Hydro-locked hydrogel-based retinal phantom development for ultrasound imaging applications

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Palkovits, Dorottya and Domingo-Roca, Roger and Lam, Kwok-Ho and Windmill, James F.C.; (2025) Hydro-locked hydrogel-based retinal phantom development for ultrasound imaging applications. In: 2025 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS). 2025 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS) . IEEE, NLD, pp. 1-4. ISBN 979-8-3315-2332-9 (https://doi.org/10.1109/ius62464.2025.11201550)

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Abstract

Hydrogel-based tissue phantoms are widely used in ultrasound imaging research due to their ability to replicate the acoustic and mechanical properties of biological tissues. However, conventional hydrogels suffer from rapid dehydration and poor long-term stability, limiting their effectiveness in reliable or repeatable imaging studies—particularly for delicate structures such as the retina. To address this limitation, we present a scalable method for extending hydration stability in hydrogel-based retinal phantoms through the development of a hydro-locking polymer network. Two sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) treatment approaches were investigated: (1) pre-polymerization incorporation into the hydrogel precursor, and (2) post-polymerization immersion. Acid concentrations ranging from 10% to 40% (w/w) were evaluated, with thermal processing at 65 °C applied to stabilize chemical bonding. Supplementary storage measures, including refrigeration and cling film wrapping, were implemented to further preserve phantom integrity. Results demonstrate that H₂SO₄ promotes ionic and hydrogen bonding between water and methacrylated monomers, significantly reducing water loss. The most effective treatment extends hydration stability from minutes to several weeks without compromising acoustic performance. These findings support the development of durable, reusable hydrogel-based retinal phantoms suitable for ophthalmic ultrasound system calibration and testing, with ongoing imaging validation studies in progress.

ORCID iDs

Palkovits, Dorottya, Domingo-Roca, Roger ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0557-5431, Lam, Kwok-Ho and Windmill, James F.C. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4878-349X;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)