An accelerator-based neutron activation device

描述（由申请人提供）： 随着研究人员从基于分子和细胞的研究进展到体内系统，需要创新技术来允许在蛋白质组学和系统生物学的新兴领域的体内模型中多次跟踪探针和多次测量功能参数。传统的放射性和光学技术将无法有效满足这些新兴领域的新需求。因此，本提案寻求支持开发一种基于自动加速器的中子装置，以量化稳定同位素（非放射性）标记的探针。该设备将整合加速器技术、计算机和软件技术以及机器人控制系统的最新创新。该项目将开始开拓生物基质中稳定同位素标记探针的多元素中子活化分析领域。这项创新技术将能够为研究和临床社区提供目前通过其他技术无法实现的能力。该项目的成功完成将成为新诊断行业形成和扩张的催化剂。该行业将通过为体内模型提供改进的和新颖的读出系统来服务于研究市场，并通过为临床医生提供安全，轻松和具有成本效益的测量和监测器官功能参数的能力来服务于人类诊断市场。其他市场包括稳定同位素标记的目标和探针的新用途，用于广泛的工业，制造和环境应用。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): As researchers progress from molecular- and cellular-based studies to in vivo systems, innovative technologies are needed to allow multiple tracking of probes and multiple measurements of functional parameters in in-vivo models for the emerging fields of proteomics and systems-biology. Traditional radioactive and optical-based technology will not be able to effectively meet the new demands of these emerging fields. Therefore, this proposal seeks support to develop an automated accelerator-based neutron device to quantify stable isotope (non-radioactive) labeled probes. This device will integrate recent innovations in accelerator technology, computer and software technology, as well as robotic controlled systems. This project will begin to pioneer the field of multi-element, neutron activation analysis of stable isotope-labeled probes contained in a biological matrix. This innovative technology will be able to provide the research and clinical communities with capabilities not currently achievable though other technologies. The successful completion of this project will serve as a catalyst for the formation and expansion of a new diagnostic industry. This industry will service both the research market by providing improved and novel read-out systems for in vivo models, and the human diagnostic market by providing clinicians the ability to measure and monitor organ functional parameters safely, easily and cost-effectively. Additional markets include the novel use of stable isotope labeled targets and probes for a wide range of industrial, manufacturing and environmental applications.