Work

A composite hydrogel for brain tissue phantoms

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Synthetic phantoms are valuable tools for training, research and development in traditional and computer aided surgery, but complex organs, such as the brain, are difficult to replicate. Here, we present the development of a new composite hydrogel capable of mimicking the mechanical response of brain tissue under loading. Our results demonstrate how the combination of two different hydrogels, whose synergistic interaction results in a highly tunable blend, produces a hybrid material that closely matches the strongly dynamic and non-linear response of brain tissue. The new synthetic material is inexpensive, simple to prepare, and its constitutive components are both widely available and biocompatible. Our investigation of the properties of this engineered tissue, using both small scale testing and life-sized brain phantoms, shows that it is suitable for reproducing the brain shift phenomenon and brain tissue response to indentation and palpation. Keywords: Composite hydrogel, Tissue phantom, Brain tissue, Mechanical characterisation, Surrogate material, Mimicking

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2016.09.063

Authors: Antonio E. Forte, Stefano Galvan, Francesco Manieri, Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena, Daniele Dini

Institution: Imperial College London

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650

Funders: European Commission, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council