NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Project 'BioPhyMeTRE' 'Novel biological and physical methods for triage in radiological and nuclear (R/N) emergencies'

The BioPhyMeTRE project (2020-2023) focuses on the use of innovative biological and physical methods for a fast evaluation of the radiation exposure level of people involved in a radiological mass casualty incident. The proposed biological method combines the two standardized Dicentric and Micronuclei assays into a single one, which allows the simultaneous scoring of chromosome aberrations and micronuclei on the same slide [1]. The physical method is based on the use of a low-cost, portable photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL) reader for the individual dose assessment by using personal items that people can have in their pockets or bags [2]. Both methods can be applied for a quick screening of the potential victims by using user-friendly analytical procedures. The multi-parametric approach by different techniques provides complementary information useful to overcome the limits (low radiation sensitivity, signal instability, etc.) that each method has, since the “ideal” dosimeter does not exist. From the beginning of the project (April 2020) important progress has been made to optimize and automate the biological procedure and very satisfactory results have been obtained with the PSL technique applied to salty crackers and beach sand. Interlaboratory exercises for the validation of the analytical procedures are planned in the coming months. Next to the work for the improvement of the methods, other important activities have been carried out: online training for the transfer of knowledge and skills among the partners and disseminations of the results through the participation to several international conferences. The project, fully funded by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (Grant G5684), is coordinated by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) of Italy and involves the Institute of Radiation Safety and Ecology (IRSE) of National Nuclear Center of Kazakhstan, the National Health Institute (ISS) of Italy and the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) of Croatia.