Fluorescent Neutron Track Detectors for Boron-10 Microdistribution Measurement in BNCT: A Feasibility Study.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Medical Physics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Boron Neutron-Capture Therapy (BNCT) efficacy depends on precise subcellular boron-10 (¹⁰B) distribution.
• Accurate measurement of ¹⁰B microdistribution is crucial for optimizing BNCT treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of Fluorescent Nuclear Track Detectors (FNTDs) for measuring ¹⁰B microdistribution in BNCT.
• To demonstrate FNTDs' capability in reconstructing particle tracks and inferring ¹⁰B spatial distribution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized FNTDs, a biocompatible technology, for detecting charged particle tracks from the ¹⁰B neutron capture reaction.
• Deposited borated cell samples and irradiated them under controlled neutron fields.
• Analyzed FNTD tracks to reconstruct particle trajectories and determine ¹⁰B microdistribution.

Main Results:

• FNTDs successfully measured alpha particle range and mean penetration depth under simulated BNCT conditions.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of reconstructing alpha particle tracks, confirming ¹⁰B microdistribution measurement capabilities.
• Verified FNTDs as a non-destructive, biocompatible method for simultaneous ¹⁰B microdistribution and LET analysis.

Conclusions:

• FNTDs show significant promise as a tool for precise ¹⁰B microdistribution assessment in BNCT.
• This technology offers a non-destructive and accessible method for advancing BNCT research and application.
• Future experiments will couple FNTDs with borated cell samples for comprehensive validation.