Containing optical properties designed to match those of biological tissues, the phantoms ensure that machines are correctly calibrated, a task that must be performed by providers on a regular basis to ensure their equipment is running at top performance.

3D printed phantoms can be adapted for multiple imaging techniques in contrast to ones designed through injection mold methods, which shape the object in accordance with the mold geometry,


“We wanted to find a better way to create the phantoms that are used with imaging machines,” Brian Bentz, a Purdue alumnus and Starfish Engineering LLC’s chief executive officer involved in developing the technology, said in a statement. “3D printing is fast and allows us to create complex phantoms with various shapes to ensure the best possible performance for imaging devices.”

Like Bentz, Goergen says the focus of either project is enhanced care for patients. “Trying to diagnose these diseases at an earlier time can lead to improved patient care. We are in the process now of trying to use this enhanced imaging approach use a variety of different applications to see what it can be used for.”

Both research groups worked in conjunction with the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization for patents. The optical ultrasound group currently has one pending, and is seeking out possible companies to partner with in the use of their technology.

The findings of the optical ultrasound group were published this month in the journal Photoacoustics, with its research funded by the National Institutes of Health.

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