Hydrogel Nanosensor for Ionizing Radiation Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current dosimeters used in radiation therapy, such as semiconductor diodes and thermoluminescent dosimeters, are invasive, difficult to handle, and lack the capability to provide spatial dose information, leading to potential human errors and increased complexity in treatment planning, which can result in radiation-induced toxicity and morbidity.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogel-based nanosensor that detects ionizing radiation by forming colored dispersions of gold nanoparticles from colorless metal salts, allowing for visual and colorimetric indication of radiation doses, providing spatial information and being easy to synthesize and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current dosimeters (semiconductor diodes, thermoluminescent dosimeters) are used to measure radiation dose, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasive procedures, difficulty in handling, and requirement for sophisticated fabrication processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation dose measurement accuracyVSAvoiddosimeter handling and fabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs colorimetric detection where the hydrogel changes color in response to radiation-induced chemical reactions. Gold nanoparticles form in response to radiation, causing visible color changes that can be quantified to determine radiation dose. This eliminates the need for complex electronic readout systems while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic dosimeter systems with a simple optical detection system. Instead of using semiconductor diodes or thermoluminescent materials that require sophisticated readout equipment, the invention uses colorimetric changes that can be detected with simple spectrophotometers or even visual inspection, greatly simplifying the measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If polymer gel dosimeters are used to provide spatial dose information, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for MRI scanning and complex synthesis protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial dose information accuracyVSAvoiddosimeter operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces MRI-based detection with simple optical detection. The hydrogel contains gold salts that convert to gold nanoparticles upon radiation exposure, causing color changes that can be detected with standard spectrophotometers. This eliminates the need for expensive and complex MRI scanning while maintaining the ability to provide spatial dose information through optical measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses colorimetric changes as the detection mechanism. The hydrogel transitions from colorless to colored in response to radiation-induced reduction of gold salts to gold nanoparticles. This color change provides a simple, visual, and quantifiable method for determining radiation dose distribution in space, replacing complex MRI-based gel dosimetry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Measurement precision

If existing dosimeters are used for radiation therapy verification, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to laborious operation and repeated calibration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose verification accuracyVSAvoiddosimeter operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogel dosimeter is self-contained and does not require external power supplies, complex calibration procedures, or specialized handling. The gold nanoparticle formation occurs automatically upon radiation exposure, and the colorimetric signal can be read directly without repeated calibration. This self-service characteristic eliminates time-consuming operational steps while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The nanosensor can detect therapeutic levels of ionizing radiation as low as 0.5 Gy with a linear response, offering a simple, robust, and versatile platform for radiation dosimetry, reducing the complexity and cost of treatment planning while enhancing the accuracy of radiation delivery.

Implementation Method 1

Ionizing radiation induced conversion of colorless salt solutions of univalent gold ions (Au1) to maroon-colored dispersions of plasmonic gold nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonizing radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

colored dispersions of plasmonic gold nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasmonic effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10428160B2Colorimetric hydrogel based nanosensor for detection of therapeutic levels of ionizing radiation

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 BANNER HEALTH AN ARIZONA NONPROFIT CORP

AI summary

An apparatus includes a hydrogel including a metallic compound, a surfactant, an acid, agarose and water. The hydrogel is substantially colorless. A radiated hydrogel having a color is formed when the hydrogel receives a low dose of ionizing radiation.