Dr. Sidabras Awarded Multi-PI U01 Grant
Jason Sidabras, PhD, assistant professor of biophysics at Ƶ (contact PI), and Harold Swartz, MD, PhD, MSPH, of Clin-EPR, LLC, were awarded a five-year $1.75 million multiple-PI grant, titled "A Unique Device to Measure Radiation Dose and Homogeneity of Exposure Following a Large-Scale Ionizing Radiation Event," from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The goal of this project is to deliver a field-ready physical-based biodosimetry device capable of accurately estimating radiation doses in the range of 0–10 Gy using in vivo measurements of human nails. The device is based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and will incorporate advanced spectrometer architecture, optimized resonators, and cutting-edge signal processing techniques to achieve high sensitivity and reliability, enabling rapid and efficient triage in emergency situations.
The innovative and non-invasive approach addresses the critical need for accurate, on-site radiation dose assessment in the event of a radiological or nuclear incident. Within 5 minutes, an in vivo measurement of a fingernail and/or toenail provides a radiation dose assessment without the need for nail clipping. This physically based method complements biologically based biodosimetry methods and is minimally perturbed by health-related factors. The final device will be compact, portable, and capable of simultaneous measurements on multiple digits, enabling rapid and efficient triage in emergency situations. The measurements of multiple digits add a very important capability, detection and characterization of heterogeneity of exposure. The method also can be used to characterize long term-risk for irradiated survivors. Completion of this project will deliver a critical tool for assessing radiation exposure in individuals, facilitating timely medical decision-making, and ultimately improving outcomes for those affected by large-scale radiological incidents. The in vivo nail biodosimetry device developed through this project will be ready for deployment and integration into existing emergency response protocols, significantly enhancing our nation's preparedness for potential radiological emergencies.