Microwave breast tumor detection and size estimation using contrast-agent-loaded magnetotactic bacteria

We propose a new approach to microwave breast tumor detection based on the use of bio-compatible flagellated magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). Previous work has shown that the directions and speeds of these bacterial microrobots adapted to operate in human microvasculature can be guided along preplanned paths deep inside the human body through external magnetic fields. Furthermore, a microwave contrast agent can be loaded onto MTB to alter the dielectric properties of tissues near the agent. Based on these two phenomena, we illustrate how multiple agglomerations of MTB released into human breast could be tracked simultaneously and monitored using differential microwave imaging (DMI) techniques. We also present novel strategies to detect and localize a breast cancerous mass as well as estimate its size through this new DMI-trackable bacterial propulsion and steering approach, and use an anatomically realistic breast model as a testbed to verify the feasibility of this breast cancer diagnostic technique.