Determination of topographical radiation dose profiles using gel nanosensors

Despite the emergence of sophisticated technologies in treatment planning and administration, routine determination of delivered radiation doses remains a challenge due to limitations associated with conventional dosimeters. Here, we describe a gel-based nanosensor for the colorimetric detection and quantification of topographical radiation dose profiles in radiotherapy. Exposure to ionizing radiation results in the conversion of gold ions in the gel to gold nanoparticles, which render a visual change in color in the gel due to their plasmonic properties. The intensity of color formed in the gel was used as a quantitative reporter of ionizing radiation. The gel nanosensor was used to detect complex topographical dose patterns including those administered to an anthropomorphic phantom and live canine patients undergoing clinical radiotherapy. The ease of fabrication, operation, rapid readout, colorimetric detection, and relatively low cost illustrate the translational potential of this technology for topographical dose mapping in radiotherapy applications in the clinic.