Optically Heterogeneous Phantom Structures via 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fabricating phantoms for optical imaging techniques struggle to accurately simulate complex internal geometries and inhomogeneities, particularly in biomedical applications, as injection molding techniques are inadequate for controlling optical properties within the phantom material.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optically heterogeneous phantom structure using 3D printing, where materials with different optical properties are selectively deposited to form the external shape and internal regions, allowing for precise simulation of inhomogeneities, such as organs, through the use of additives like polystyrene microspheres and fluorescent agents, and cured using stereolithography to ensure a watertight and gap-free internal volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If injection molding techniques are used to fabricate phantoms, then the external shape of the phantom can be simulated, but the internal physical characteristics and optical properties cannot be controllably tuned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different regions of the phantom to have different optical properties through selective placement of additives (such as titanium dioxide for scattering, indigo carmine for absorption, and fluorescent dyes) during the 3D printing process. This allows each region to be customized with specific optical characteristics that match the tissue being simulated, while the external shape is simultaneously controlled by the mold geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the base phantom material (such as silicone rubber or polyurethane) with various optical additives to create regions with tailored optical properties. The composite approach enables the phantom to have both the desired external shape and internally distributed optical characteristics that simulate different tissue types and pathologies.
2Manufacturing precision
If additives are selectively placed to tune optical properties, then internal inhomogeneities can be simulated, but the complexity of the fabrication process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the optical additives into the phantom material before injection into the mold. The additives (scattering agents, absorption agents, and fluorescent agents) are incorporated into the material in predetermined ratios and distributions, allowing the optical properties to be controlled during the injection molding process itself rather than requiring post-fabrication modification or complex multi-step assembly procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex internal geometries are simulated, then realistic tissue structures can be represented, but conventional molding techniques become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single injection molding process that simultaneously achieves multiple functions: forming the external shape through mold geometry, creating complex internal geometries through the mold cavity design, and controlling optical properties through pre-mixed additives. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate fabrication steps for each of these features, making the process both versatile and relatively simple.
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
This approach enables the creation of realistic phantoms with controlled optical properties, allowing for improved calibration and testing of optical imaging techniques, leading to higher quality image reconstructions and more accurate simulations of tissue structures.
Implementation Method 1
The phantom structure is formed by 3D printing to sequentially form the external shape of the phantom structure a layer at a time
Implementation Method 2
cured using stereolithography to ensure a watertight and gap-free internal volume
Data Source
AI summary
An optically heterogeneous phantom structure for use in optical imaging techniques. The phantom structure includes an external shape simulating an object to be subjected to an optical imaging technique, the external shape defining an external surface that encloses an internal volume of the external shape; and an optically heterogeneous material filling the internal volume and having heterogeneous optical properties for simulating at least one optical parameter of at least one region within the object. A method of producing the optically heterogeneous phantom structure. The method includes selectively depositing precursors of a first material and a second material by 3D printing so that the precursor of the second material is surrounded by the precursor of the first material within a predetermined internal region of the precursor of the first material, and forming the phantom structure. Variations of the method include additives to the materials.