Targeted mitochondrial irradiation has been performed using protons and carbon ions at two separate ion microbeam facilities. Live cell imaging of mitochondria in cancerous and non-cancerous cells has been developed and performed to analyze mitochondrial factors in situ.Among the traits analyzed are mitochondrial membrane potential (polarization state), mitochondrial membrane integrity, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. The results from the experiments have shown that polarized and functional mitochondria can be depolarized and deactivated by targeted irradiation with both protons and carbon ions. The results indicate that the total energy deposited in the mitochondria is the factor which dictates the mitochondrial depolarization response not the particle specific LET. In addition there was no sign of mitochondrial membrane integrity change or plasma membrane integrity change after irradiation. The targeted irradiation and concurrent live cell imaging of mitochondria has also enabled the detection of mitochondria specific superoxide (O2-) production during irradiation. In conclusion, this thesis is the first documentation of targeted irradiation of mitochondria and the radiation induced superoxide production and mitochondrial depolarization following irradiation.    «

Targeted mitochondrial irradiation has been performed using protons and carbon ions at two separate ion microbeam facilities. Live cell imaging of mitochondria in cancerous and non-cancerous cells has been developed and performed to analyze mitochondrial factors in situ.Among the traits analyzed are mitochondrial membrane potential (polarization state), mitochondrial membrane integrity, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial reactive oxygen spec...    »