Perceived Color Difference of Nanoscale Spheroids in Colorimetry due to Dipolar Modes

Nanoparticle labels enable colorimetric point-of-care devices for rapid, low-cost diagnosis and health monitoring. Accurate interpretation of colorimetric assays relies on reliable perception of differences in quantitative color attributes such as hue, chromaticity, and saturation. This study examined interactions between physical factors such as nanoparticle shape, illumination, and sample environment, and biological factors affecting color vision deficit and optical signal processing that influenced perceived color difference. Comparing measurements and simulation supported a rational framework to design and implement nanoscale spheroids that maximized perceptual color differences for both normal and colorblind observers in colorimetric biomedical point-of-care assays.