Evaluation of interference of matrix in the measurement of the neutron cross-section of solutions containing amino acids

An unprecedented method for structure and dynamics studies of molecules was developed at IEN-CNENRJ using neutron cross-sections measurements. Is the Equivalence & Similarity (E&S) method, that allows the molecule to be divided into parts and by manipulation can be obtained its integral value of neutron cross-section. Amino acids neutron cross-sections have been measured and by comparison between them one obtains values of a specific part of it. This process was tested for the determination of neutron cross-sections of the 20 human amino acids and a small database was built. Its applications are extended in the determination of neutron cross-sections of proteins and other components of the human cell, also in other industrial applications as in the petrochemical. The main objective of the present work is the determination of the neutron cross-section for an amino acid solution used in enteral and parenteral administration in hospitals. This parameter can serve as one of the quality control of these substances. (author)