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Published on: December 28, 2017
The PTB microbeam: a versatile instrument for radiobiological research
K Greif1, W Beverung, F Langner
1Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany. ulrich.giesen@ptb.de
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|December 14, 2006
Summary
The PTB microbeam facility now irradiates cells faster using protons and alpha particles, reaching 50,000 cells per hour. New automated analysis of protein activation enhances cell research capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Radiation Science
Background:
- The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) microbeam facility is a key tool for targeted cellular irradiation.
- Previous limitations in speed and analysis hindered high-throughput cellular studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the PTB microbeam facility's speed and analytical capabilities for cellular irradiation experiments.
- To enable high-throughput analysis of cellular responses to targeted radiation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized protons (1-20 MeV) and alpha particles (1-28 MeV) with a focused beam (approx. 2 microm fwhm).
- Integrated an electrostatic beam scanner for rapid (1 ms) cell targeting.
- Implemented a module for automatic quantification of immunocytochemical staining.
Main Results:
- Achieved experimental speeds up to 50,000 cells per hour, significantly increasing throughput.
- Enabled precise positional analysis of protein activation post-irradiation.
- Maintained excellent energy resolution and minimal particle scattering.
Conclusions:
- The upgraded PTB microbeam facility offers enhanced speed and analytical power for cellular irradiation studies.
- Automated immunocytochemical analysis provides new insights into radiation-induced protein activation.
- The system is now more versatile for high-throughput biological research.
