Recent Advances in Hydrogel-Based Sensors Responding to Ionizing Radiation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Materials Science
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Ionizing radiation is crucial in cancer therapy but requires precise dose measurement to protect healthy tissues.
• Traditional dosimeters have limitations, necessitating advanced sensing technologies.
• Hydrogel-based dosimeters are gaining attention due to their tissue equivalence and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of hydrogel-based dosimeters for ionizing radiation measurement.
• To explore the potential applications of these hydrogels in radiotherapy.
• To encourage interdisciplinary collaboration for further development.

Main Methods:

• Cataloging various hydrogel dosimeter types: polymer, Fricke, radio-chromic, radio-fluorescence, and nanoparticle-embedded.
• Analyzing their properties, including response linearity, sensitivity, and energy/dose rate independence.
• Reviewing existing literature on hydrogel dosimeter performance and applications.

Main Results:

• Hydrogel dosimeters demonstrate promising linear responses and sensitivity across different radiation conditions.
• Various types, including polymer, Fricke, and nanoparticle-embedded hydrogels, show potential for accurate dose monitoring.
• These sensors offer advantages in tissue equivalence and biocompatibility over traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel-based dosimeters represent a significant advancement in radiation sensing for medical applications.
• Their tissue-mimicking properties make them ideal for in vivo dosimetry in radiotherapy.
• Further research and interdisciplinary efforts are needed to optimize and implement these advanced dosimeters.