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 ovarian cancer 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 at the future, upgraded ESRF DUBBLE beamline, focussing on sub-micron 3D analysis by X-ray tomography (nanoCT), 3D XRF imaging and nano-XAS. 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 upgrade programme in 2019 the timing to develop a novel setup is ideal. There will be ample time to test the new instrument without interfering with user experiments. This project will ensure Belgian scientists early access to the renewed DUBBLE beamline (2020).