Application of near-infrared light intensity to determine normal and cancerous breast vessel contrast by gold nanoparticles

Objective(s): A novel technique for the early diagnosis of breast cancer involves the use of nanoparticles (NPs). The present study aimed to use gold NPs to assess the variations in light source transfer intensity. Materials and Methods: Blood samples with hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations of ×1, ×2, and ×4 were used to simulate normal and cancerous conditions in the breast. Spherical gold NPs (SGNPs) and gold nanorods (GNRs) with various Hb concentrations were injected into the breast phantom, and the intensity of the light transmitted on the wavelength of 635 nanometers was measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that SGNPs and GNRs were prepared with a uniform particle shape.Results: When the SGNPs were blended with the Hb concentrations of ×1, ×2, and ×4, the intensity of the passing light from the vessel was estimated to be 3.62, 2.40, and 1.64 mw, respectively. When GNRs were blended with the Hb concentrations of ×1, ×2, and ×4, the intensity changed to lower values 3.42, 2.13, and 1.98 mw, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, SGNPs and GNRs in normal and cancerous breast induced various passing intensities of Hb concentrations. In addition, the vascular contrast induced by GNRs was higher compared to SGNPs.