Soft corneal contact lens and its application in infrared vision imaging detection

Abstract

The application provides a soft corneal contact lens and application thereof in infrared visual imaging detection. The soft corneal contact lens comprises up-conversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ , 3+ Er and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). The soft corneal contact lens is used for converting near-infrared light with a wavelength of 780 nm to 1100 nm into light visible to a to-be-detected object. The method for infrared visual imaging detection comprises the following steps: determining a perception threshold of near-infrared light intensity of the to-be-detected object by detecting a recognition reaction result of the to-be-detected object wearing the soft corneal contact lens to the near-infrared light; performing a near-infrared light time resolution test on the to-be-detected object to determine time resolution identification information of the to-be-detected object to the near-infrared light; and obtaining a detection result of the soft corneal contact lens in infrared visual imaging based on the perception threshold of the near-infrared light intensity and the time resolution identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of infrared imaging and visual science inspection, and in particular to a soft corneal contact lens and its application in infrared visual imaging inspection. Background Technology

[0002] Imaging vision is one of the most important ways for organisms, including humans, to acquire information about their surroundings, playing a crucial role in their life activities such as food acquisition, mating, orientation, and avoiding predators. Mammals cannot see infrared light, a limitation determined by the inherent physicochemical properties of photoreceptor proteins in photoreceptor cells. For infrared light >700 nm, due to its low photon energy, photoreceptor proteins would have to lower their energy threshold to perceive this wavelength, resulting in significant thermodynamic noise. Therefore, this limitation means that mammals in nature do not possess near-infrared visual perception capabilities.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a method to achieve infrared visual imaging through auxiliary means, and to detect the effectiveness and reliability of infrared visual imaging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, in order to at least partially solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a soft corneal contact lens and its application in infrared visual imaging detection.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an application of a soft contact lens in infrared visual imaging detection is provided, wherein the soft contact lens comprises upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), soft contact lenses are used to convert near-infrared light with wavelengths ranging from 780nm to 1100nm into light visible to the object being tested;

[0006] Infrared visual imaging detection methods include:

[0007] The perception threshold of near-infrared light intensity of the test subject is determined by detecting the recognition response of the test subject wearing soft contact lenses to near-infrared light.

[0008] If it is determined that the test object responds to near-infrared light based on the perception threshold of the test object to near-infrared light intensity, a near-infrared light temporal resolution test is performed on the test object to determine the temporal resolution recognition information of the test object to near-infrared light.

[0009] The detection results of soft contact lenses in infrared visual imaging are obtained based on the near-infrared light intensity sensing threshold and temporal resolution recognition information.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a soft contact lens is provided, comprising:

[0011] Soft contact lenses include upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ And poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate); wherein, upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ The mass concentration is 0.1%~10%.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present invention, by comprising upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Soft contact lenses made of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) enable mammals to easily, conveniently, and non-invasively acquire near-infrared vision. These lenses also exhibit good biocompatibility and are compatible with upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb. 3+ Er 3+ Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a polymer material with a refractive index close to that of soft contact lenses, can increase the light transmittance of soft contact lenses without affecting the transmittance of normal visible light imaging. By subjecting subjects wearing soft contact lenses to different near-infrared light stimuli, their near-infrared visual abilities are tested. Based on the measured perception threshold, the individual's response speed and dynamic visual ability to changes in infrared light are assessed. Furthermore, based on temporal resolution information, the individual's response speed and dynamic visual ability to changes in infrared light are also assessed, thus evaluating infrared visual ability. This allows for a comprehensive and objective assessment of the subject's infrared visual ability and further enables the application of infrared imaging in fields such as medicine and the military, helping to improve mammals' ability to recognize infrared information in natural and other infrared environments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of the infrared visual imaging detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a scanning electron microscope image of upconversion gold nanoparticles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is the Fourier transform infrared spectrum of upconversion gold nanoparticles in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4The graph shows the test results of the refractive index of the converted nanoparticles at different mass concentrations in this embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the solvent selection results by refractive index matching in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a comparison chart of the transparency of different solvents in embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the fabrication process of a soft corneal contact lens according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 8 An image of a soft corneal contact lens prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a comparison of the whole-retinal electroretinogram response of mice to near-infrared light in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the results of pupillary light reflectance testing in mice wearing soft corneal contact lenses, as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the image visual pathway detection results of near-infrared light in mice wearing soft contact lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the image visual pathway detection results of near-infrared light in mice wearing soft contact lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold test of the test subject in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the test results of the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold of the person being tested in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the temporal resolution test results of the near-infrared light performed by the test subject in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the spatial resolution test results of near-infrared light by the test subject in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "comprising" as used herein indicates the presence of features, steps, or operations, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

[0032] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C," the expression should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C, etc.). When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, or C," the expression should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C, etc.).

[0033] In realizing the concept of this invention, it was discovered that, in order to expand the imaging visual spectrum range of mammals, upconversion nanoparticles specifically bound to photoreceptor cells have been used in related technologies to achieve near-infrared light image vision in mammals, opening up research into unconventional animal vision. However, these upconversion nanoparticles need to be injected into the photoreceptor cell layer of the retina via intraocular injection to achieve the conversion of near-infrared light to visible light in the photoreceptor layer, thus enabling mice to acquire near-infrared vision. However, this invasive injection method makes the realization of near-infrared vision difficult to apply widely.

[0034] Common methods for enhancing vision include contact lenses and eyeglasses. Contact lenses, specifically rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, include both rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses. RGP lenses are typically made of materials containing fluorine or silicone polymers; they are relatively rigid and do not easily conform to the shape of the cornea, requiring an adaptation period of about 1-2 weeks. Soft contact lenses, on the other hand, are usually made of hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, with a water content mostly above 30%. They are soft, flexible, and more comfortable to wear. Therefore, soft lenses are more commonly used in daily life.

[0035] Taking into account the characteristics of soft contact lenses, which are widely used and non-invasive, this invention incorporates upconversion nanoparticles into the fabrication material of soft contact lenses, providing a soft contact lens that can achieve near-infrared vision in mice and humans. It has high biocompatibility and can conveniently and safely achieve near-infrared vision in humans.

[0036] Specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an application of a soft contact lens in infrared visual imaging detection is provided, wherein the soft contact lens comprises upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), soft contact lenses are used to convert near-infrared light with wavelengths ranging from 780nm to 1100nm into light visible to the object being tested;

[0037] Infrared visual imaging detection methods, such as Figure 1 As shown, steps S1 to S3 are included:

[0038] Step S1: By detecting the recognition response of the subject wearing a soft contact lens to near-infrared light, determine the subject's perception threshold for near-infrared light intensity.

[0039] Step S2: If it is determined that the test object responds to near-infrared light based on the perception threshold of the test object to near-infrared light intensity, perform near-infrared light temporal resolution test on the test object to determine the temporal resolution recognition information of the test object to near-infrared light.

[0040] Step S3: Obtain the detection results of soft contact lenses in infrared visual imaging based on the near-infrared light intensity sensing threshold and time resolution recognition information.

[0041] According to embodiments of the present invention, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are a special class of nanomaterials that possess unique optical properties, namely, the ability to convert low-energy light, such as near-infrared light, into high-energy light, such as visible light or ultraviolet light.

[0042] According to embodiments of the present invention, the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold refers to the minimum intensity of near-infrared light that the test object can perceive. The perception threshold is an indicator of visual sensitivity, i.e., the light intensity required for the test object to perceive it; it refers to the shortest time interval between two successive stimuli that the test object can distinguish. In the visual field, temporal resolution refers to the minimum time interval that can be used to identify rapidly changing or flashing light, such as flashing once every 5 seconds or 10 seconds, to determine whether the test object can recognize it.

[0043] According to embodiments of the present invention, by comprising upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Soft contact lenses made of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) enable mammals to easily, conveniently, and non-invasively acquire near-infrared vision. These lenses also exhibit good biocompatibility and are compatible with upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb. 3+ Er 3+ Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a polymer material with a refractive index close to that of soft contact lenses, can increase the light transmittance of soft contact lenses without affecting the transmittance of normal visible light imaging. By subjecting subjects wearing soft contact lenses to different near-infrared light stimuli, their near-infrared visual abilities are tested. Based on the measured perception threshold, the individual's response speed and dynamic visual ability to changes in infrared light are assessed. Furthermore, based on temporal resolution information, the individual's response speed and dynamic visual ability to changes in infrared light are also assessed, thus evaluating infrared visual ability. This allows for a comprehensive and objective assessment of the subject's infrared visual ability and further enables the application of infrared imaging in fields such as medicine and the military, helping to improve mammals' ability to recognize infrared information in natural and other infrared environments.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, determining the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold of the test subject by detecting the recognition response of the test subject wearing a soft contact lens to near-infrared light includes steps S11 to S14:

[0045] Step S11: Apply multiple intensities of first near-infrared light stimulation to the object to be tested, wherein the first near-infrared light stimulation is applied in a preset mode;

[0046] Step S12: Detect the response behavior of the test object to the first near-infrared light stimulus and obtain the first response result;

[0047] Step S13: Match the first response result with the preset pattern to determine the first matching result;

[0048] Step S14: Determine the perception threshold of the near-infrared light intensity of the test object based on multiple first matching results corresponding to multiple first near-infrared light stimuli of multiple light intensities.

[0049] According to embodiments of the present invention, the preset mode refers to the pattern of infrared light application, such as applying it to a mouse every 5 seconds or to a human subject every 3 seconds. The first matching result includes matching and non-matching. If the preset mode and the subject's response are consistent, for example, if the stimulus pattern described by the subject is the same as the preset mode, then it is considered a match; otherwise, it is a non-match. Alternatively, when the subject is a mouse, the presence or absence of near-infrared light stimulation is assessed to determine whether the mouse's visual perception has a response, such as transretinal electroretinography, pupillary light reflex ability, or a response in the image visual pathway. The perception threshold for near-infrared light intensity can be a specific light intensity value, for example, the light intensity can be 0, i.e., no near-infrared light stimulation, or it can be a light intensity with photon count / square micrometer of 1.5 × 10⁻⁶. 6 wait.

[0050] According to embodiments of the present invention, by applying first near-infrared light stimuli of multiple intensities and detecting the response behavior of the subject, a precise near-infrared light intensity perception threshold can be obtained. This provides customized light intensity perception data for the subject, which helps to assess and improve visual function. By matching the first response results with a preset pattern, the response behavior of the subject can be quantitatively analyzed, which helps to more accurately understand an individual's response to near-infrared light. Determining the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold of the subject through multiple first matching results can improve the accuracy of infrared visual imaging detection and provide a more accurate assessment of the subject's near-infrared light perception ability.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, near-infrared light temporal resolution testing is performed on the test object to determine the temporal resolution recognition information of the test object for near-infrared light, including steps S21 to S24:

[0052] Step S21: Apply second near-infrared light stimulation of multiple frequency modes to the test object, wherein the frequency mode is a stroboscopic mode combining continuous light and flashing light, or a stroboscopic mode of continuous light alone;

[0053] Step S22: Detect the response behavior of the test object to the second near-infrared light stimulus and obtain the second response result;

[0054] Step S23: Match the second response result with the frequency pattern to determine the second matching result;

[0055] Step S24: Determine the temporal resolution recognition information of the test object for near-infrared light based on multiple second matching results corresponding to the second near-infrared light stimulus of multiple frequency modes.

[0056] According to embodiments of the present invention, frequency mode refers to infrared light emission modes of different frequencies, such as applying infrared light to a mouse once every 5 seconds or once every 10 seconds; or applying infrared light stimulation to a subject for two seconds in different combinations of flashing light.

[0057] According to embodiments of the present invention, by applying second near-infrared light stimuli of different frequency modes and detecting the response behavior of the test object, the temporal resolution of the test object to near-infrared light can be accurately evaluated and the sensitivity and accuracy of the response characteristics of the test object can be improved. Furthermore, the response characteristics of the test object to near-infrared light stimuli can be comprehensively analyzed and understood.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the object to be tested is a person to be tested, the infrared visual imaging detection method further includes step S4.

[0059] Step S4: By testing the spatial resolution of the near-infrared light of the person being tested, determine the spatial resolution recognition information of the person being tested for near-infrared light.

[0060] According to embodiments of the present invention, near-infrared spatial resolution testing can more accurately determine the spatial resolution recognition information of the person under test for near-infrared light. Spatial resolution testing helps to optimize the performance of the infrared vision imaging system. By improving imaging quality, the visual response of the person under test can be captured more clearly, thereby improving the reliability and practicality of the detection scheme.

[0061] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, step S4, determining the spatial resolution recognition information of the near-infrared light of the person under test by detecting the spatial resolution of the near-infrared light of the person under test, includes steps S41 to S44:

[0062] Step S41: Apply third near-infrared light stimulation with multiple preset patterns to the test subjects respectively;

[0063] Step S42: Detect the response behavior of the subject to the third near-infrared light stimulus and obtain the third response result;

[0064] Step S43: Match the third response result with the preset graphic to determine the third matching result;

[0065] Step S44: Determine the spatial resolution recognition information of the near-infrared light of the test subject based on multiple third matching results corresponding to the third near-infrared light stimulus of multiple preset graphics.

[0066] According to embodiments of the present invention, near-infrared spatial resolution refers to the ability of a test subject to distinguish different spatial locations or details in near-infrared light, serving as an indicator of the visual system's ability to recognize image details. Preset patterns refer to known patterns or shapes used in the test to stimulate the test subject's visual system to assess their spatial resolution; for example, using different English letters or different shapes as preset patterns. Response behavior refers to the test subject's reaction to the applied near-infrared light stimulus, such as pointing out the seen pattern, selecting the correct pattern, or describing the observed detail. Matching refers to the process of comparing the test subject's response with the preset patterns to determine whether the response is correct or whether a specific spatial detail can be recognized; the third matching result refers to the result after the response is matched with the preset pattern, indicating whether the test subject's response matches the expected pattern, specifically including matching or non-matching. Spatial resolution recognition information refers to data or information about the test subject's ability to achieve near-infrared spatial resolution based on the matching results.

[0067] According to embodiments of the present invention, by applying near-infrared light stimuli with multiple preset patterns and detecting the response behavior of the test subject, its spatial resolution recognition ability of near-infrared light can be evaluated. The matching process can effectively associate the response results with the preset patterns, thereby determining the third matching result and improving the efficiency of recognizing the test subject's response to different near-infrared light stimuli. By integrating multiple matching results corresponding to the third near-infrared light stimuli of multiple preset patterns, the spatial resolution recognition information of the test subject to near-infrared light can be determined. This comprehensive analysis capability helps to comprehensively detect the response characteristics of the test subject to near-infrared light stimuli.

[0068] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, in step S2, when the test subject is a mouse, a near-infrared light temporal resolution test is performed on the test subject to determine the test subject's near-infrared light temporal resolution recognition information, including:

[0069] Behavioral training mice wearing soft contact lenses were placed in a box with a first area and a second area, wherein there was a passage between the first area and the second area for the mice to move through; the behavioral training mice had the ability to avoid visible light.

[0070] Apply near-infrared light stimulation of multiple frequency modes to the first or second region;

[0071] To obtain behavioral data on near-infrared light of multiple intensities in behaviorally trained mice wearing soft contact lenses;

[0072] Based on behavioral data, we determined the temporal resolution of near-infrared light intensity recognition information in behaviorally trained mice wearing soft contact lenses.

[0073] According to embodiments of the present invention, by obtaining behavioral data of mice distinguishing near-infrared light of multiple intensities, the response of mice to near-infrared light stimulation can be quickly collected and analyzed, thereby improving the efficiency of the experiment and the accuracy of the data. Moreover, it is shown that the soft corneal contact lens of the present invention can not only enable humans to perceive near-infrared light, but also enable mice to perceive visible near-infrared light after wearing it.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the training method for behaviorally trained mice includes:

[0075] The mouse to be trained is placed in a box with a first training area and a second training area, wherein there is a passage between the first training area and the second training area for the mouse to be trained to move.

[0076] Different frequency patterns of visible light were applied to the first and second training areas respectively. The different frequency patterns of visible light corresponded to different electric shock patterns, so that the mice could learn to distinguish the behavior of different frequency patterns of visible light through electric shock patterns, and the frequency patterns of visible light should be consistent with the frequency patterns of near-infrared light.

[0077] According to embodiments of the present invention, non-invasive neuromodulation is achieved by using electric shock and visible light stimulation to mice, avoiding invasive brain implants and the resulting brain tissue damage and physical restraint. This method can effectively train mice to respond to and distinguish light stimulation. This approach combines behavioral training and neurophysiological testing, improving the accuracy and reliability of the test. The scheme uses a multi-mode visible light source to emit visible light signals of different modes, stimulating mice to produce different behavioral characteristics. The trained mice can then respond accordingly when they see visible light signals, and thus respond accordingly when wearing a soft contact lens that can convert near-infrared light into visible light. This can be used to demonstrate that soft contact lenses can convert near-infrared light into visible light that is visible to mice.

[0078] As another embodiment of the present invention, a soft corneal contact lens is provided, comprising:

[0079] Soft contact lenses include upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ And poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate); wherein, upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ The mass concentration is 0.1%~10%.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er3+ The mass concentration can be 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10%, but is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within this range are also applicable.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) is a polymer that forms a hydrogel in water, possessing the ability to convert low-energy light, such as near-infrared light, into high-energy visible light. It exhibits good biocompatibility and comfort, and is compatible with upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb. 3+ Er 3+ With similar refractive indices, soft contact lenses combining upconversion nanoparticles and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) can enhance the response to near-infrared light, potentially improving image quality in near-infrared imaging. The poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel exhibits significant temperature sensitivity, allowing the lens to adjust its shape and hardness according to changes in body temperature, thus improving wearing comfort.

[0082] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the refractive index matching method is used to determine the relationship between the upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb and the refractive index. 3+ Er 3+ Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a polymer with a refractive index close to that of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), was used as a solvent.

[0083] Specifically, the upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Multiple test solutions were obtained by dissolving the solutions in zinc bromide solvent at different concentrations. The refractive indices of the multiple test solutions were compared with those of multiple pure solvents, including polymethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, silicone hydrogel-1, silicone hydrogel-2, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-1, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-2, polyethyl acetate, and polyamic acid. Based on the comparison results, the target solvent was determined to be poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

[0084] Among them, silicone hydrogel-1 uses 3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl(trimethylsiloxy)silane (TRIS) and polyethylene glycol (PEGMA) monomers; silicone hydrogel-2 uses N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers; poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-1 uses 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropenone (photoinitiator), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA); poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-2 uses HEMA, EGDMA, and 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropenone.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for preparing a soft contact lens includes:

[0086] Upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ After being mixed with a monomer solution of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), it is cured by molding to prepare a soft corneal contact lens.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ After mixing with a monomer solution of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), soft corneal contact lenses are prepared by curing using a mold. This preparation method is highly efficient, simple, quick, and low-cost, and has good repeatability, making it suitable for large-scale production.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ The preparation methods include:

[0089] Upconversion nanoparticles NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Dispersed in water to obtain NaGdF4: Yb 3+ Er 3+ Aqueous solution;

[0090] In NaGdF4: Yb 3+ Er 3+ After adding ligand chain polyvinylpyrrolidone and chloroauric acid solution to an aqueous solution and stirring the reaction, a reducing agent was added and centrifuged to obtain upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb. 3+ Er 3+ .

[0091] According to embodiments of the present invention, the upconversion luminescence performance can be enhanced by combining gold nanoparticles with upconversion nanoparticles. By introducing gold nanoparticles onto the surface of upconversion nanoparticles, more functional groups can be introduced through surface modification of the gold nanoparticles, thus expanding the application range of upconversion nanoparticles. By introducing ligand chains polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) onto the surface of upconversion nanoparticles, their water solubility can be improved, and the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles can be enhanced, reducing potential toxicity to organisms.

[0092] The present invention will be further explained in conjunction with specific embodiments below. Unless otherwise stated, all reagents used in the following embodiments are commercially available reagents.

[0093] In the following embodiments, the term "resolution coefficient" refers to the accuracy of resolution, which is calculated by subtracting the probability of randomly judging the correct event from the proportion of all correct events. The expected accuracy of random judgment is (100 / n)%, where "n" represents the number of choices. The resolution coefficient is calculated as (subject response accuracy - (100 / n)%) / (100% - (100 / n)%).

[0094] Example 1 Upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Synthesis

[0095] Upconversion nanoparticles NaGdF4:Yb were synthesized via high-temperature pyrolysis. 3+ Er 3+ The upconversion nanoparticles NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ Disperse in deionized water and add 2 mL of 2.4 mM ligand chain polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 20 μL of 10 mM chloroauric acid solution, respectively.

[0096] After stirring at 25℃ for 15 min, 900 μL of 100 mM ascorbic acid reducing agent was applied, and the reaction was continued with stirring for 30 min. Au can be loaded onto the surface of UCNPs.

[0097] The modified nanoparticles were then centrifuged and washed repeatedly with deionized water (DI) to obtain purified upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb. 3+ Er 3+ .

[0098] To enhance the dispersion of UCNPs in contact lenses and remove oleic acid molecules, a modification process was performed: First, 50 mg of upconverted UCNPs were dispersed in 10 ml of deionized water. Then, 50 μL of 1 M HCl solution was added. The suspension was then magnetically stirred for 3 hours, followed by multiple rounds of centrifugation and washing. The nanomorphology of the UCNPs was observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM, Gemini 500, Carl Zeiss Jena, Germany) at an accelerating voltage of 3 kV. The results are as follows. Figure 2 As shown.

[0099] Figure 2 This is a scanning electron microscope image of upconversion gold nanoparticles in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] according to Figure 2 It can be seen that the preparation method of the present invention synthesizes upconversion gold nanoparticles that are uniform in size and do not agglomerate.

[0101] The infrared (IR) spectra of oleic acid-free UCNPs in the full range of 1000–3500 cm⁻¹ were characterized using a Nicolet 759 Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. The results are as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0102] Figure 3 The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the upconversion gold nanoparticles in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0103] according to Figure 3 It can be seen that the upconversion gold nanoparticles prepared in Example 1 successfully removed the surface oleic acid molecule modification.

[0104] Example 2: Solvent Screening for Upconverted Nanoparticles

[0105] The refractive index of the colloidal solution of nanoparticles was compared with the refractive index n of the corresponding pure solvent. Oleic acid-free upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were dispersed in zinc bromide solutions of different mass concentrations of 0.2682 g / mL, 0.6705 g / mL, 0.8940 g / mL, 1.1846 g / mL, and 1.5645 g / mL, corresponding to refractive indices of 1.3725, 1.4195, 1.4440, 1.4874, and 1.5322, respectively.

[0106] This resulted in a stable colloidal solution with a final nanoparticle mass fraction of 12%. The refractive indices of the colloidal solution and polymer at various mass concentrations were then measured, and the results are as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0107] Figure 4The graph shows the test results of the refractive index of the converted nanoparticles at different mass concentrations in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 This is a graph showing the solvent selection results by refractive index matching in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a comparison chart of the transparency of different solvents in embodiments of the present invention.

[0108] according to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, where n is the refractive index, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate has the closest refractive index to the upconversion nanoparticles. Therefore, when 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate is used as a solvent for upconversion nanoparticles, it has good light transmittance and transparency and will not affect the image of other visible light on the wearer.

[0109] Example 3 Synthesis of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

[0110] 0.085 g of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate was immersed in 4 mL of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Then, 3 mL of deionized water and 0.085 g of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropenone were gradually added. The mixture was stirred in the dark for 30 minutes, and finally the monomer suspension was sealed to prevent exposure to visible light.

[0111] Example 4: Preparation of Soft Corneal Contact Lenses

[0112] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the preparation process of a soft corneal contact lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Preparation process as follows Figure 7 As shown, UCNPs were added to the monomer solution of Example 3 and subjected to ultrasonic treatment. The solution was then immersed in a silicon wafer or contact lens mold and catalyzed by 365 nm UV light for 20 min. The film or contact lens was further peeled off from the silicon wafer or mold and washed with a DI water / ethanol solution (volume ratio 1:1) at 50°C for 10 h to remove unreacted monomers.

[0114] Figure 8 Image of a soft corneal contact lens prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] according to Figure 8 It can be seen that the preparation method of the present invention can produce soft corneal contact lenses with high light transmittance and clear, undistorted imaging.

[0116] Example 5: Sensory threshold test in mice wearing soft contact lenses: panretinal electroretinogram response to near-infrared light.

[0117] Mice were anesthetized with or without soft contact lenses. Visible light at 535 nm and near-infrared light at 980 nm were applied to the mice, respectively, and panretinal electroretinography was performed. The results are as follows: Figure 9 As shown.

[0118] Figure 9 This is a comparison of the whole-retinal electroretinogram response of mice to near-infrared light in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] according to Figure 9 It can be seen that mice wearing soft contact lenses can respond to near-infrared light, while mice not wearing soft contact lenses cannot respond to near-infrared light, and the mice's ability to respond to visible light is not affected after wearing the present invention.

[0120] Example 6: Sensory threshold test of mice wearing soft contact lenses: detection of pupillary light reflectance to near-infrared light

[0121] A soft contact lens was fitted to one eye of a mouse, and near-infrared light at 980 nm was applied. The pupillary constriction of both eyes was observed. The results are as follows: Figure 10 As shown.

[0122] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the results of pupil light reflectance testing in mice wearing soft corneal contact lenses, as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] according to Figure 10 It can be seen that the pupils of mice wearing soft contact lenses constrict significantly after exposure to near-infrared light, while the pupils of mice not wearing soft contact lenses show no pupillary light response after exposure to near-infrared light.

[0124] Example 7: Sensory threshold test in mice wearing soft contact lenses: detection of the visual pathway for near-infrared light.

[0125] After anesthetizing mice, with and without soft contact lenses placed in the lateral eye, the mice were stimulated with 980nm near-infrared light and 535nm visible light, respectively. Simultaneously, the field potentials in different regions of the visual cortex (V1) were recorded to reflect the activation of the mouse's image-visual pathway. The results are as follows: Figure 11 The figure shows the statistical results of the delay time of the occurrence of the visual cortex field potential in mice after stimulation. The delay time is the interval between the occurrence of the visual cortex field potential and the given light stimulation. Data are presented as mean ± SD. The number of mice in each group was 5 in all experiments. Two-tailed t-tests were performed. ns indicates no significant difference; *** represents p < 0.001.

[0126] Figure 11This is a diagram showing the image visual pathway detection results of near-infrared light in mice wearing soft contact lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] according to Figure 11 It can be seen that mice wearing soft contact lenses exhibit a cortical field potential response consistent with that of visible light after near-infrared light irradiation, while mice not wearing the present invention show no response in the visual cortex after near-infrared light irradiation. This demonstrates that soft contact lenses can effectively convert 980nm near-infrared light into visible light in mice, thereby activating the mouse's image visual pathway.

[0128] Example 8: Temporal resolution test of near-infrared light in mice wearing soft contact lenses.

[0129] The mouse was placed in a behavioral testing chamber, which consisted of two chambers connected by a partition. An opening in the partition allowed the mouse to move freely through. The walls of both chambers were equipped with either a programmable 980nm or 535nm LED panel, and the bottom of the chamber contained a programmable electric shock plate.

[0130] Behavioral training of mice: Light of different frequencies was linked to foot electric shock stimulation or no stimulation. Light signals of different frequencies were given to the two boxes, corresponding to foot electric shock stimulation or no stimulation, respectively. After 20 seconds of light signal, the mice were given 5 seconds of reaction time. After behavioral training, the mice will quickly avoid the box without stimulation according to the light frequency given on both sides.

[0131] After training mice with 535nm visible light stimulation, the mice could recognize and avoid electric shock stimulation based on light frequency information. At this point, the mice were fitted with the present invention, and the 535nm light signal was replaced with a 980nm light signal while maintaining the original stimulation frequency. The results were as follows. Figure 12 As shown, the statistical objective was the reaction time of successful active avoidance in mice. Reaction time was defined as the time from the moment of light stimulation to the moment the mouse completely avoided the other box. Data are presented as mean ± SD. Each group consisted of 5 mice in all experiments. A two-tailed t-test was performed. ns indicates no significant difference; *** represents p < 0.001.

[0132] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the image visual pathway detection results of near-infrared light in mice wearing soft contact lenses according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] according to Figure 12 It can be seen that mice wearing soft contact lenses can make correct judgments and avoid electric shock stimulation, while mice not wearing the present invention cannot recognize near-infrared information and their ability to avoid electric shock stimulation is significantly lower than that of the experimental group mice.

[0134] Example 9: Test of the perception threshold of near-infrared light intensity by the test subject

[0135] The subjects, wearing soft contact lenses and without them respectively, focused their dominant eye on a visible or near-infrared LED array panel while their other eye was covered. Simultaneously, the subjects' heads were kept stable and the viewing distance maintained.

[0136] Visible or near-infrared light of different power intensities was designed to pass through LED light panels of 535 nm or 980 nm to test the visual sensitivity of each subject in a dark room and under ambient light background at 100 lux.

[0137] The visual sensitivity test for each light power intensity consists of 20 trials. Each trial consists of two consecutive stimuli, either no flash followed by a flash 100 milliseconds or a flash followed by no flash 100 milliseconds. An auditory cue is given before each stimulus, and the test subject is asked to determine the order of the two paired stimuli.

[0138] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold test of the test subject in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a graph showing the test results of the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold of the person being tested in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] according to Figure 13 and Figure 14 It can be seen that, in tests conducted in a dark room and under ambient light, with the subjects' eyes open and closed, the subjects wearing soft contact lenses were able to detect near-infrared light in both environments and obtain near-infrared light perception curves close to the detection threshold. By comparing the near-infrared light perception ability of subjects wearing soft contact lenses with their eyes open and closed, it can be found that in a bright field environment, the near-infrared light threshold that subjects wearing soft contact lenses can detect with their eyes closed is lower than that when their eyes are open. This also indicates that the near-infrared vision function achieved by this invention has higher penetration and is applicable to various visual impairment scenarios.

[0140] Example 10: Temporal resolution test of near-infrared light by the test subject

[0141] After the subject wears a soft contact lens, they are given near-infrared light with a specific flashing frequency and continuous light (>10 kHz) for testing. Each test consists of 10 trials, each trial consisting of two consecutive stimuli: either continuous light (>10 kHz) followed by flashing light, or flashing light followed by continuous light (>10 kHz). Each stimulus lasts for 2 seconds with a duty cycle of 50%.

[0142] Before each stimulus, an auditory cue is given, and the subject is asked to determine the order of the two paired stimuli. If the subject has the ability to distinguish specific flicker frequencies of near-infrared light, can identify the flickering light and the constant light, and correctly answer the question regarding the order of the stimuli, the test results are as follows: Figure 15 As shown.

[0143] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the time resolution test results of the near-infrared light by the person being tested in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] according to Figure 15 It can be seen that by statistically analyzing the accuracy of the test subjects' answers, it is evident that after wearing soft contact lenses, the test subjects have a similar time-frequency perception ability of near-infrared light as that of visible light.

[0145] Example 11: Testing of Spatial Resolution and Information Transmission Capability of Near-Infrared Light by the Test Subject

[0146] Near-infrared light was used to encode different information by frequency and flash duration. The changes in stimulation frequency and number of flashes corresponding to different letters are as follows: "a" - 2 flashes at 2 Hz, "b" - 2 flashes at 5 Hz, "c" - 3 flashes at 2 Hz, "d" - 3 flashes at 5 Hz, "e" - 4 flashes at 2 Hz, "f" - 4 flashes at 5 Hz.

[0147] The ability of the subjects to identify different types of information is statistically analyzed, thereby assessing the monitoring results of the subjects' ability to transmit near-infrared light information.

[0148] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the spatial resolution test results of near-infrared light by the test subject in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] according to Figure 16 It can be seen that the test subjects wearing soft contact lenses can identify the information encoded by the near-infrared light in the test very well, while the test subjects who do not wear soft contact lenses cannot obtain near-infrared light information.

[0150] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An application of a soft contact lens in infrared visual imaging detection, wherein, The soft corneal contact lens comprises upconversion gold nanoparticles Au / NaGdF4:Yb 3+ Er 3+ And poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), the soft corneal contact lens is used to convert near-infrared light with wavelengths including 780nm~1100nm into light visible to the object under test; The infrared visual imaging detection method includes: Multiple intensities of first near-infrared light stimulation are applied to the test object, wherein the first near-infrared light stimulation is applied in a preset mode; the response behavior of the test object to the first near-infrared light stimulation is detected to obtain a first response result; the first response result is matched with the preset mode to determine a first matching result; the perception threshold of the test object to near-infrared light intensity is determined based on the multiple first matching results corresponding to the multiple intensities of first near-infrared light stimulation. If, based on the near-infrared light intensity perception threshold of the test object, it is determined that the test object responds to near-infrared light, then multiple frequency modes of second near-infrared light stimulation are applied to the test object, wherein the frequency mode is a stroboscopic pattern combining continuous light and flickering light, or a stroboscopic pattern of continuous light alone; the response behavior of the test object to the second near-infrared light stimulation is detected to obtain a second response result; the second response result is matched with the frequency mode to determine a second matching result; and the temporal resolution recognition information of the test object to near-infrared light is determined based on the multiple second matching results corresponding to the multiple frequency modes of second near-infrared light stimulation. The detection results of the soft corneal contact lens in infrared visual imaging are obtained based on the near-infrared light intensity sensing threshold and the temporal resolution recognition information.

2. The application according to claim 1, wherein, When the object to be tested is a person, the infrared visual imaging detection method further includes: By detecting the spatial resolution of the near-infrared light of the person being tested, the spatial resolution recognition information of the person being tested for near-infrared light is determined.

3. The application according to claim 2, wherein, The determination of the spatial resolution recognition information of the near-infrared light of the person being tested by detecting the spatial resolution of the near-infrared light includes: The third near-infrared light stimulus with multiple preset patterns is applied to the test subjects respectively; The response behavior of the subject to the third near-infrared light stimulus is detected to obtain the third response result; The third response result is matched with the preset graphic to determine the third matching result; The spatial resolution recognition information of the test subject for near-infrared light is determined based on multiple third matching results corresponding to the third near-infrared light stimulus of the multiple preset graphics.

4. The application according to claim 1, wherein, When the test subject is a mouse, the near-infrared light temporal resolution test is performed on the test subject to determine the test subject's near-infrared light temporal resolution recognition information, including: A behaviorally trained mouse wearing the soft contact lens is placed in a box having a first area and a second area, wherein there is a passage between the first area and the second area for the mouse to move; the behaviorally trained mouse has the ability to avoid visible light; Apply near-infrared light stimulation of multiple frequency modes to the first region or the second region; The behavioral data of the behaviorally trained mice wearing the soft corneal contact lens were obtained, which demonstrated their ability to distinguish near-infrared light of multiple intensities. Based on the behavioral data, the temporal resolution recognition information of near-infrared light intensity of the behaviorally trained mice wearing the soft corneal contact lens is determined.

5. The application according to claim 4, wherein, The training methods for the behaviorally trained mice include: The mouse to be trained is placed in a box having a first training area and a second training area, wherein there is a channel between the first training area and the second training area for the mouse to be trained to move. Different frequency modes of visible light are applied to the first training area and the second training area respectively, wherein each frequency mode of visible light corresponds to a different electric shock mode, so that the mouse can learn to distinguish the behavior of different frequency modes of visible light through the electric shock modes.

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