Tissue-Mimicking Phantom for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phantoms for near-infrared spectroscopy 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 a water coagulating agent, such as kanten (agar-agar), is created to achieve a scattering coefficient of 5 to 20 cm−1 at 750 to 1000 nm, mimicking the scattering properties of living tissues, and is produced through an oil-in-water emulsion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional phantoms are used without proper scattering coefficient control, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the scattering coefficient within the range of 5 to 20 cm⁻1 and the absorption coefficient within the range of 0.1 to 5 cm⁻1. By adjusting these optical parameters, the phantom accurately replicates living tissue properties, enabling precise measurement of water and lipid content while maintaining manageable composition complexity through systematic parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining water, oil, emulsifier, and water coagulating agent in specific proportions. This composite formulation creates a phantom that simultaneously achieves the desired scattering coefficient (5-20 cm⁻1) and absorption coefficient (0.1-5 cm⁻1), resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and composition complexity through multi-component synergistic design.
2Measurement precision
If phantoms are made with simple composition, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the scattering coefficient cannot be controlled to match living organisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by defining specific ranges for scattering coefficient (5-20 cm⁻1) and absorption coefficient (0.1-5 cm⁻1). These parameter specifications guide the formulation process, enabling accurate replication of tissue optical properties while maintaining ease of manufacture through clear target values that can be achieved by adjusting component ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an emulsifier as an intermediary substance that facilitates the formation of stable oil-in-water emulsion. This intermediary component simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling proper mixing and stabilization of the phantom composition, while simultaneously achieving the target scattering coefficient (5-20 cm⁻1) through controlled emulsion structure.
3Measurement precision
If phantoms are made with controlled water and lipid amounts, then the measurement precision is improved, but the long-term stability of optical properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials with specific component selection and proportioning. The combination of water, oil, emulsifier, and water coagulating agent in controlled ratios creates a phantom that maintains both measurement precision (water and lipid content control) and long-term stability of optical properties. The composite structure prevents phase separation and maintains consistent scattering and absorption characteristics over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an emulsifier as an intermediary that stabilizes the oil-in-water emulsion structure. This intermediary substance prevents phase separation and maintains the phantom's optical properties (scattering coefficient 5-20 cm⁻1, absorption coefficient 0.1-5 cm⁻1) over extended periods, while still allowing precise measurement of water and lipid content through controlled composition.
4Measurement precision
If phantoms are made without emulsifier and water coagulating agent, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the scattering coefficient cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emulsifier as an intermediary substance that is essential for achieving the target scattering coefficient (5-20 cm⁻1). The emulsifier facilitates proper emulsion formation and stabilizes the optical properties, enabling precise scattering coefficient control while adding only moderate complexity to the composition through a single functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying the scattering coefficient range (5-20 cm⁻1) and using the emulsifier to achieve this parameter target. The water coagulating agent is used in controlled amounts to adjust the phantom's physical state and optical properties, enabling precise scattering coefficient control with minimal additional compositional complexity.
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 maintains long-term stability of optical properties and accurately replicates the scattering coefficient of living organisms, enhancing the precision of water and lipid measurements in near-infrared spectroscopy applications.
Implementation Method 1
producing an oil-in-water emulsion by performing stirring under a condition in which at least a part of the water, the oil and the emulsifier are present
Implementation Method 2
emulsifying different amounts of water and lipid
Implementation Method 3
a phantom comprising water, an oil, an emulsifier and a water coagulating agent
Implementation Method 4
forming the resulting mixture into a gel using kanten (agar-agar) and a thickener
Implementation Method 5
having a scattering coefficient of 5 to 20 cm−1 at a wavelength of 750 to 1000 nm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the phantom comprises water, an oil, an emulsifier and a water coagulating agent, and having a scattering coefficient of 5 to 20 cm−1 at a wavelength of 750 to 1000 nm.