Near-Infrared Oral Imaging Enabled By Water-Soluble Gold Nanoclusters

Contemporary root canal imaging modalities present ionizing radiation hazards while lacking capabilities for dynamic intraoperative visualization or sustained irradiation within abbreviated timeframes. Excessive radiographic exposure subjects healthcare practitioners to cumulative ionizing radiation risks, necessitating alternative imaging methodologies for localization and detection. Among various imaging techniques, near-infrared (NIR) imaging offers the distinction of real-time observation capability. Aqueous nanoclusters, as emerging nanomaterials, encounter significant limitations in practical NIR bioimaging applications: despite exhibiting superior biocompatibility relative to conventional NIR agents, their comparatively diminished photoluminescence intensity restricts their application spectrum. Consequently, the development of efficacious approaches to enhance NIR photoluminescence intensity in luminescent clusters constitutes a critical research imperative. This study characterized Au NCs using the UV-visible spectrum, photoluminescence spectrum, excitation spectrum, and other techniques. Evaluate the safety, biocompatibility, and diagnostic potential of Au NCs using cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and root canal imaging experiments. Aqueous gold (Au) nanoclusters hold promise as imaging agents for root canal visualization. This study aimed to enhance NIR PL intensity and quantum yield of Au nanoclusters through trivalent cerium doping in Au clusters, achieving ∼7-fold photoluminescence enhancement and providing a novel strategy for improving NIR luminescence in aqueous systems. The Ce-modified Au clusters demonstrated effective root canal imaging capabilities in extracted teeth, establishing their potential as NIR imaging materials. This cluster modification approach enables in vitro root canal photoluminescence imaging and may serve as a novel clinical diagnostic probe in future applications.