Aolong ChiRad 4000 Benchtop X-ray Irradiator for Sterilization and Radiobiological Research

Overview

The Aolong ChiRad 4000 is a benchtop X-ray irradiator engineered for precise, repeatable, and regulatory-compliant irradiation of biological samples, pharmaceuticals, and herbal materials—including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations—without reliance on radioactive isotopes. It operates on the principle of bremsstrahlung X-ray generation via high-voltage electron bombardment of a tungsten target, delivering tunable photon energy spectra (up to 75 kV) suitable for sterilization, radiobiological dose-response studies, and controlled DNA damage induction. Unlike gamma or beta emitters (e.g., ⁶⁰Co or ¹³⁷Cs), the ChiRad 4000 eliminates decay-related dose drift, source replenishment, and long-term radioactive waste management liabilities. Its fully shielded lead enclosure—designed to meet or exceed IEC 61010-1 and GBZ 126–2011 radiation safety requirements—ensures operational compliance in standard laboratory environments without structural reinforcement or dedicated vault construction.

Key Features

• Isotope-free X-ray source with adjustable voltage (20–75 kV), current (1–50 mA), and exposure time (1–60,000 s), enabling flexible dose delivery across research and quality control workflows.
• Integrated motorized rotating platform and precision beam filtration system ensure irradiation uniformity ≥95% across 30 cm diameter sample fields—critical for reproducible cell culture, microbial inactivation, and TCM powder sterilization.
• Dual interlocked safety architecture: hardware-based door interlock prevents X-ray emission when chamber access is open; key-switch activation and emergency stop button provide redundant personnel protection.
• PLC-based control system monitors tube temperature, vacuum status, and filament health in real time; implements intelligent pre-heating protocols to extend X-ray tube service life and stabilize output.
• Ozone extraction ventilation integrated into the irradiation chamber mitigates ozone accumulation during prolonged exposures—essential for operator safety and sample integrity.
• Windows-based HMI with 10.1″ capacitive touchscreen supports multi-user password authentication, unlimited protocol storage, audit-trail-enabled session logging, and optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance modules.
• Modular stainless-steel chamber interior (standard 45×50×40 cm) allows easy decontamination and accommodates custom fixtures for vials, Petri dishes, multiwell plates, or irregularly shaped TCM packaging.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ChiRad 4000 accommodates diverse sample formats—from lyophilized herbal extracts and aqueous decoctions to suspension cultures of mammalian cells, bacterial spores, insect pupae, and primary tissue explants. Its adjustable SSD (5–50 cm) and collimated 40° beam enable both high-dose surface sterilization (e.g., 25–50 kGy for microbial load reduction in raw herbs) and low-dose functional modulation (e.g., 0.5–10 Gy for immunomodulation or stem cell priming). The system conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability frameworks and supports validation per USP , , and WHO TRS 986 Annex 5 for radiation sterilization of pharmaceuticals. Dose mapping per ASTM E2232–22 is facilitated by built-in reference dosimeter ports and compatibility with alanine or radiochromic film dosimetry.

Software & Data Management

The embedded Windows OS hosts proprietary irradiation control software featuring dual-mode feedback: time-controlled (s) or dose-controlled (Gy), with real-time dose rate monitoring via calibrated ion chamber integration. All irradiation logs—including user ID, timestamp, parameter set, measured dose, and system diagnostics—are encrypted and stored locally with configurable export (CSV, PDF) and network backup options. Role-based access control (administrator, technician, auditor) enforces procedural accountability. Optional GLP/GMP modules support electronic signatures, change history tracking, and automated report generation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements.

Applications

• Sterilization of botanical raw materials and finished TCM products without thermal degradation or chemical residue.
• Radiosensitization and radioprotection drug screening in human cell lines and murine models.
• Controlled DNA double-strand break induction for CRISPR off-target assessment and homologous recombination studies.
• Immune cell ablation (e.g., bone marrow conditioning prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation).
• Insect sterilization (SIT) programs targeting agricultural pests and disease vectors.
• Mutagenesis-driven plant breeding using seed or callus irradiation.
• Validation of radiation-resistant microbial strains and biofilm eradication efficacy.
• Preclinical radiotherapy modeling, including fractionated dose simulation and bystander effect quantification.

FAQ

Does the ChiRad 4000 require a dedicated radiation bunker or structural reinforcement?

No. Its engineered lead shielding ensures surface dose rates ≤0.5 µSv/h at 5 cm—well below the 2.5 µSv/h limit specified in GBZ 126–2011—allowing installation in standard Class II biosafety laboratories.

Can the system be validated for GMP-compliant pharmaceutical sterilization?

Yes. With optional IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages, dose mapping services, and 21 CFR Part 11-ready software, it supports regulatory submissions for sterile product manufacturing.

What maintenance is required for the X-ray tube?

The PLC system performs automatic filament conditioning and thermal cycling; annual preventive maintenance includes vacuum integrity verification, cooling system inspection, and dosimeter recalibration.

Is remote operation or network integration supported?

Standard Ethernet connectivity enables remote monitoring and log retrieval; API access for LIMS integration is available under custom development agreement.

How is beam uniformity verified and maintained?

Uniformity is ensured through factory-calibrated beam filtration, motorized turntable synchronization, and routine verification using GafChromic™ MD-V2 films or PTW microDiamond detectors per ASTM E2232–22.