiological bystander studies. To avoid irradiation with incorrect parameters, a software interlock is provided to prevent shutter opening, unless the user-specified speed of the source and collimator are achieved. The dosimetry of the alpha irradiator using CR-39 and silicon surface barrier detectors showed that ~4 MeV energy of the alpha particle reached the cells on the irradiation dish. The alpha irradiation was also demonstrated by the evaluation of DNA double-strand breaks in human cells. In conclusion, 'BARC BioAlpha' provides a user-friendly alpha irradiation system for radiobiological experiments with a novel automation mechanism for better accuracy of dose and exposure time.
authors.affiliation: Mechanical Design and Prototype Development Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: Jyothish Babu
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: M V
authors.forename: Sanjay G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Shinde
authors.forename: Sunil Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: S
authors.forename: Manjoor
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vasumathy
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kolekar
authors.forename: Manish
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nema
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Bhagwat
authors.forename: Badri N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Pandey
mesh_terms: D000512:Alpha Particles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004247:DNA / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011853:Radiobiology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012825:Silicon; D012984:Software; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: C028827:CR 39; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D004247:DNA; D012825:Silicon