Radiological properties and structural morphology of different MAGAT gel dosimeters formulation

Abstract

Background: : One of the most important qualities of a radiation dosimeter is tissueequivalent, which represents radiation absorption and scattering that is similar to that of human tissue. The goal of this study is to determine the radiological and structural properties of several MAGAT gel dosimeter formulations prior to irradiation. This will provide a basis on how radiation properties altered prior to irradiation, which will later affect radiation absorption behaviour. Materials and Methods: Radiological properties of different MAGAT gel formulations (MAGAT, MAGAT doped methylene blue, MAGAT doped zinc oxide nanoparticles, MAGAT dope methylene blue and zinc oxide nanoparticles) were measured from density, linear attenuation coefficients, mass attenuation coefficients and CT values. The results were compared to soft tissue and water as references. The gel's morphological structures were investigated using electron microscopy for better understanding of gel's absorption mechanism. Results: The mass density of all MAGAT gel formulations differed by up to 2.5% from that of water and are very close to that of muscle tissue. This is due to the high gelatin and monomer concentration used in MAGAT gel formulation. The CT-values, furthermore, are within the soft tissue range. The MAGAT doped with methylene blue and ZnO NPs demonstrated the greatest increase in linear attenuation value, as well as having a nano spider-web morphological structure with a large surface area, which may have increased gel sensitivity and attenuation coefficients of MAGAT gel. Conclusion: Different MAGAT gel formulations were found to exhibit similar radiological properties to soft tissues and water.