AUTOMATED ALPHA PARTICLE IRRADIATOR- BIOALPHA

BIOALPHA is the first indigenous computer controlled Alpha Particle Irradiator for alpha irradiation of biological/non-biological samples.  A special assembly is required for alpha irradiation of biological samples due to very low range of alpha travel in air and samples need to be irradiated only at atmospheric/physiological conditions.

A controlled, collimated and uniform alpha irradiation can be achieved using Bio-alpha due to its innovative design. The system is designed to irradiate adherent mammalian cell cultures. However, in principle, the system can be used to irradiate any material/samples (biological/non-biological); placed in a layer (thickness range should be below the penetration of alpha particles in the sample); with defined time/dose of alpha radiation

SALIENT FEATURES

• Computer controlled automated mechanical system
• Uniform and collimated exposure of alpha radiation to cells in culture condition
• Variable speed of source and collimator movement with independent control
• Auto and Manual mode of operation
• ²⁴¹Am source housed inside lucite chamber, which is flushed with helium to minimize the attenuation of loss of alpha energy
• High speed shutter
• High-precision electronic shutter control through computer to irradiate samples  1 sec to 99 min
• Store/save of experimental information like user name, sample details, exposure time, source/collimator speed etc.
• Exit window: 1.5 µm thick Mylar sheet
• Collimator: Aluminum sheet perforated (1 mm diameter)

SPECIFICATIONS

Collimator

• Honeycomb structure, 68mm x 55mm, 3mm thick with holes (1 mm diameter) at regular intervals and 2 mm pitch
• Material : Aluminum or SS if machined or any Plastic suitable for 3D printing

• Closed in 'Off' position and when not required.
• Speed: 1/30 seconds or higher.
• Diameter of Aperture: 50-65 mm.
• Shutter blades: ~4-6 Nos.
• Solenoid coil: 12 or 24 V DC.
• It should remain open for the time set in the controller.
• Shutter should not contain any glass or lens.
• Power supply for Shutter - Input supply: 230 V AC,50 Hz , Output supply: 12 or 24 V DC

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED

• Lathe with Centre Height: 250mm
• Milling Machine: XYZ Travel minimum 400x400x400mm
• Drilling Machine: 12mm drill size
• Soldering Iron
• Helium Leak Detector
• Space Required: Space occupied by instrument with stand (L x W x H): 1000x1000X2000 (mm)
• Power supply: 230 V, 10 A DC
• Manpower: 2 Turner, 2 Fitter, 1 Miller, 1 Electronics Technican

Note: Procurement of source and requisite permissions for the same will be user’s responsibility.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

• High LET Radiation Biology for mammalian cells, microbes and plant cells. A thin section of tissue or organisms of very low thickness could be irradiated using the system with proper optimizing irradiation/incubation conditions and dosimetry
• Radiation Induced Bystander Effect studies
• Low dose/fluence Radiation Biology