Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is the gold standard method for detecting and quantifying free radicals in biological media. The NEST platform offers access to the following equipment:
- -X-band EPR spectrometer (Bruker EMX+, 9 GHz) for in vitro applications
- -Benchtop X-band EPR spectrometer (Magnettech Miniscope, 9 GHz) for in vitro applications
- -L-band EPR spectrometer (1 GHz) for in vivo applications (small animals)
- -Clinical L-band EPR spectrometer (whole body, 1 GHz) for human studies upgraded with capability to use higher power, higher modulation amplitude and capability of multi-harmonic analysis
EPR applications include (non-exhaustive list):
- Free radicals measurements and characterization by spin trapping
- Quantification of melanin / melanoma cells in tissues
- Molecular dynamics, microviscosity, micropolarity in tissues and drug delivery systems
- Dosimetry (retrospective dosimetry in bones and teeth)
- Dosimetry in phantoms (external beams, brachytherapy)
- Tissue oxygenation, Oxygen consumption
- Redox status, pH
- Superparamagnetic iron oxides nanoparticles (SPIO) quantification