Comprehensive database of track-structure simulations on DNA damage by H–Fe ions up to 1 GeV/u for space radiation biology

Understanding biological effects of high-charge, high-energy (HZE) particles is critical for evaluating health risks of long-duration deep-space missions. To complement the scarce experimental data, PARTRAC track-structure simulations are reported on DNA damage induction by magnesium, silicon, calcium, titanium and iron ions with energies from 1 MeV/u to 1 GeV/u, abundant in space radiation. In addition, previous simulations for hydrogen to neon ions are extended to 1 GeV/u. The simulation results reproduce reference stopping power data. Simulated DNA damage yields agree with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results and extend them to species and energies not directly addressed experimentally. The simulations also explain the large variability in experimental data by tracing it to detection limits and data analysis methods. With increasing ionisation density, the simulations predict an enhanced production of difficult-to-repair clustered lesions, short DNA fragments, and DNA damage response foci containing multiple DNA double-strand breaks. The simulations also indicate a shift from scattered to streaks or continuous foci along HZE tracks, reflecting a substantial increase in damage complexity and severity. The findings highlight the potential of PARTRAC as a valuable tool for mechanistic modelling and risk assessment in radiobiology for space research and other applications.