Rapid, Non-Invasive Radiation Bio-Dosimeter

The technical problem: In the event of a terrorist attack with a “dirty bomb”, there would be an urgent need to distinguish between those who have and have not been exposed to radiation, in order to perform rapid triage. First responders and emergency health workers would require a biological dosimetric test for radiation exposure that is rapid, accurate, and non-invasive. The opportunity: a mobile breathalyzer could potentially provide a non-invasive radiation bio-dosimeter by measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath that are biomarkers of oxidative stress. The rationale: Radiation exposure results in increased oxidative stress. Hydroxyl radicals are generated by ionizing radiation either directly by oxidation of water, or indirectly by the formation of secondary partially reactive oxygen species (ROS). These compounds cause lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, liberating volatile n-alkanes and their metabolites that are excreted in the breath. Results of the Phase I research provided proof of principle that irradiation in humans resulted in significant changes in breath VOCs consistent with increased oxidative stress The proposed research: In Phase II, we will establish the dose-effect relationships between irradiation and changes in the breath test, and to determine the time relationships of these changes.