Comparison of chemical, biological, physical and electrical properties between commercial ultrasound gel and Aloe vera gel

Ultrasound is an imaging diagnostic method that uses mechanical waves and requires acoustic coupling gel for the efficient transmission of ultrasonic waves. This study investigated Aloe vera gel as an alternative to the commercial gel used in ultrasound exams. The chemical, biological, electrical, and physical aspects of both gels were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), cytotoxicity assays, and conductivity tests. The Aloe vera gel contained carbon, oxygen, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, while the commercial gel contained only carbon and oxygen. Aloe vera was found to be safe for biological tissues, with performance equivalent to or superior to the commercial gel in ultrasound exams. This can be attributed to its lower electrical resistance and higher quantity of free ions, which reduced impedance between the transducer and the skin, facilitating the propagation of ultrasonic waves. Thus, Aloe vera gel emerges as a promising and viable alternative for ultrasound, offering biocompatibility, technical performance, and safety.