Application of unlaminated EBT3 film dosimeter for quantification of dose enhancement using silver nanoparticle-embedded alginate film

Abstract

Purpose The paper describes the application of unlaminated Gafchromic EBT3 film dosimeter for quantification of dose enhancement using locally synthesized silver nanoparticle-embedded alginate film (AgNPs-Alg film) for nanoparticles-aided radiotherapy. Materials and Methods AgNPs-Alg film was synthesized and characterized using standard techniques. The unlaminated Gafchromic EBT3 film was specially customized for dosimetric measurement. The dose enhancements due to AgNPs-Alg film was experimentally determined for ISO wide spectrum X-rays series (average energy ranging from 57-137 keV) and 6 and 10 MV X-rays using laminated and unlaminated Gafchromic EBT3 film. The radiation dose of 1 Gy was delivered to a combination of AgNPs-Alg films and EBT3 film. Results Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy of silver nanoparticles shows a surface plasmon resonance peak at 400 nm. The average particle size of 13±2 nm was measured using Atomic Force Microscopy. For unlaminated film, the dose enhancements of 29%, 23%, 14% and 2% was observed for ISO wide spectrum X-rays having average energy of 57, 79, 104 and 137 keV, respectively. The dose enhancement was negligible for 6 and 10 MV X-rays. In the case of laminated film, no significant dose enhancement was measured for all the X-ray energies. Conclusion The unlaminated Gafchromic EBT3 film can be a suitable choice for the measurement of dose enhancement. Further, silver nanoparticles can be used during nanoparticle-aided radiotherapy when irradiated at low X-ray energy.

An Optimized Method for Evaluating the Potential Gd-Nanoparticle Dose Enhancement Produced by Electronic Brachytherapy

“…A feasible alternative is film delamination on one of the faces, exposing the polymeric substrate to the medium and the photon beam. The delamination process has been suggested and assessed for different beam types and qualities, such as alpha particles [ 44 ], medium-energy X-rays [ 45 ], and low-energy heavy-ion dosimeters [ 46 ], removing the energy constraint of the detectable particles. However, in these studies, EBT3 films were not submerged in water since the active substrate is highly sensitive and is easily damaged when in contact with water.…”