Session: 06-05 Implants and Biomedicine

Paper Number: 168492

168492 - Measuring Traumatic Brain Injury Impacts in a Piezoelectric and Anatomically Accurate Rat Brain Phantom 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a prevalent cause of injury or death each year, with temporary and permanent effects such as memory loss, mood changes, and physical impairments, depending on the severity of the injury and affected brain region. Blast-related TBI occurs when shockwaves generate forces in the brain to create disruptions in neuronal and vascular integrity, creating severe and permanent injuries. Understanding the effects of blast forces on brain tissue is a complex task, critical for developing future protective measures and treatment options. The viscoelastic nature of biological tissue demands expensive and high performance computers to simulate in finite element model simulations, which are not widely accessible. A physical model that could describe impact forces on the brain would be more accessible and easy to use for those less technically inclined, thus, an anatomically accurate rat brain phantom was developed to replicate the viscoelastic properties of the brain. The phantom was constructed using a composite hydrogel of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and phytagel (PHY), specifically to mimic the viscoelasticity of the brain. Using a rheometer, the composite hydrogel was confirmed to closely match the viscoelastic properties, measured by its storage modulus (G’) and loss modulus (G’’). The values of G’ and G’’, which characterize the elastic and viscous components of the hydrogel, were found to be within the range reported for brain tissue. In addition to the mechanical characteristics, a similar conductivity to the brain was reached through the addition of magnesium chloride to increase its ionic conductivity, allowing an electric current to run through. This novel innovation allows researchers to determine the impact thresholds that lead to injury so that TBI outcomes can be better predicted. In addition, a relationship between force and voltage has been defined through the use of a piezoelectric polymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), in the brain phantom. By integrating PVDF into the composite hydrogel, the known mechanical forces and pressures caused by blast waves were converted into measurable electrical signals. Analysis of the data ultimately revealed a non-linear but positive correlation. The two components of this project—the development of a TBI-measuring phantom and a defined relationship between force and voltage through piezoelectric films embedded in the phantom—provided insights into measuring the magnitude of forces impacting brain tissue that ultimately enhance the brain phantom’s ability as a research tool. More precise modeling of TBI will help improve the future for the development of weaponry, protective equipment, and injury prevention.

Presenting Author: Sanaya Bothra Virginia Commonwealth University

Presenting Author Biography: A highschool student at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, I aspire to create a strong impact in the engineering field. As author of a materials science blog and passionate researcher, my goals focus on innovating new materials to address the lacks in the biomedical field. In addition, previous work includes the characterization of novel fiber based synaptic device as well as development of conductive rat brains for the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).