The Utilization of Accelerators to Analyze some Human Hard Tissues from Sudan

This study deals with an overview of the biomedical projects performed at iThemba LABS, particularly in relation to the spatial distribution of trace metals in hard human tissues from disadvantaged Sudanese communities, such as kidney stone concretions, teeth and hair, undertaken at the iThemba LABS Nuclear Microprobe (NMP) facility. Relevant information about the ion beam techniques used for material characterization was discussed. The Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique was used to investigate the elemental composition of human hard tissues on a microscopic scale with the elemental mapping; complementary ion beam techniques are used to provide information on the major and minor components. Analysis of teeth sections by μ-PIXE showed that the levels of trace elements were enriched and/or depleted, this may associated with leaching and/or erosive processes. On the other hand the characterization of kidney stone concretions by μ-PIXE showed a marked difference of individuals from different region within Sudan.