News
31.10.2023New Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) Automatic Equipment
The CCiTUB has acquired a state-of-the-art, new generation LSC automatic equipment that is operational at the Technical Unit for Radiological Protection (UTPR) of the CCiTUB, located in the Radioactive Facility (IRA) at the Faculty of Biology.
The new high-capacity, multi-user equipment for counting labeled samples is a Hidex model 600 SLe, one of the most efficient devices currently available, and it continues the advanced technology of triple photomultiplier (triple-PMT) counting. It offers various operating modes to suit different needs, including luminescence-free counting and the capability to determine absolute activity using the TDCR (triple-to-double coincidence ratio) method.
Equipment Features
It boasts a spacious chamber capable of holding 500 vials (7 ml) and 200 vials (20 ml) that are placed in racks identified by barcode labels (protocols). The equipment also features a robotic arm that automatically introduces samples (vials) into the counting chamber.
The system operates with the specific MikroWin 600 SL software, allowing for programming to detect and quantify samples labeled with common beta-emitting radioisotopes such as 3H (with a 70% maximum efficiency) and 14C (with a 96% maximum efficiency), 35S, 32P, 33P, 55Fe, 63Ni, 90Sr/90Y, among others.
The multi-channel analyzer enables the acquisition and visualization of beta emission spectra in an energy range from 0 to 2000 keV, both in Beta counting mode and in the "beta triple" mode (triple coincidences), as well as luminescence correction. Furthermore, the equipment is equipped with an internal standard that allows for the application of an automatic correction method for quenching and/or the introduction of quenching curves. In summary, it is a comprehensive and versatile piece of equipment.
Applications
As indicated, this equipment is specifically designed for the analysis and quantification of samples that have been labeled with a radioactive tracer or contain such tracers. Therefore, it finds applications in a wide range of sectors, with a particular emphasis on the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, healthcare/oncological, chemical, environmental, and industrial sectors. For example:
- Biomedical research: biomarker studies, radioligands, nucleosides, antibodies, membrane transporters and receptors, ion channels, enzymatic activity, new molecules (drug discovery), quality control, and validation of other techniques, among others.
- In vitro research: studies on cytotoxicity, protein synthesis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cell proliferation, and radioimmunoassays.
- In vivo research: studies on the distribution of in vivo metabolites (ADME studies: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs and metabolites), studies on CO2 absorption in plants.
- Education: Practical training in accredited courses, involvement in Bachelor's and Master's thesis projects, and teaching practices.
- Radiological Protection: Routine and specific controls, material declassification, etc.