**Transient Anions in Radiobiology and Radiotherapy: From Gaseous Biomolecules to Condensed Organic and Biomolecular Solids**

Elahe Alizadeh, Sylwia Ptasińska and Léon Sanche

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/63293

#### **Abstract**

[76] Kharisov BI, Kharissova OV, Mendez UO, editors. Radiation Synthesis of Materials and Compounds. Boca Raton, 2013, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group; 560 p. ISBN

[77] Khan RA, Beck S, Dussault D, Salmieri S, Lacroix M. Mechanical and barrier properties of nanocrystalline cellulose reinforced poly(caprolactone) composites: effect of gamma radiation. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2013;129(5):3038-3046. DOI:10.1002/

[78] Leawhiran N, Pavasant P, Soontornvipart K, Supaphol P. Gamma irradiation synthesis and characterization of AgNP/gelatin/PVA hydrogels for antibacterial wound dress‐ ings. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 2014;131(23), article #41138. DOI:10.1002/

[79] Espinoza SLS, Sanchez ML, Risso VA, Grasielli M. Radiation synthesis of seroalbumin nanoparticles. Radiation Physics and Chemistry. 2012;81(9):1417-1421. DOI:10.1016/

[80] Taleb MFA, Hegazy DE, Ismail SA. Radiation synthesis, characterization and dye adsorption of alginate–organophilic montmorillonite nanocomposite. Carbohydrate

Polymers. 2012;87(3):2263-2269. DOI:10.1016/j.carbpol.2011.10.058.

13.978-1-4665-0523-0.

app.38896.

178 Radiation Effects in Materials

app.41138.

j.radphyschem.2011.11.040.

This chapter focuses on the fundamental processes that govern interactions of low‐ energy (1–30 eV) electrons with biological systems. These interactions have been investigated in the gas phase and within complex arrangements in the condensed phase. They often lead to the formation of transient molecular anions (TMAs), and their decay by autoionization or dissociation accompanied by bond dissociation. The damage caused to biomolecules via TMAs is emphasized in all sections. Such damage, which depends on a large number of factors, including electron energy, molecular environ‐ ment, and type of biomolecule, and its physical and chemical interactions with radiosensitizing agents are extensively discussed. A majority of recent findings resulting from experimental and theoretical endeavors are presented. They encom‐ pass broad research areas to elucidate important roles of TMAs in irradiated biologi‐ cal systems, from the molecular level to nanoscale cellular dimensions. Fundamental aspects of TMA formation are stressed in this chapter, but many practical applica‐ tions in a variety of radiation‐related fields such as radiobiology and radiotherapy are addressed.

**Keywords:** ionizing radiation, low‐energy electrons, dissociative electron attachment, DNA, strand breaks
