Development of X-Ray instrumentation for analysis of biological tissue and other material applications

X射线分析是一种通用的辐射物理技术，它可以通过观察X射线与物质的相互作用来量化材料的元素组成。样品制备通常很简单，必要的仪器设备可以紧凑，这样就可以在不同的地点和现场应用中进行成分分析。这些技术也是非破坏性的，这使得它成为研究生物组织样本的理想选择，然后可以进一步分析，以及表征不可替代的样本，如考古物品和美术作品。 我的研究计划旨在扩大X射线分析技术的应用，并充分利用它们的潜力。2009年，我在麦克马斯特大学建立了X射线分析实验室，现在该实验室拥有一套X射线仪器和HQP，具有使用方面的专业知识。我们的研究计划现在将专注于开发新的仪器，以扩大技术的灵敏度，这些技术将用于肿瘤评估、皮肤分析、爆炸物检测和脑组织检查的新应用。HQP将全面参与设计和制造这些仪器，并优化其在新兴应用中的使用。他们还将与我一起旅行，并参加世界各地同步辐射设施的实验，继续使用强大的X射线光束进行研究，以补充我们的主要实验室研究计划。 研究计划的具体目标是为本建议书中描述并总结如下的应用程序开发仪器和执行项目。 乳腺癌手术切缘的术中评估仪器。 这项工作将设计和建造一个与能量色散X射线衍射系统相结合的三轴XRF系统，这将改进我们在过去5年中使用的技术。在手术室中实时使用的系统将对外科医生产生影响，因为他们将拥有一种工具，确保移除所有恶性组织，从而改善患者预后，并帮助将加拿大医疗保健提供者的成本降至最低。该仪器将在麦克马斯特大学内的许多材料分析应用中具有潜力，从生物样品分析到考古分析和艺术品。这种具有广阔市场潜力的仪器存在商业化的可能性。 全反射X射线荧光(TRXRF)仪器。 这将对我们目前的灵敏度产生很大影响，并提高我们的检测下限。这对于我们有关测量某些生物样本中的元素，特别是大脑中的元素的项目将特别重要。 构建一个针对爆炸物或其他违禁品进行优化的检测系统。 这项技术将使信件和小包裹能够快速而灵敏地进行筛选，这些信件和小包裹可以很容易地位于加拿大各地和其他地方的敏感地点。再一次，该项目的成功也可能带来商业化机会，安全应用程序具有潜在的巨大市场。 提案中描述了利用开发的仪器的其他项目，包括：使用为测量皮肤中的元素而优化的X射线仪器，测量皮肤中的铁水平，作为关键器官铁水平的替代标记；测量大脑中的过渡金属水平，这是一个研究金属在大脑中的作用以及对某些神经疾病的影响的项目。这项研究计划将通过提供世界级的X射线分析设备和技术以及继续生产能够进入学术和工业场所的HQP来鼓励合作。

X-Ray analysis is a versatile radiation physics technique that can quantify the elemental composition of materials by observing the interactions of X-Rays with matter. The sample preparation is generally straightforward and the necessary instrumentation can be made compact, such that it can be deployed for compositional analysis in diverse locations and in-field applications. The techniques are also non-destructive which makes it ideal for investigating biological tissue samples that can then be further analysed, and for characterizing irreplaceable samples such as archeological objects and fine art. My research program seeks to expand the applications of X-Ray analysis techniques and harness their full potential. In 2009, I established the X-Ray Analysis Laboratory at McMaster University, which now houses a suite of X-Ray instrumentation and HQP with expertise in their use. Our research program will now focus on developing new instrumentation to expand the sensitivity of techniques that will be used for new applications in tumour assessment, skin analysis, explosive detection and brain tissue examination. HQP will be fully involved in designing and building these instruments and optimizing their use for emerging applications. They will also travel with me and take part in experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities worldwide to continue research using powerful beams of X-Ray light for projects that complement our main laboratory research program. Specific goals of the research program are to develop instrumentation and execute projects for the applications described in this proposal and summarized below. Instrumentation for the intra operative assessment of surgical margins in breast cancer. This work will design and build a Tri-Axial XRF system in combination with an Energy Dispersive X-Ray Diffraction system that will improve on technology we have used over the past 5 years. A system used in real time in operating theatres will impact surgeons, as they will have a tool that ensures removal of all malignant tissue, resulting in improved patient outcomes and help minimize the cost to health care providers in Canada. The instrumentation will have the potential for many material analysis applications within McMaster University from biological sample analysis to archaeological analysis and works of art. Possibilities for commercialization exists for such an instrument with wide potential market. Total Reflection XRF (TRXRF) instrumentation. This will have great impact on our current sensitivity and improve on our lower limits of detection. It will be of particular importance for our projects concerned with measuring elements in certain biological samples particularly the brain. Construct a detection system optimized for explosives or other contraband. The technology will enable a quick and sensitive screening capability for letters and small parcels that could easily be located at sensitive locations throughout Canada and beyond. Once again, success of this project could also lead to commercialization opportunities with a potentially large market in security applications. Other projects utilizing the instrumentation developed are described in the proposal and include: measuring iron levels in the skin as a surrogate marker for critical organ iron levels using X-Ray instrumentation designed to be optimized for measuring elements in the skin; measuring transition metal levels in the brain, a project that examines the role of metals in the brain and the effects on certain neurological diseases. This research program will encourage collaborations by providing world-class facilities and techniques for X-Ray analysis as well as continuing to produce HQP capable of moving into academic and industrial placements.