Instituto Technológico e Nuclear

The ITN runs an accelerator with various ion beam capabilities that includes focused beams for nuclear microprobe purposes as well as a radiochemistry laboratory for biomedical studies involving the development of radiopharmaceuticals as diagnostic/therapeutic agents. The nuclear microprobe set-up allows to derive different kinds of sample images whether through the use of PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) and RBS (Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry) for elemental mapping, STIM (Scanning Transmission Ion Microscopy) for mass density variations or secondary electron image for sample surface topography. Relevant expertise has been gathered on methodologies other than microscopy, to assess physiological indicators with a particular emphasis on the cellular damage of reactive oxygen species inflammatory response. For the researches that are currently being carried out different techniques are used such as microscopy based on ion focused beams, spectrophotometric methods and immunoassays for enzyme activity and expression, and immunological response. In addition, experience has been gathered on skin response to allergens, to UV light and to therapy of affected skin. Experience has been gained using focused ion beams in material science (e.g. characterization of advanced materials for the European Fusion Technology Work Programme, subtasks: TW0-T431/01,TTMA-001 and TTMS-006) and in biomedical studies (trace element impairment in human pathological conditions, aerosol clearance in the respiratory system, occupational exposures).

ITN’s homepage: http://www.itn.pt/index_en.html