Nuclear methods to characterize biomaterials

Techniques using X-rays are often used to study biomaterials fields. Howeve r, when one is interested by quantitative and very sensitive measurements, it is valuable to develop nuclear instruments and methods, in addition and complement with others. Fast neutron activation is appropriate for non-dest ructive analysis. Thermal neutron activation can evaluate trace elements as a reference. Proton-induced X-rays emission is applied to cartography of h eavy elements. If necessary, proton-induced gamma -rays emission and charge d particles scattering are suitable For evaluation and cartography of light elements. Radioactivated nuclei and labelled molecules can tag element tra nsfers and biofunctionality. In our work, these methods are related to biom aterials field. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.