Measurements of acoustic properties of aqueous dextran solutions in the VHF/UHF range

The acoustic properties of aqueous solutions of dextran are characterized in the frequency range of 70–400 MHz by the bioultrasonic spectroscopy system using an ultrasonic transmission comparison method. The attenuation, velocity, impedance, and density of aqueous dextran solutions, for six molecular weights in the range of 10,400–2,000,000 Da in the concentration range 5–20% by weight, are reported. All four parameters increase with increasing concentration. As the molecular weight increases, the attenuation coefficient increases and the velocity decreases. The precise frequency and molecular weight dependences of the acoustic properties of the solutions are readily determined by the system.