Development of a Highly Sensitive Biosensor for Accurate Assessment of Radon Levels in Blood Samples

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, a biosensor was developed to detect radioactive radon and lead ions in blood samples collected from donors at the National Oncology Hospital in Najaf, Iraq, and the Manathira Hospital. The donors included both cancer patients and healthy individuals. The biosensor, composed of Aptamer, acetic acid, malachite green, and TRIS-HAC, was analyzed using fluorescence spectrophotometry. Additionally, radon gas levels were measured using Canary devices. The results indicated that the average radon gas concentration in the blood samples detected by the biosensor was 5.82 ± 0.23 Bqm^-3, while the average concentration measured by the Canary device was 3.88±0.35 Bqm^-3. The average lead concentration detected by the biosensor was 0.03286 ppm. The study concluded that the concentration of ²²²Rn in the blood was within the limits permitted by the WHO and the IAEA. Moreover, the level of lead ion in all blood samples was within the permissible limit according to the WHO and the IAEA. The biosensor was found to be more sensitive, cost-effective, efficient, and faster to manufacture than other detection devices such as Canary and Rad7. Thus, the study suggests that the biosensor is a better alternative for measuring radon and lead ion levels in blood samples.

Keywords: Radon, Lead, Aptamer, Airthing, Fluorescence Spectrophotometry.