Track Structure-Based Simulations on DNA Damage Induced by Diverse Isotopes.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics and radiobiology
• Biophysics and radiation effects

Background:

• Diverse isotopes (e.g., 2H, 3He, 10Be, 11C, 14C) are relevant in radiotherapy, cosmic ray shielding, and dating.
• Limited research exists on the biological effects of various isotopes, particularly at lower energies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate and analyze the biological effects of different isotopes (H, He, Li, Be, B, C) using the PARTRAC tool.
• To investigate isotope-specific DNA damage yields (single- and double-strand breaks, clusters) at energies below 1 MeV/u.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the PARTRAC biophysical simulation tool.
• Simulated isotopes of H, He, Li, Be, B, and C.
• Covered energy range from 0.5 GeV/u down to particle stopping.

Main Results:

• Predicted variations in dose deposition to cell nuclei among isotopes of the same element at energies < 1 MeV/u.
• Simulations indicate differing yields per unit dose for DNA breaks and clusters, particularly for H and He isotopes.
• Isotope-specific biological effects become pronounced at lower energies.

Conclusions:

• Results may impact risk assessments for astronauts in deep space missions.
• Findings can refine models of ion beam biological effectiveness.
• Radiation protection strategies for techniques like 14C or 10Be dating could leverage data from common isotopes (12C, 9Be).