Project

Analysis tools for biomedical and environmental applications: development and application of a multi-modal synchrotron based chemical imaging platform

Code
3E013721
Duration
01 October 2021 → 18 April 2022
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Spectroscopic methods
    • Analytical chemistry not elsewhere classified
  • Engineering and technology
    • General chemical and biochemical engineering not elsewhere classified
Keywords
synchrotron radiation based analysis techniques Multi-modal experimental setup multidisciplinary biomedical and environmental research
 
Project description

The goal of this research project is the development of novel analytical methods for nano-analysis of biomedical and environmental samples using synchrotron radiation (SR) based X-ray imaging methodologies. The envisaged applications comprise optimization of peritoneal carcinomatosis treatment (Prof dr W. Ceelen) and assessing the influence of deep-sea mining on the marine eco-system (Prof dr A. Van Reusel). X-ray based methodologies such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) constitute a crucial part of the toolkit of scientists for non-destructive 3D analysis. This project aims at developing a novel SR based setup incorporating multiple techniques in the future, upgraded ESRF DUBBLE beamline, focussing on (sub-)microscopic 3D analysis by XRF and XAS combined with X-ray tomography. These techniques will expand the set of analysis tools available to scientists at this productive beamline, so far mainly devoted to bulk analysis, paving the way to nanoscale chemical characterization. Multimodal instruments have become the new standard at high-end beamlines of SR facilities. This project aims to add DUBBLE to this impressive list. Due to the major ESRF accelerator upgrade completed in September 2020, the timing to develop a novel setup is ideal. This project will ensure DUBBLE users to access a new portfolio of microanalytical tools at the renewed DUBBLE beamline.