Abstract

Boluses characterize materials with an electromagnetic radiation attenuation coefficient similar to biological tissue and used to restrict the penetration of high energy photons and electrons used in radiotherapy for the treatment of superficial tumors. The development of new materials, mainly from sustainable biotechnological routes, will contribute to increase efficiency and expand the use of these technologies. The objective of this research was to develop the “proof of concept” regarding the use of the bacterial nanocellulose membrane (BNCm) as a bolus. For this purpose, BNCm were produced, purified and subjected to the physical–chemical characterization. The radiological density (RD) and radiation attenuation potential (RAP) of the BNCm were established and compared to a commercial bolus (CB). The moldability of BNCm was established and compared to the virtual bolus of dosimetric planning. The physical–chemical analysis demonstrated the constitution of a pure, highly hydrated, homogeneous and nanostructured network of cellulose fibers. BNCm showed superiority in relation to RD and similar RAP values when compared to CB. Moldability analysis showed a profile identical to a virtual bolus. The results validate the concept of using BNCm as a highly efficient biotechnological device, aligned with the idea of sustainability, as a bolus for use in radiotherapy.

Graphic abstract

中文翻译：

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细菌纳米纤维素膜在放射治疗中的推注：“概念验证”

摘要

团块的特征是具有类似于生物组织的电磁辐射衰减系数的材料，并用于限制用于放射治疗浅表肿瘤的高能光子和电子的渗透。新材料的开发，主要是通过可持续的生物技术途径，将有助于提高效率并扩大这些技术的使用。这项研究的目的是开发关于使用细菌纳米纤维素膜（BNCm）推注的“概念验证”。为此，BNCm被生产，纯化并进行了物理化学表征。建立了BNCm的放射密度（RD）和辐射衰减潜能（RAP），并将其与商业推注（CB）进行了比较。建立了BNCm的可成型性，并将其与剂量计划的虚拟推注进行比较。物理化学分析表明，纤维素纤维是纯净，高度水合，均质和纳米结构的网络的组成。与CB相比，BNCm在RD和类似RAP值方面显示出优越性。成型性分析显示其轮廓与虚拟弹丸相同。结果证实了将BNCm用作高效生物技术设备的概念，并与可持续性的想法相吻合，将其作为放疗中的大剂量药物。成型性分析显示其轮廓与虚拟弹丸相同。结果证实了将BNCm用作高效生物技术设备的概念，并与可持续性的想法相吻合，将其作为放疗中的大剂量药物。成型性分析显示其轮廓与虚拟弹丸相同。结果证实了将BNCm用作高效生物技术设备的概念，并与可持续性的想法相吻合，将其作为放射治疗的推注。

图形摘要