Journey on the Golden Road

by Chloe Kim and James Chow, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network

This image is from an investigation involving Geant4-DNA Monte Carlo simulations (a computer modelling method) to study how gold nanoparticles (GNPs) influence the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) electron-beam irradiation. Electrons with an energy of 1 MeV are directed toward the center of the GNP sphere from its surface, generating secondary electrons (yellow dots) along their tracks (solid red lines). These interactions help scientists understand how combining UHDR electron beams with GNPs can enhance radiation effects on cancer cells. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for future research aimed at developing more effective radiotherapy treatments.

Artist statement

Electrons thread through gold, scattering energy into patterns of change. Like the butterfly effect, their chain of motion reveals beauty and a glimpse into the future of radiation medicine.

Tools and techniques used

An open platform of Geant4-DNA (https://geant4.web.cern.ch) was used to model a water sphere with a gold nanoparticle and electron beam. The image was rendered using Qt (a cross-platform application development framework).

Credits

The image is produced by Chloe Kim who is a research assistant in Prof. James Chow’s group in University Health Network/University of Toronto.

InterConnections is supported by Illumina