Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy/imaging 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 (1 GHz) and X-band (9 GHz) imaging EPR system (Bruker Elexys) for in vitro and in vivo applications
- L-band EPR spectrometer (Magnettech, 1 GHz) for in vivo applications (small animals)
- Clinical L-band EPR spectrometer (whole body, 1 GHz) for human studies
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