Experimental set up for the irradiation of biological samples and nuclear track detectors with UV C

Abstract

Aim: 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 of10B 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.Materials and Methods: A UV C irradiator was constructed. The irradiance was measured along the lamp direction and at different distances. Melanoma cells were cultured on poly-carbonate 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.