A Stable Phantom Material for Optical and Acoustic Imaging

作者： Lina Hacker1,2, Aoife M. Ivory3, James Joseph4,5, Janek Gröhl1,2, Bajram Zeqiri3, Srinath Rajagopal3, Sarah E. Bohndiek1,2 1Department of Physics,University of Cambridge, 2Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute,University of Cambridge, 3Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Group, Department of Medical, Marine and Nuclear Physics,National Physical Laboratory, 4School of Science and Engineering,University of Dundee, 5Centre for Medical Engineering and Technology,University of Dundee

简介：

Overview

This study presents a protocol for creating a stable phantom material designed for optical and acoustic biomedical imaging. The phantom material features tunable acoustic and optical properties, addressing challenges in validating imaging modalities.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Biomedical Imaging
• Optical Imaging
• Acoustic Imaging

Background

• Development of tissue-mimicking materials is crucial for validating imaging techniques.
• Existing materials often lack stability and tunability.
• Photoacoustic imaging combines light and sound for deeper tissue penetration.
• Standardized reference phantoms are needed for performance assessment of imaging systems.

Purpose of Study

• To fabricate a stable phantom material for optical and acoustic imaging.
• To provide a solution for the lack of reliable phantom materials in biomedical optics.
• To support the development and translation of new imaging techniques into clinical settings.

Methods Used

• Sonication of titanium dioxide and dye in mineral oil.
• Heating and mixing polymers (SEBS and LDPE) in the sonicated solution.
• Vacuum removal of air bubbles from the mixture.
• Pouring the solution into molds and allowing it to set at room temperature.

Main Results

• Successful preparation of a smooth and homogeneous phantom material.
• Three distinct phantom designs were created for different imaging systems.
• The material demonstrated stability and tunability for optical and acoustic properties.
• Addressed challenges in existing phantom materials for photoacoustic imaging.

Conclusions

• The developed phantom material is a promising candidate for validating imaging modalities.
• Future work will focus on creating anatomically-realistic designs.
• This research supports the advancement of imaging techniques in clinical applications.

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