Real-Time 3D Reconstruction of Nanomotor Dynamics Using Phase-Space Deconvolution Light-Field Microscopy

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Accurate nanoscale motion tracking is crucial for understanding colloidal active matter.
• Conventional 2D tracking methods are limited by projection bias, affecting diffusivity measurements and active propulsion characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel phase-space deconvolution light-field microscopy (LFM) system for real-time 3D imaging and nanoscale motion analysis.
• To overcome the limitations of 2D tracking by enabling accurate 3D trajectory reconstruction and diffusivity measurements.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a scan-free, real-time volumetric imaging LFM system.
• Achieved millisecond temporal resolution and axial localization precision of ~100 nm.
• Validated the system with colloidal particles and enzyme-powered Janus nanomotors.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a sixfold improvement in diffusivity accuracy for colloidal particles compared to 2D tracking.
• Quantitatively separated active propulsion from Brownian motion for nanomotors.
• Revealed a two-fold increase in effective diffusivity for nanomotors under glucose (D_eff = 5.97 µm²/s).
• Enabled robust 3D tracking in living cells, distinguishing active nanomotors from passive controls.

Conclusions:

• The developed LFM system provides a robust framework for quantitative 3D characterization of passive and active nanosystems.
• Establishes a direct experimental link between nanoscale dynamics and theoretical models in complex biological environments.
• Offers significant advancements in understanding colloidal active matter and nanomotor behavior.