Bio--alpha 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 radiation 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) with defined time/dose of alpha radiation, which are placed in a layer (thickness range should be below the penetration of alpha particles in the sample).

1. Computer controlled automated mechanical system.
2. Uniform and collimated exposure of alpha radiation to cells in culture condition.
3. Variable speed of source and collimator movement with independent control.
4. Auto and Manual mode of operation.
5. High-precision electronic shutter control through computer to irradiate samples 1 sec to 99 min.

1. 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.
2. Radiation Induced Bystander Effect studies.
3. Low dose/fluence radiation biology studies.

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

1. Computer controlled automated mechanical system
2. Uniform and collimated exposure of alpha radiation to cells in culture condition
3. Variable speed of source and collimator movement with independent control
4. Auto and Manual mode of operation
5. 241Am source housed inside lucite chamber, which is flushed with helium to minimize the attenuation of loss of alpha energy
6. High speed shutter
7. High-precision electronic shutter control through computer to irradiate samples 1 sec to 99 min
8. Store/save of experimental information like user name, sample details, exposure time, source/collimator speed etc.
9. Exit window: 1.5 µm thick Mylar sheet
10. Collimator: Aluminum sheet perforated (1 mm diameter)

COLLIMATOR

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

Electronic shutter

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

INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED

1. Lathe with Centre Height: 250mm
2. Milling Machine: XYZ Travel minimum 400x400x400mm
3. Drilling Machine: 12mm drill size
4. Soldering Iron
5. Helium Leak Detector

SPACE

1. Space occupied by instrument with stand (L x W x H): 1000x1000X2000 (mm)

POWER

1. 230 V, 10 A DC

MANPOWER

1. 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

1. 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
2. Radiation Induced Bystander Effect studies
3. Low dose/fluence Radiation Biology