Characterization of a new gel based on alanine–ninhydrin for possible use in radiation dosimetry

Ninhydrin reacts with alanine forming a Ruhemann’s purple (RP) compound. RP and chloral hydrate (CH) were introduced into gelatin to form a tissue equivalent RP gel for radiation dose measurements, 5–450 Gy. The gel color fades proportionally with the absorbed dose. Addition of CH to the gel improved its radiation sensitivity and fading. RP was analyzed by FTIR spectrometer and the gel by UV–Vis spectrophotometer at 404 and 572 nm. Dose–response is nearly temperature independent from 22 to 30 °C but it is a time dependent after irradiation. Uncertainty (2σ) in dose estimation is less than 6.0%.