Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on Dose Enhancement of 6 MV X-ray in MAGIC_f Polymer Gel Dosimeter

Abstract

Background:Currently, the potential application of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to increase the efficiency of radiation therapy has been widely investigated. However, lack of an appropriate method to estimate the dose distribution in a nanoparticle-laden tissue limits the applicability of nanoparticles in radiotherapy clinics. Polymer gel dosimetry provides an accurate and precise system that facilitates the measurement of dose distribution in full three dimensions.Objective: In this study, the effect of radiation dose enhancement of AuNPs was assessed through gel dosimetry analysis.Material and Methods: For this purpose, AuNPs were integrated in MAGIC_f polymer gel dosimeter and irradiated by 6 Mv X-ray beam. The irradiated gel was then evaluated through two modalities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical computed tomography (OCT).Result: MRI and OCT scanning of MAGIC_f gels containing 0.1 mM AuNPs demonstrated dose enhancements of 7.8% and 6.8%, respectively.Conclusion: Polymer gel dosimetry has the potential to provide a new platform for the investigation and optimization of the applicability of nanoparticles in radiation therapy.