title: Experimental set up for the irradiation of biological samples and nuclear track detectors with UV C.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this work we present a methodology to produce an "imprint" of cells cultivated on a polycarbonate detector by exposure of the detector to UV C radiation.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The distribution and concentration of (10)B atoms in tissue samples coming from BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) protocols can be determined through the quantification and analysis of the tracks forming its autoradiography image on a nuclear track detector. The location of boron atoms in the cell structure could be known more accurately by the simultaneous observation of the nuclear tracks and the sample image on the detector.
  
  
  METHODS
  A UV C irradiator was constructed. The irradiance was measured along the lamp direction and at different distances. Melanoma cells were cultured on polycarbonate foils, incubated with borophenylalanine, irradiated with thermal neutrons and exposed to UV C radiation. The samples were chemically attacked with a KOH solution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A uniform irradiation field was established to expose the detector foils to UV C light. Cells could be seeded on the polycarbonate surface. Both imprints from cells and nuclear tracks were obtained after chemical etching.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is possible to yield cellular imprints in polycarbonate. The nuclear tracks were mostly present inside the cells, indicating a preferential boron uptake.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Research Council (CONICET), Av. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Agustina Mariana
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Portu
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Andrés Eugenio
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Rossini
authors.affiliation: Department of Instrumentation and Control, CNEA, Presbítero Juan González Aragón, B1802AYA Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Mario Alberto
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gadan
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Omar Alberto
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Bernaola
authors.affiliation: Department of Instrumentation and Control, CNEA, Presbítero Juan González Aragón, B1802AYA Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Silvia Inés
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Thorp
authors.affiliation: Department of Research and Production Reactors, CNEA, Presbítero Juan González Aragón, B1802AYA, Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Curotto
authors.affiliation: Department of Research and Production Reactors, CNEA, Presbítero Juan González Aragón, B1802AYA, Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Emiliano César Cayetano
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Pozzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires, Marcelo T. de Alvear 2142, C1122AAH, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Rómulo Luis
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Cabrini
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), Av. General Paz 1499, B1650KNA, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Gisela Saint
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Martin
keywords: BNCT; Cell imprints; Polycarbonate detectors; UV-C