Direct Beta Autoradiography using MCP Detectors

Background

A standard procedure in bio-medical research is the registration, using radiological grade X-ray film, of 2-D spatial patterns of beta-radioactivity. Whatever the sample form (thin tissue section or dried electrophoresis gel - as in DNA "finger-printing"), the advantages and disadvantages of film radiography are well known.

The inherent disadvantages of X-ray film have led, in recent years, to the introduction of a number of electronic position-sensitive detectors to the field of digital radiography. Each having advantages and disadvantages.

Multiwire proportional counters
Image intensifiers with scintillator layers, optical coupling etc.
photostimulable phosphors ("image plates")
fibre-optic coupled cooled CCDs

Our approach has been to use a large area, low noise microchannel plate detector (developed primarily for X-ray astronomy) to directly detect the emitted betas. Common radiactive materials used in autoradiography are ³H, ¹⁴C, ³⁵S and ³²P.

At present most digital autoradiography methods have great difficulty in efficiently detecting tritium due to the low energy of the emitted beta. We believe we have demonstrated the scientific feasibility of using large area, low noise microchannel plate detectors for beta-autoradiography which offer significant sensitivity over existing forms of digital detection schemes. We are at present investigating various avenues for the commercialization of this technology. Further details can be found in the reports below and in the summary of recent developments

Funding

In December 1996 our group was awarded a grant from the BBRSC, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (grant number - EO6786) to develop an instrument for beta autoradiography based on MCPs.

The project, funded for two years, involves the design, manufacture and characterization of a pre-commercial prototype of a highly sensitive large area electronic detector for use in direct digital autoradiography.

This line of research, new within the Physics Department, forms the basis of an inter-disciplinary research project involving other departments (Genetics, CMHT and Dermatology) within our own University and extending existing collaborations with other laboratories (such as the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton) and commercial companies (Photonis SAS and Photek Limited).

Current Papers

Direct Beta Autoradiography using MCP Detectors, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 392 (1997) 349-353.
Large Microchannel Plate Detectors for¹⁴C Autoradiography, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 45 (1998).
An MCP-based system for beta autoradiography, IEEE Trans.Nuc.Sci, 46 (1999) 636-638
Rapid, high-sensitivity imaging of radio labelled gels with microchannel plate Detectors.Electropheresis 20 (1999) 2139-2143
From Astronomy to Biology: A Case Study In Technology Transfer. Conference on Academic And Industrial Cooperation In Space Research. 432 (1988) Pages 87-90

MCP Home Page

Space Research Centre

Page Maintained by: Dr John Lees.