University of Twente Student Theses
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Material investigation for direct 3D printing of a photoacoustic breast phantom
Nijhof, I.A.T. (2023) Material investigation for direct 3D printing of a photoacoustic breast phantom.
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| Abstract: | Breast cancer is a global health concern, and photoacoustic imaging offers a promising technique for breast cancer detection. To improve photoacoustic breast imaging, investigations on realistic breast phantoms are essential. Currently, copolymer-in-oil has been chosen by the Internation Photoacousic community as the optimum material for making phantoms. Traditionally phantoms are made by casting into mould, but direct 3D printing of phantoms is being investigated by the University of Twente. However, the material needs adjustments to match breast tissue’s optical and acoustic properties accurately. This study addresses the question of how to improve the copolymer-in-oil recipe to create a more realistic breast tissue-mimicking material suitable for 3D printing. The study began by exploring dyes for the absorption coefficient (µa), with yellow wax showing potential for replicating breast tissue’s (µa). The exact concentration of yellow wax requires fine-tuning. The copolymer-in-oil recipe was prepared, revealing challenges related to temperature control and material consistency. Adjustments to one of the consitituents’ (LDPE) concentration is needed to align the material’s speed of sound with that of breast tissue. Further research should determine the optimal LDPE concentration. Optical characterization demonstrated deviations in µa spectra, primarily due to yellow wax. The choice of method for measuring the speed of sound showed variations between peak and threshold-based approaches. Thermal analysis indicated the material’s potential suitability for 3D printing. In conclusion, further refinements are required for the copolymer-in-oil recipe to achieve a realistic breast tissue-mimicking material suitable for 3D bio-printing. These adjustments should address both optical and acoustic properties. This research provides a foundation for improving copolymer-in-oil as a phantom material for advanced breast imaging techniques, contributing to the field of medical diagnostics and imaging. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | TNW: Science and Technology |
| Subject: | 42 biology |
| Programme: | Biomedical Technology BSc (56226) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/97616 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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