Single-shot microneedle-encoded upconversion lifetime mapping for real-time in vivo thermo-dermoscopy
摘要
Structural and functional assessment of microneedle tattoos requires real-time, high-resolution and high-sensitivity optical imaging at transdermal depths. Photoluminescence lifetime imaging offers a promising approach for bioimaging but relies on repetitive measurements or time-consuming image reconstruction, limiting the wide-field lifetime sensing of microneedle tattoos to ex vivo assessment. Here we report single-shot microneedle-encoded all-optical real-time upconversion lifetime mapping, which integrates dissolving microneedle arrays for on-object encoding, core–shell upconverting nanoparticles as transient emitters and an all-optical streak camera for single-shot lifetime mapping of microneedle tattoo luminescence. By leveraging the thermal coupling in upconversion luminescence, the system measures the microneedle tattoo temperature with 0.1 °C resolution at submillimetre spatial scales and video rates of up to 30 Hz. Implemented as in vivo thermo-dermoscopy, it enables the in situ diagnosis of early-stage micro-melanomas.