RADIOISOTOPES USAGE IN BIOLOGY

Radioisotopes Usage in Biology



Radioisotopes Usage in Biology

Introduction

Hundred years back, scientists came across various elements comprising of different atomic configurations. These varying configurations, called isotopes, found to have identical charged particles and chemical properties, but differing physical properties and atomic weights.

Later some isotopes were discovered to have radioactive properties. The central part of the isotope called nucleus emits energy in different forms, therefore, radioisotopes are the atoms which try to attain a stable nuclear configuration by emitting energy. Scientists discovered that more radioisotopes could be formed by subjecting elements to radiation inside a nuclear reactor using particulate accelerator.

The isotopes have wide- scale applications in medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, defence, public health, food technology, energy supply and packaging. This paper details out some of the most widespread use of radioisotopes and their future prospects. The individual radioisotopes and their usage are also briefly discussed.

The Modern Applications of Radioisotopes

Disease Detection

Radioisotopes have significantly helped medicine by allowing for greater disease examination and treatment. For instance, Sodium Iodide is taken as a beta emitter in drinking water. Iodine 131 is one of those beta emitters. Almost all of this sodium iodide finds its way to the thyroid. On the scanning devices, this rate of intake is used to monitor the functionality of the thyroid glands. Another application is the examination of blood circulation. Sodium Chloride can be dissipated in the bloodstream to examine the blood circulation. The inflicted blood circulation is detected by following the beta particles emitted by sodium.

Irradiation of Food

This is the process of where food is treated in order to make it safe to eat and increase its shelf life. This process is almost similar to other treatments for instance, freezing, canning, drying and pesticide application. Through the food eradication process, the disease- causing microorganisms are slowed down or eliminated in most extreme conditions. This keeps the food fresh and last longing. (Wormall, 1951)

Chemical Tracing

The radioisotope of cobalt is labelled with vitamin B 12 to analyze the absorption of the vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract. The absorption of iron can be studied through the tagged compound of Fe-59and Fe-55. Another significant example of this tagging is the compound of Glucose and Carbon. This compound circulating through the body and emitting positron in the heart, brain or some other organ can be monitored through a PET detector. The computer uses this image to create the PET scan of the organism being monitored. These scans are useful in studying the drug effects on cancers, in measuring the damage caused due to heart attack and in studying changes during the epileptic fits. (Wiley, 1995) The injection of thallium-201 compound into the blood stream concentrates in normal heart muscle without remaining in damaged tissue. The physician can monitor the damaged area through a scintillated camera photograph. Similarly, Technetium-99m locates the brain tumours and inflicted heart cells. It is the one of the most widely used isotopes in today's medicine industry. (Wormall, 1951).

Treatment of Materials and Medical Equipments

Radiation helps eradicating ...