Measurement of the Tissue Properties of Three Cell Lines using Quantitative Ultrasound

We are measuring the ultrasonic characteristics of cells to find the fundamental differences between cancerous and non-cancerous cells by calculating and comparing the attenuation and speed of sound. We are comparing both the attenuation and the speed of sound because these properties are dependent on the medium being used, and thus should have differences in their ultrasonic characteristics. In this experiment, the three cell lines being used are prostate cells, cancerous colon cells, and cancerous prostate cells. To test for these differences, we are using unfocused transducers of 5, 10, and 15 MHz to find the data for the cumulative range of 2 to 18 MHz. These transducers are placed in water and aligned for optimal wave amplitude travelling between them. The results of the comparisons of cell lines shows a noticeable difference between colon cancer and the other two cell lines, prostate and prostate cancer. The difference between prostate cells and prostate cancer cells is much less significant. This research may lead to the ability to better detect whether lesions are cancerous or non-cancerous using the non-invasive method of quantitative ultrasound.