Neuromelanin imaging of brain organoids using metalens-based photoacoustic microscopy with extended depth-of-field (Conference Presentation)

Understanding neuromelanin within brain organoids is essential for Parkinson's disease research. Current photoacoustic imaging techniques for 3D samples involve complex post-processing and bulky setups. Metasurface technology offers a novel solution by controlling light phase and miniaturizing systems. We developed a metalens with titanium oxide nanopillars, producing a long diffraction-free beam with a numerical aperture over 0.1. This metalens extends the imaging range of 3D samples and allows volumetric imaging of neuromelanin up to 0.5 mm deep in brain organoids. This enables tracking neuromelanin levels as organoids mature, providing insights into Parkinson’s disease. This compact imaging platform is promising for diagnostics and drug discovery.