Biomedical

Cancer research, bio-mechanics, and drug testing are just a few examples of X-ray imaging contributing to biology and medicine research. New photon-counting detectors represent a severe advancement to these applications compared to previously used methods. The energy sensitivity of modern cameras opens better possibilities for identifying individual types of tissue and contrast agents. That has significant consequences in various industries, for example, cancer research, where the tumor tissue can be better distinguished from the healthy one.

MORE PRECISE HEAD CANCER TUMOR IRRADIATION

ADVACAM detectors are being tested as a method to improve head cancer ion beam irradiation. The new device allows treatment of a smaller tissue volume, which can help reduce negative side effects.

The tests focus on patients with tumors near the base of the skull. This area is challenging to access for irradiation due to the proximity of essential structures like the brainstem. This device measures secondary radiation emitted from the patient, and based on this data, scientists understand what kind of matter is being irradiated.

So far, doctors had to rely on previously done CT scans. However, the situation inside the patient’s head can change during the therapy. The new device is meant to allow a better understanding of where and how often these changes occur. With its use, doctors can save healthy tissue from irradiation and apply higher doses to the tumor.

The presence of detectors does not affect the existing therapy. It can help prevent side effects such as memory or optic nerve damage.

The InViMo clinical trials are being conducted by scientists from the German National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), the German Cancer Research
Center (DKFZ), and the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) at Heidelberg University Hospital.

This image shows a device composed of seven synchronized detectors, each with four Timepix 3 chips stacked.

The detector captures particles of secondary radiation that are produced when ions pass through the patient’s head. Source: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).

SPECTRAL RADIOGRAPHY: Material discriminating spectral imaging of a mouse. Colors represent different tissue types.

SPECTRAL RADIOGRAPHY

Photon counting detectors excel in bio-imaging due to their high sensitivity and dynamic range.

The high sensitivity of photon counting detectors makes them helpful in imaging low X-ray attenuating objects. Light objects, such as tissue. Thus, these detectors are ideal for bio-related applications. High dynamic range reveals features in samples that remain hidden from other types of X-ray imaging detectors. Moreover, the structure of the model can be visualized thanks to the spectral sensitivity of the device. Only specific structures can be highlighted, and others can be suppressed.

SPECTRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Spectral computed tomography enhances 3D imaging, advancing tissue identification and cancer treatment research.

Spectral radiography can be extended to 3D using computed tomography. This makes it possible to recognize different types of tissue in natural form. This level of information can be beneficial for cancer treatment research, as it gives better data for irradiation planning.

Spectral computed tomography slices where each colour represents a tissue type. Picture taken by AdvaPIX

There are two outputs of our single-particle camera. On the left, there's an image showcasing anatomic features: The veins or arteries of mouse lungs clearly. The right image employs a detector to visualize a specific micro-structure: The lung's alveoli, allowing for the observation of their distribution within the organ anatomy. The X-ray imaging system utilized in this study merges a microfocus X-ray tube with a large-area photon counting detector, WidePIX 5X10, having a resolution of 2560 x 1280 pixels with a pitch of 55 µm.

On the left, there's an image showcasing anatomic features: The veins or arteries of mouse lungs clearly. The right image employs a detector to visualize a specific micro-structure: The lung's alveoli, allowing for the observation of their distribution within the organ anatomy.

SOFT TISSUES DIFFERENTIATION

Our innovative imaging cameras employ advanced technology for enhanced clarity and detail in extensive tissue sample analysis.

Our devices employ a unique blend of absorption imaging and phase contrast enhancement, allowing clear visualization of specific details in large tissue samples.

We have demonstrated this technology’s power by imaging a deflated mouse lung sample. Traditional imaging techniques struggled to differentiate between the granular structure of alveoli and other lung structures. Our advanced system, however, can distinguish alveoli and different tissue types and structures.

Our high-contrast X-ray system fine-tunes the X-ray beam spectrum and detector energy sensitivity levels to generate detailed images. This technology is a potent tool for tissue analysis, revealing features typically hidden due to low contrast, thereby revolutionizing the study of lung microstructures.

FUNCTIONAL REAL-TIME TISSUE IMAGING

Our cameras provide real-time, high-speed X-ray videos of live inner organs, revealing intricate details like a reptile’s heartbeat.

Leveraging the unique capabilities of our advanced imaging cameras, we offer real-time visualization of dynamic processes within organs and tissues. Our cameras’ exceptional speed enables capturing thousands of X-ray-sensitive images per second, creating high-speed X-ray videos of live inner organs and tissues.

This technology allows for incredible detail, such as observing a reptile’s heart’s blood flow. Additionally, our method can monitor the movement of contrast agents within the body in real-time, providing invaluable insights into dynamic organ functions, including the kidneys, brain, muscles, and joints.

This footage shows a slow-motion recording of a mouse’s heartbeat. The rodent’s heart beats at a rate of 670 beats per minute, ten times faster than a human heart. The recording was made with our AdvaPIX detector at a rate of 1000 frames per second. Bone tissue was suppressed using post-processing to make the heart visible even behind the rib cage. In the video, you can observe how the individual chambers and atria of the heart darken or lighten, which is the actual movement of blood inside the organ. In this case, no contrast agent was used. Go on AdvaPIX models ›

Food inspection: The new generation of X-ray imaging detectors provides unprecedented image quality and a wide range of materials in one image, with one detector, at the same time as demonstrated in this collage of X-ray images. For example: In the red circle is visible a wood twig infested with woodworms.

The new generation of X-ray imaging detectors provides unprecedented image quality and a wide range of materials in one image, with one detector, at the same time as demonstrated in this collage of X-ray images.

Further integration of our cameras to Radalytica’s system RadalyX and a phenotyping platform by the PSI Phenotyping Systems company expands the application of X-ray imaging in the field of automated plant phenotyping and branding, marking a significant advancement in food inspection technology.

In partnership with Radalytica company, we've implemented a unique robotic X-ray imaging concept that provides 3D computed tomography. A detailed X-ray of the tomato seed shows sprouts as a sign of potential growth. If these sprouts are missing from the seed, a plant cannot grow from that seed. Image taken by the AdvaPIX detector.

In a detailed X-ray of the tomato seed, sprouts can be seen as a sign of potential growth. If these sprouts are missing from the seed, a plant cannot grow from that seed.

FOOD INSPECTION: X-RAY CLASSIFICATION AND QUALITY CONTROL

Our single-photon counting cameras allow for the creation of detailed X-ray material-sensitive images that reveal the internal composition of various food items, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.

ADVACAM‘s technology enables fast real-time inspection of qualities typically hidden from the naked eye. For example, sprouts – an indicator of potential growth – can be clearly identified in a detailed X-ray of a tomato seed. If these sprouts are absent, it suggests that the seed is unlikely to germinate.

Our imaging technology also allows for early detection and characterization of yield. For instance, as a cereal plant develops, X-ray imaging can reveal the ear grains even when they are still growing through the stem and not visible externally. Individual ears and the prospective number of grains can be predicted, allowing for early yield estimation – a critical factor in plant breeding.

It is possible to view various types of food packaging using non-destructive testing and thus monitor their quality.

MINIMIZING SIDE EFFECTS OF INNOVATIVE CANCER RADIOTHERAPY

Our single-photon counting detectors participated in a groundbreaking research project on Ultra-High Pulse Dose Rate cancer radiotherapy. This innovative approach might dramatically reduce side effects while maintaining effective tumor control.

The World Health Organization estimates 4.2 million new cancer cases in Europe alone in 2018, with approximately half of the patients receiving radiotherapy. The so-called FLASH effect, observed when radiation doses are delivered quickly via a few ultra-high dose pulses, suggests the potential for more effective tumor control.

However, accurate dosimetry is crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness in radiotherapy, and this is where ADVACAM’s expertise plays an important role. We are focusing on developing methods for characterizing stray radiation, which could contribute to parasitic doses to healthy tissues outside the target volumes. Accurate measurement of this radiation is vital for therapy optimization and personalized dose management.

The research was conducted within the UHDpuse project in cooperation with prestigious international partners.

The picture shows an experimental Flash proton beam measurement at OncoRay Clinique in Dresden. A so-called „water phantom“ (a box filled with water) equipped with a remotely controlled positioning system is used for calibration before each treatment day in the facility. Advacam used the phantom to characterize stray radiation of Flash proton beam by a specifically modified detector, based on MiniPIX Timepix3 Flex architecture equipped with a silicon sensor.

The picture shows experimantal Flash proton beam measurement at OncoRay Clinique in Dresden.

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