Optics and Photonics March 1, 2019
Researchers in China developed ocular injectable photoreceptor-binding upconversion nanoparticles (pbUCNPs). These nanoparticles anchored on retinal photoreceptors serve as miniature NIR light transducers to create NIR light image vision with negligible side effects. In tests they demonstrated that mice with these nanoantennae could not only perceive NIR light, but also see NIR light patterns. According to the researchers
the research could be a potential alternative to night-vision goggles, the treatment could help repair certain vision problems and eye diseases…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
A photomicrograph shows protein-connected upconversion nanoparticles (green), which absorb infrared radiation and re-emit it at visible wavelengths, binding to retinal rods (purple) and cones (red). Credit: [Image: Y. Ma et al., Cell, doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.038]