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Supian ABM, Asyraf MRM, Syamsir A, Najeeb MI, Alhayek A, Al-Dala’ien RN, Manar G, Atiqah A. Thermochromic Polymer Nanocomposites for the Heat Detection System: Recent Progress on Properties, Applications, and Challenges. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1545. [PMID: 38891491 PMCID: PMC11174980 DOI: 10.3390/polym16111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Reversible thermochromic polymers have emerged as compelling candidates in recent years, captivating attention for their application in heat detection systems. This comprehensive review navigates through the multifaceted landscape, intricately exploring both the virtues and hurdles inherent in their integration within these systems. Their innate capacity to change colour in response to temperature fluctuations renders reversible thermochromic nanocomposites promising assets for heat detection technologies. However, despite their inherent potential, certain barriers hinder their widespread adoption. Factors such as a restricted colour spectrum, reliance on external triggers, and cost considerations have restrained their pervasive use. For instance, these polymer-based materials exhibit utility in the domain of building insulation, where their colour-changing ability serves as a beacon, flagging areas of heat loss or inadequate insulation, thus alerting building managers and homeowners to potential energy inefficiencies. Nevertheless, the limited range of discernible colours may impede precise temperature differentiation. Additionally, dependency on external stimuli, such as electricity or UV light, can complicate implementation and inflate costs. Realising the full potential of these polymer-based materials in heat detection systems necessitates addressing these challenges head-on. Continuous research endeavours aimed at augmenting colour diversity and diminishing reliance on external stimuli offer promising avenues to enhance their efficacy. Hence, this review aims to delve into the intricate nuances surrounding reversible thermochromic nanocomposites, highlighting their transformative potential in heat detection and sensing. By exploring their mechanisms, properties, and current applications, this manuscript endeavours to shed light on their significance, providing insights crucial for further research and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. B. M. Supian
- Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Defence Research and Technology (CODRAT), Universiti Pertahanan National Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - M. R. M. Asyraf
- Engineering Design Research Group (EDRG), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
- Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Agusril Syamsir
- Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia; (A.A.)
| | - M. I. Najeeb
- Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdulrahman Alhayek
- Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia; (A.A.)
| | - Rayeh Nasr Al-Dala’ien
- Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia; (A.A.)
| | - Gunasilan Manar
- Centre for Defence Research and Technology (CODRAT), Universiti Pertahanan National Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - A. Atiqah
- Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sofokleous P, Damianou C. High-quality Agar and Polyacrylamide Tumor-mimicking Phantom Models for Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound Applications. J Med Ultrasound 2024; 32:121-133. [PMID: 38882616 PMCID: PMC11175378 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_68_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tissue-mimicking phantoms (TMPs) have been used extensively in clinical and nonclinical settings to simulate the thermal effects of focus ultrasound (FUS) technology in real tissue or organs. With recent technological developments in the FUS technology and its monitoring/guided techniques such as ultrasound-guided FUS and magnetic resonance-guided FUS (MRgFUS) the need for TMPs are more important than ever to ensure the safety of the patients before being treated with FUS for a variety of diseases (e.g., cancer or neurological). The purpose of this study was to prepare a tumor-mimicking phantom (TUMP) model that can simulate competently a tumor that is surrounded by healthy tissue. Methods The TUMP models were prepared using polyacrylamide (PAA) and agar solutions enriched with MR contrast agents (silicon dioxide and glycerol), and the thermosensitive component bovine serum albumin (BSA) that can alter its physical properties once thermal change is detected, therefore offering real-time visualization of the applied FUS ablation in the TUMPs models. To establish if these TUMPs are good candidates to be used in thermoablation, their thermal properties were characterized with a custom-made FUS system in the laboratory and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) setup with MR-thermometry. The BSA protein's coagulation temperature was adjusted at 55°C by setting the pH of the PAA solution to 4.5, therefore simulating the necrosis temperature of the tissue. Results The experiments carried out showed that the TUMP models prepared by PAA can change color from transparent to cream-white due to the BSA protein coagulation caused by the thermal stress applied. The TUMP models offered a good MRI contrast between the TMPs and the TUMPs including real-time visualization of the ablation area due to the BSA protein coagulation. Furthermore, the T2-weighted MR images obtained showed a significant change in T2 when the BSA protein is thermally coagulated. MR thermometry maps demonstrated that the suggested TUMP models may successfully imitate a tumor that is present in soft tissue. Conclusion The TUMP models developed in this study have numerous uses in the testing and calibration of FUS equipment including the simulation and validation of thermal therapy treatment plans with FUS or MRgFUS in oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Sofokleous
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Zhong X, Cao Y, Zhou P. Thermochromic Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for Thermal Ablation Based on Polyacrylamide Gel. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:1361-1372. [PMID: 35623921 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, thermal ablation has played an increasingly important role in treating various tumors in the clinic. A practical thermochromic phantom model can provide a favorable platform for clinical thermotherapy training of young physicians or calibration and optimization of thermal devices without risk to animals or human participants. To date, many tissue-mimicking thermal phantoms have been developed and are well liked, especially the polyacrylamide gel (PAG)-based phantoms. This review summarizes the PAG-based phantoms in the field of thermotherapy, details their advantages and disadvantages and provides a direction for further optimization. The relevant physical parameters (such as electrical, acoustic, and thermal properties) of these phantoms are also presented in this review, which can assist operators in a deeper understanding of these phantoms and selection of the proper recipes for phantom fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuting Cao
- Institute of Ultrasound Imaging & Department of Ultrasound, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Zhong X, Zhou P, Zhao Y, Liu W, Zhang X. A novel tissue-mimicking phantom for US/CT/MR-guided tumor puncture and thermal ablation. Int J Hyperthermia 2022; 39:557-563. [PMID: 35379066 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2022.2056249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to develop a novel tumor-bearing tissue phantom model that can be used for US/CT/MR-guided tumor puncture and thermal ablation. METHODS The phantom model comprised two parts: a normal tissue-mimicking phantom and a tumor-mimicking phantom. A normal tissue phantom was prepared based on a polyacrylamide gel mixed with thermochromic ink. Moreover, a spherical phantom containing contrast agents was constructed and embedded in the tissue phantom to mimic a tumor lesion. US/CT/MR imaging features and thermochromic property of the phantom model were characterized. Finally, the utility of the phantom model for imaging-guided microwave ablation training was examined. RESULTS The tumor phantom containing contrast agents showed hyper-echogenicity, higher CT numbers, and lower T2 signal intensity compared with the normal tissue phantom in US/CT/MR images. Consequently, we could locate the position of the tumor in US/CT/MR imaging and perform an imaging-guided tumor puncture. When the temperature reached the threshold of 60 °C, the phantom exhibited a permanent color change from cream white to magenta. Based on this obvious color change, our phantom model could clearly map the thermal ablation region after thermotherapy. CONCLUSIONS We developed a novel US/CT/MR-imageable tumor-bearing tissue model that can be used for imaging-guided tumor puncture and thermal ablation. Furthermore, it allows visual assessment of the ablation region by analyzing the obvious color change. Overall, this phantom model could be a good training tool in the field of thermal ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wengang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinghao Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Ambrogio S, Baêsso RM, Bosio F, Fedele F, Ramnarine KV, Zeqiri B, Miloro P. A standard test phantom for the performance assessment of magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) thermal therapy devices. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 39:57-68. [PMID: 34936852 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.2017023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Test objects for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) are required for the standardization and definition of treatment, Quality Assurance (QA), comparison of results between centers and calibration of devices. This study describes a HIFU test object which provides temperature measurement as a function of time, in a reference material compatible with Magnetic Resonance (MR) and ultrasound.Materials and methods: T-Type fine wire thermocouples were used as sensors and 5 correction methods for viscous heating artifacts were assessed. The phantom was tested in a MR-HIFU Philips Sonalleve device over a period of 12 months, demonstrating stability and validity to evaluate the performance of the device.Results: The study furnished useful information regarding the MR-HIFU sessions and highlighted potential limitations of the existing QA and monitoring methods. The importance of temperature monitoring along the whole acoustic path was demonstrated as MR Thermometry readings differed in the three MR plane views (coronal, sagittal, transverse), in particular when the focus was near a soft-tissue/bone interface, where there can be an MR signal loss with significant temperature and thermal dose underestimation (138% variation between the three plane views).Conclusions: The test object was easy to use and has potential as a valid tool for training, QA, research and development for MR guided HIFU and potentially ultrasound guided devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ambrogio
- Medical Physics Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Division, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | - R M Baêsso
- Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Division, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | - F Bosio
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - F Fedele
- Medical Physics Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K V Ramnarine
- Medical Physics Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - B Zeqiri
- Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Division, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | - P Miloro
- Ultrasound and Underwater Acoustics Division, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
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