Gold Nanoprobe-Enabled Three-Dimensional Ozone Imaging by Optical Coherence Tomography.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Nanotechnology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Ozone (O3) is a potent oxidant harmful to skin and eyes, especially when barriers are compromised.
• Understanding ozone penetration is crucial for assessing its biological impact on ocular tissues.
• Existing imaging methods lack the resolution and specificity for deep-tissue ozone distribution analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D imaging technique for visualizing ozone penetration and distribution in biological tissues.
• To utilize gold triangular nanoprisms (GTNPs) as a contrast agent and molecular probe for ozone sensing.
• To quantitatively analyze ozone diffusion dynamics within the anterior chamber of an eye model.

Main Methods:

• Combined optical coherence tomography (OCT) with gold triangular nanoprisms (GTNPs) for imaging.
• Investigated GTNP stability in biological solutions and their signal intensity on OCT.
• Demonstrated GTNP's specific response to ozone for sensing applications.
• Utilized an isolated crucian carp eye model to study ozone penetration.

Main Results:

• Successfully visualized the 3D penetration and distribution of ozone in biological tissue for the first time.
• Quantified ozone diffusion in the fish eye anterior chamber, reaching a depth of 311 μm in 172 min.
• Confirmed GTNPs as efficient nanoprobe for ozone sensing with specific responses.

Conclusions:

• The developed GTNP-OCT method provides unprecedented 3D visualization of ozone penetration in ocular tissues.
• GTNPs are stable, sensitive, and suitable for multimodal imaging applications.
• This technique offers a valuable tool for studying ozone's biological effects and developing protective strategies.