Phantom for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Using Coagulated Oil Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phantoms for near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) do not accurately replicate the scattering coefficient of living organisms, which is crucial for precise measurement of water and lipid levels in tissues.

Innovation Solution

A phantom comprising water, oil, an emulsifier, and an oil coagulating agent, preferably 12-hydroxystearic acid, is created through a mixing process where water is added to oil in the presence of an emulsifier, resulting in a scattering coefficient similar to that of a living organism, with adjustable ratios and long-term stability of optical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional emulsion methods are used to create phantoms, then the phantom can be manufactured with controlled water and lipid ratios, but the scattering coefficient does not match that of living organisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of water and lipid ratiosVSAvoidscattering coefficient accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the emulsion system by introducing an oil coagulating agent (12-hydroxystearic acid) that modifies the oil phase structure. This parameter change transforms the emulsion from a simple water-in-oil system to one where the oil forms a coagulated network, fundamentally altering the light scattering properties to match biological tissues while preserving the ability to control water and lipid ratios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite emulsion system combining water, oil, emulsifier, and oil coagulating agent (12-hydroxystearic acid). This composite material approach allows the phantom to simultaneously achieve controlled composition ratios and realistic scattering coefficients by leveraging the synergistic interactions between multiple components, particularly the coagulated oil network that provides tissue-like optical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If simple mixing of water and oil is performed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the optical properties (scattering coefficient) do not resemble living organisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing process simplicityVSAvoidscattering coefficient realism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces 12-hydroxystearic acid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the oil and water phases. This intermediary agent facilitates the formation of a coagulated oil network structure that provides realistic scattering properties, while the substance itself remains part of the simple mixing process, requiring only dissolution in the oil phase before emulsion formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If emulsifiers are used to stabilize the emulsion, then the phantom structure is maintained, but long-term stability of optical properties is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemulsion structure stabilityVSAvoidlong-term optical property stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes phase transition of the oil component through coagulation induced by 12-hydroxystearic acid. The oil transitions from a liquid state to a coagulated network structure, creating a stable framework that maintains emulsion integrity and optical properties over time. This phase transition locks the emulsion structure in a stable configuration that resists degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material system combining emulsifier and oil coagulating agent creates synergistic stability. The emulsifier maintains interfacial stability between water and oil phases, while the coagulated oil network provides structural stability. This composite approach ensures both immediate emulsion formation and long-term maintenance of optical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 phantom achieves a scattering coefficient close to that of a living organism, ensuring accurate measurement of water and lipid levels and maintaining long-term stability of optical properties, making it suitable for NIRS applications.

Implementation Method 1

mixing of the oil and the water is carried out by performing stirring while adding the water to the oil little by little in the presence of the emulsifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsification: Emulsion