Photoprotective Ability of Sunscreens against Ultraviolet, Visible Light and Near-Infrared Radiation

Despite the widespread prevalence of daily sunscreen usage, solar-induced skin damage continues to occur. We have previously reported that solar visible light and near-infrared, in addition to ultraviolet radiation, perform as aging factors and induce deleterious effects such as photoaging, vasodilation, muscle thinning, skin ptosis, photoimmunosupression and photocarcinogenesis. Despite this, most commonly used sunscreens only block ultraviolet radiation. To evaluate the complete solar-spectrum blocking ability of sunscreens produced by internationally well-known companies, a double-beam spectrophotometer was used to optically measure the transmission spectra. The spectrophotometer utilizes a unique, single monochromatic design covering a wavelength range of 240 to 2600 nm. Sunscreens (thickness, 0.1 mm, SPF50+, PA+++ or ++++) from internationally well-known companies blocked 78.8% - 99.9% of ultraviolet, 33.4% - 99.6% of visible light, and 27.0% - 76.4% of near-infrared. It can be concluded that while most commercially available sunscreens filter ultraviolet radiation, they are not effective at blocking visible light and near-infrared radiation. The results of this study imply that sunscreens that provide comprehensive photoprotection from ultraviolet through to near-infrared should be considered to prevent skin photodamage.

Novel Low Viscosity Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides and Erioglaucine Sunscreen Potential to Protect from Ultraviolet, Visible Light and Near-Infrared Radiation

Despite the widespread recommendation and use of sunscreens and ultraviolet blocking materials, solar-induced skin damage and photoageing continues to pose a problem to human health worldwide. We have previously reported that solar visible light and near-infrared also contribute to skin damage and photo ageing. Most commonly recommended sunscreens are only effective throughout the UV spectrum, offering no protection from visible light and near-infrared. A possible solution could be to augment sunscreens with metal oxides which block visible light and near-infrared radiation. To evaluate the enhanced solar-spectrum blocking ability of novel low viscosity sunscreen containing zinc and iron oxides, a double-beam spectrophotometer was used to optically measure the transmission spectra. The spectrophotometer deploys a unique, single monochromatic design to detect wavelength penetration in the range of 240 to 2600 nm. The Sunscreen base without zinc oxide and iron oxides (control) blocked over 80% of ultraviolet-C and ultraviolet-B but did not block ultraviolet-A, visible light, or near-infrared. The novel low viscosity zinc oxide sample blocked almost over 90% ultraviolet, but did not block visible light and near-infrared sufficiently. However, the samples with the novel low viscosity zinc oxide, iron oxides and erioglaucine blocked almost over 90% of ultraviolet, visible light and near-infrared. It can be concluded that this novel combination of low viscosity zinc oxide, iron oxides and erioglaucine is effective at blocking ultraviolet, visible light and near-infrared radiation. The results of this study imply that sunscreens that provide comprehensive photoprotection from ultraviolet through to near-infrared should be adopted to prevent skin photodamage.

Photoprotective Ability of Colored Iron Oxides in Tinted Sunscreens against Ultraviolet, Visible Light and Near-Infrared Radiation

Solar-induced skin damage continues to pose a problem to human health worldwide, despite the widespread recommendation and use of sunscreens. We have previously reported that solar visible light and near-infrared also contribute to skin damage and photoageing. Most commonly recommended sunscreens are only effective throughout the UV spectrum, offering no protection from visible light and near-infrared. To evaluate the enhanced solar-spectrum blocking ability of iron oxides, a double-beam spectrophotometer was used to optically measure the transmission spectra. The spectrophotometer deploys a unique, single monochromatic design to detect wavelength penetration in the range of 240 to 2600 nm. The sample without iron oxide (control) blocked over 80% of ultraviolet-C and ultraviolet-B but did not block ultraviolet-A, visible light, or near-infrared wavelengths. The samples with yellow, and red iron oxide blocked over 90% ultraviolet, but did not block visible light and near-infrared effectively. The sample with black iron oxide blocked visible light, and near-infrared effectively compared with other samples with yellow, blue, and red iron oxide. The sample with red and black iron oxides, and the sample with yellow, blue, red, and black iron oxides blocked ultraviolet through to near-infrared. It can be concluded that dark colored iron oxide combinations are effective at blocking from ultraviolet through to visible light and near-infrared radiation. The results of this study may also suggest that biological colour of human skin and subcutaneous tissues are conserved for comprehensive photoprotection.

High efficiency and high transmission asymmetric polarization converter with chiral metasurface in visible and near-infrared region

Polarization manipulation of light is of great importance because it could promote development of wireless communications,biosensing,and polarization imaging.In order to use natural light more efficiently,it is highly demanded to design and fabricate high performance asymmetric polarization converters which could covert the natural light to one particular linearly polarized light with high efficiency.Traditionally,polarizers could be achieved by controllers with crystals and polymers exhibiting birefringence.However,the polarizers are bulky in size and the theoretical conversion efficiency of the polarizers is limited to 0.5 with unpolarized light incidence.In this paper,we propose a polarization converter which could preserve high transmission for one linearly polarized light and convert the orthogonal linearly polarized light to its cross-polarized with high transmittance based on a multi-layer chiral metasurface.Theoretical results show that normally incident y-polarized light preserves high transmittance for the wavelength range from 685 nm to 800 nm while the orthogonal normally incident x-polarized light is efficiently converted to the y-polarized light with high transmittance from 725 nm to 748 nm.Accordingly,for unpolarized light incidence,transmittance larger than 0.5 has been successfully achieved in a broadband wavelength range from 712 nm to 773 nm with a maximum transmittance of 0.58 at 732 nm.

Near-infrared lead chalcogenide quantum dots:Synthesis and applications in light emitting diodes

This paper reviews the recent progress in the synthesis of near-infrared(NIR) lead chalcogenide(PbX;PbX = PbS,PbSe, PbTe) quantum dots(QDs) and their applications in NIR QDs based light emitting diodes(NIR-QLEDs). It summarizes the strategies of how to synthesize high efficiency PbX QDs and how to realize high performance Pb X based NIR-QLEDs.

Multi-watt near-infrared light therapy as a neuroregenerative treatment for traumatic brain injury

Infrared light represents a broad spectrum of light with wavelengths from 700 nm to 1 million nm（1,000 microns）.At its shortest wavelengths（referred to as near-infrared）,it merges with the red spectrum of visible light.At the longest end（referred to as far-infrared）,it blends into the range of microwaves.

Biological Defenses against Ultra-Violet, Visible Light, and Near-Infrared Exposure

Objective: Humans are increasingly exposed to artificial light and electromagnetic wave radiation, in addition to solar radiation. Many studies have shown the biological effects of ultra-violet and near-infrared exposure, but few have extensively investigated the innate biological defenses within human tissues against visible light and near-infrared exposure. Herein, we investigated spectral properties of endogenous human biological defenses against ultra-violet to near-infrared. Methods: A double-beam spectrophotometer (190 - 2700 nm) was used to measure the transmission spectra of a saline solution used to imitate perspiration, and oil to imitate sebum, as well as human skin, blood, adipose tissue, and muscle. Results: Saline (thickness, 0.5 mm) blocked 27.5% - 98.6% of ultra-violet, 13.2% - 34.3% of visible light, and 10.7% - 99.8% of near-infrared. Oil (thickness, 0.5 mm) blocked 50.5% - 100% of ultra-violet, 28.7% - 54.8% of visible light, and 19.0% - 98.3% of near-infrared. Blood thicknesses of 0.05 and 0.5 mm blocked over 97.8%, 100% of ultra-violet, over 94.6%, 99.7% of visible light, and over 75.8%, 99.4% of near-infrared, respectively. Skin thicknesses of 0.25 and 0.5 mm blocked over 99.4%, 100% of ultra-violet and over 94.3%, 99.7% of visible light, and over 74.7%, 93.5% of near-infrared, respectively. Adipose tissue thickness of 0.25 and0.5 mm blocked over 98.3%, 100% of ultra-violet, over 94.7%, 99.7% of visible light, and over 88.1%, 98.6% of near-infrared, respectively. Muscle thickness of 0.25 and0.5 mm blocked over 95.4%, 99.8% of ultra-violet, over 93.1%, 99.5% of visible light, and over 86.9%, 98.3% of near-infrared, respectively. Conclusions: Humans possess endogenous biological protection against ultra-violet, visible light and near-infrared exposure on multiple levels, including through perspiration, sebum, blood, skin, adipose tissue, and muscle. Since solar and artificial radiation affects human tissues, biological defenses made of biological materials may be induced to protect subcutaneous tissues against these wavelengths.

Dynamic aggregation of carbon dots self-stabilizes symmetry breaking for exceptional hydrogen production with near-infrared light

Developing new photosystems that integrate broad-band near-infrared(NIR)light harvesting and efficient charge separation is a long-sought goal in the photocatalytic community.In this work,we develop a novel photochemical strategy to prepare light-active carbon dots(CDs)under room temperature and discover that the aggregation of CDs can broaden the light absorption to the NIR region due to the electronic couplings between neighboring CDs.Importantly,the dynamic noncovalent interactions within CD aggregates can stabilize symmetry breaking and thus induce large dipole moments for charge separation and transfer.Furthermore,the weak non-covalent interactions allow for flexible design of the aggregated degrees and the local electronic structures of CD aggregates,further strengthening NIR-light harvesting and charge separation efficiency.As a result,the CD aggregates achieve a record apparent quantum yield of 13.5%at 800 nm,which is one of the best-reported values for NIR-light-driven hydrogen photosynthesis to date.Moreover,we have prepared a series of different CDs and also observed that these CDs after aggregation all exhibit outstanding NIR-responsive photocatalytic hydrogen production activity,suggesting the universality of aggregation-enhanced photocatalysis.This discovery opens a new promising platform for using CD aggregates as efficient light absorbers for solar conversion.

Achieving near-infrared-light-mediated switchable friction regulation on MXene-based double network hydrogels

MXene possesses great potential in enriching the functionalities of hydrogels due to its unique metallic conductivity,high aspect ratio,near-infrared light(NIR light)responsiveness,and wide tunability,however,the poor compatibility of MXene with hydrogels limits further applications.In this work,we report a uniformly dispersed MXene-functionalized poly-N-isopropylacrylamide(PNIPAM)/poly-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid(PAMPS)double network hydrogel(M–DN hydrogel)that can achieve switchable friction regulation by using the NIR light.The dispersity of MXene in hydrogels was significantly improved by incorporating the chitosan(CS)polymer.This M–DN hydrogel showed much low coefficient of friction(COF)at 25℃ due to the presence of hydration layer on hydrogel surface.After illuminating with the NIR light,M–DN hydrogel with good photothermal effect rapidly raised the temperature to above the lower critical solution temperature(LCST),which led to an obvious increase of surface COF owing to the destruction of the hydration layer.In addition,M–DN friction control hydrogel showed good recyclability and controllability by tuning“on-off”of the NIR light.This work highlights the construction of functional MXene hydrogels for intelligent lubrication,which provides insight for interface sensing,controlled transmission,and flexible robotic arms.

pH- and near-infrared light-responsive,biomimetic hydrogels from aqueous dispersions of carbon nanotubes

Owing to their low flexibility,poor processability and a lack of responsiveness,inorganic materials are usually non-ideal for constructing a living organism.Hence,to date,lifelike materials with structural hierarchies and adaptive properties usually rely on light and soft organic molecules,although few exceptions have been acquired using two-dimensional(2D)inorganic nanosheets.Herein,with a systematic study on the gelation behavior of carbon-based 0D quantum dots,1D nanotubes,and 3D fullerenes,we find that acidified 1D carbon nanotubes(CNTs)can serve as an alternative building block for fabricating purely inorganic biomimetic soft materials.The as-prepared CNT gels exhibit not only a pH-or photothermal-triggered mechanical and tribological adaptivity,which allows them to simulate the behavior of sea cucumbers,peacock mantis shrimps,and mammalian muscles or cortical bones,but also a unique damping property that is similar to spider’s cuticular pad.Their high elasticity,effective lubrication,excellent biocompatibility,and controllable friction and wear also allow them to function as a new type of smart lubricants,whose tribological properties can be regulated either by its internal pH changes or spatiotemporally by near-infrared(NIR)light irradiations,free of any toxic and flammable base oils or additives.

Persistent radical anion of perylene dianhydride:an emerging metal-free photocatalyst for near-infrared photocontrolled RAFT polymerization

Developing a new type of photocatalyst(PC) and catalytic mechanism for near-infrared(NIR) photocontrolled reversibledeactivation radical polymerization(RDRP) system is charming but challenging.Herein,a novel PC of the persistent radical anion(PRA)(possessing the properties of both radical and anion) was developed for NIR photocontrolled reversible additionfragmentation chain transfer(RAFT) polymerization,enabling successful polymerization while gaining a deep insight into the mechanism of photo-induced electron transfer RAFT(PET-RAFT) polymerization.Different from the conventional and wellaccepted reductive quenching(RQ) pathway,in which the radical anion intermediates of PCs(PCs^(·-)) must be generated in an excited state(ES),here,the PRA(3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride radical anion(PTCDA^(·-))) could generate conveniently in situ in the ground state(GS) and subsequently serve as highly efficient PC in the NIR region(740–850 nm).The successful implementation of this strategy elucidates the peculiar role played by light and the real way of electron transfer behaviors.In fact,the transfer of a single electron from PRA to chain transfer agent(CTA) and cleavage of the C–S bonds is a process from ES to GS,rather than always from GS(PCs^(·-)) to GS(CTA) in the RQ pathway as is well known to all.In addition,the excellent spatial-temporal control and powerful penetration ability of the NIR light were also confirmed by this PRAcatalyzed polymerization system.

Near-infrared light-driven multifunctional metal ion(Cu^(2+))-loaded polydopamine nanomotors for therapeutic angiogenesis in critical limb ischemia

Most of the current nanomedicine-based treatments for critical limb ischemia(CLI)only aim at promoting angiogenesis,ignoring the negative influence on the therapeutic effects caused by the complex pathological micro-environment of ischemic tissue.Herein,near-infrared(NIR)light-driven metal ion(Cu^(2+))-loaded polydopamine(PDA)nanomotors(JMPN@Cu^(2+))is designed and prepared.Due to the good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of PDA,JMPN@Cu^(2+)exhibits excellent biocompatibility and significantly improves the ischemic micro-environment.Additionally,based on superior photothermal conversion effect and jellyfish-like structure,the nanomotors are quickly propelled under NIR laser with low energy intensity to acquire the ability of movement and facilitate intracellular uptake of JMPN@Cu^(2+)by endothelial cells,resulting in the enhanced pro-angiogenic effect of Cu^(2+).Moreover,in vivo experimental findings show that JMPN@Cu^(2+)combined with NIR irradiation can successfully accelerate blood flow recovery and improve muscle repair.Taking these results together,this kind of nanomotor can promote angiogenesis along with ischemic micro-environment amelioration,holding great potential applications for the treatment of limb ischemia.

Using Near-Infrared Ⅰ/Ⅱ Light to Regulate the Performance of Nanozymes

Nanozymes are nanomaterials with enzymatic properties that address the shortcomings of natural enzymes.Among them,many nanozymes could absorb near-infrared(NIR)light and respond to NIR light stimulation,providing us with a new perspective to regulate their catalytic performance.During the past several years,the use of NIR light as an external stimulus has made considerable progress,which has given a powerful shove-ahead to their applications in biomedical fields.This review highlights recent advances in the application of NIR light-responsive nanozyme-based systems.First,we will discuss the mechanisms of such NIR light-regulated nanozymes.Then,various strategies are summarized to construct effective NIR light-responsive nanozymes.After that,this remote-controlled catalytic system covers multiple applications,from bactericidal to tumor therapeutics.Finally,the challenges faced by NIR light-responsive nanozymes are outlined and future directions for advancing NIR light-responsive nanozyme research are proposed.We anticipate that this review will guide and inspire researchers to synthesize effective NIR-activated nanozymes and may promote breakthroughs in this field.

Effects of stimulating frequency of NIR LEDs light irradiation on forehead as quantified by EEG measurements

Near-infrared(NIR)light has been shown to produce a range of physiological effects in hunans,however,there is still no agreement on whether and how a single parameter,like the flicker frequency of NIR light,affects the brain.An 810 nm NIR LED was used as the stimulator.Fifty subjects participated in this experiment.Forty subjects were randomly divided into four groups.Each group underwent a 30-minute NIR LED radiation with four different frequencies(i.e.,0 Hz,5 Hz,10 Hz and 20 Hz,respectively)on the forehead.The remaining 10 subjects formed the control group,in which they underwent a 30-minute rest period without light radiation.EEG signals of all subjects during each test were recorded.Gravity frequency(GF),relative energy change,and sample entropy were analyzed.The experimental groups had larger GF values compared to the control group.Higher stimulation frequency would cause larger growth of GF(F=14.75,P<0.001).The amplitude of alpha waves relative energy increased,while theta waves decreased remarkably in the experimental groups(p<0.02),and the extent of increase/decrease was larger at higher stimulation frequency,compared to that of the control.Sample entropy of electrodes in the frontal areas were much larger than those in other brain areas in the experimental groups(p<0.001).Larger frequency of the NIR LED light would cause more distinct brain activities in the stimulated areas.It indicates that NIR LED light may have a positive effect on modulating brain activity.These results may help improve the design of photobiomodulation treatments in the future.

Gold nanoparticles doped metal-organic frameworks as near-infrared light-enhanced cascade nanozyme against hypoxic tumors

We report gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)doped iron-based metal-organic frameworks(GIM)which displays near-infrared light(NIR)-enhanced cascade nanozyme against hypoxic tumors.Due to the strong protein adsorption-induced surface passivation,AuNPs suffer from the loss of glucose oxidase(GOx)activity.However,GIM could protect the GOx-like activity of AuNPs with the satisfactory shield capability.In addition,GIM exhibited excellent photothermal conversion ability and unique NIR light-enhanced GOx-like activity,which could efficiently increase the endogenous H2O2 production.Meanwhile,as the produced H2O2 is converted by GIM into O2 and highly toxic OH.Thus,GIM-catalyzed cascade reactions with NIR light irradiation not only offer the O2 but also promote the reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation at tumor sites.The produced O2 could be further applied to AuNPs catalytic oxidation of glucose and relieve hypoxic condition of tumor microenvironment(TME).As a proof-of-concept study,GIM demonstrates the admirable tumor ablation under NIR irradiation in vivo.

A novel near-infrared light responsive 4D printed nanoarchitecture with dynamically and remotely controllable transformation

Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an emerging and highly innovative additive manufacturing process by which to fabricate pre-designed,self-assembly structures with the ability to transform over time.However,one of the critical challenges of 4D printing is the lack of advanced 4D printing systems that not only meet all the essential requirements of shape change but also possess smart,dynamic capabilities to spatiotemporally and instantly control the shape-transformation process.Here,we present a facile 4D printing platform which incorporates nanomaterials into the conventional stimuli-responsive polymer,allowing the 4D printed object to achieve a dynamic and remote controlled,on-time and position shape transformation.A proof-of-concept 4D printed brain model was created using near-infrared light (NIR) responsive nanocomposite to evaluate the capacity for controllable 4D transformation,and the feasibility of photothermal stimulation for modulating neural stem cell behaviors.This novel 4D printing strategy can not only be used to create dynamic 3D patterned biological structures that can spatiotemporally control their shapes or behaviors of transformation under a human benign stimulus (NIR),but can also provide a potential method for building complex self-morphing objects for widespread applications.

Research on the detection of early caries based on hyperspectral imaging

Objective:We applied hyperspectral imaging(HSI)system to distinguish early caries from soundand pigmented areas.It will provide a theoretical basis and technical support,for research anddevelopment of an instrument that could be used for screening and detection of early dentalcaries.Methods:Eighteen extracted human teeth(molars and premolars),with varying degrees ofnatural pathology and no degree of decay involving dentin were obtained.HSI system with awavelength range from 400 to 1000nm was used to obtain images of all 18 teeth containingsound,carious and pigmented areas.We compared the spectra of the wavebands at both 500 nmand 780 nm from the different tooth states,and the reflectance diference bet ween sound versuscarious lesions and sound versus pigmented areas,respectively.Results:There was a slight diference in refectance bet ween carious areas and pigmented areas at500 nm.A substantial difference was additionally noted in refectance bet ween carious areas andpigmented areas at 780 nm.Conclusion:The results have shown that the interference of tooth surface pigment can be elim-inated in the near-infrared(NIR)waveband,and the caries can be effectively identifed from the pigmented areas.Thus,it could be used to detect carious areas of teeth in place of the traditionalvisual inspection method or white light endoscopy.Clinical significance:The NIR difused light signal enables the identification of early caries frompigment and other interference,providing a reasonable detection tool for early detection andearly treatment of teeth diseases.

Cu nanoparticle-decorated two-dimensional carbon nanosheets with superior photothermal conversion efficiency of 65 % for highly efficient disinfection under near-infrared light

Low photothermal conversion efficiency restricts the antibacterial application of photothermal materials.In this work,two-dimensional carbon nanosheets(2D C)were prepared and decorated with Cu nanoparticles(2D C/Cu)by using a simple soluble salt template method combined with ultrasonic exfoliation.The photothermal conversion efficiency of 2 D C/Cu system can be optimized by changing the content of Cu nanoparticles,where the 2D C/Cu2 showed the best photothermal conversion efficiency(á)of 65.05%under 808 nm near-infrared light irradiation.In addition,the photothermal performance can affect the release behavior of Cu ions.This superior photothermal property combined with released Cu ions can endow this 2D hybrid material with highly efficient antibacterial efficacy of 99.97%±0.01%,99.96%±0.01%,99.97%±0.01%against Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus,and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,respectively,because of the synergetic effect of photothermy and ion release.In addition,this 2D hybrid system exhibited good cytocompatibility.Hence,this study provides a novel strategy to enhance the photothermal performance of 2D materials and thus will be beneficial for development of antibiotics-free antibacterial materials with safe and highly efficient bactericidal activity.

Near-infrared fundus camera based on polarization switch in stray light elimination

This letter shows that the human eye fundus tissue has higher reflectivity at the near-infrared （NIR） wavelength, and that some aberrations exist at the pre-optical system from cornea to vitreous. We design a NIR fundus camera with inner focusing, which can be applied to the -10 D to 10 D range of vision and has the advantage of ensuring the stability of image when is focused. Considered as Liou＇s eye aberration model, we correct the integrated aberration to ensure a 100 lp/mm resolution when we complete the assembly and calibration of the fundus camera. Kohler illumination is also applied to obtain uniform fundus illumination. Moreover, we put forward a novel method for stray light elimination based on polarization switch, which inhibits ghost image formation near the focal plane when the illumination beam is reflected by the eyepiece surface. The result shows that this method is effective in ensuring an illumination uniformity of 80%, with the advantage of simple structure and easy assembly.

Polymer Vesicles with Upper Critical Solution Temperature for Near-infrared Light-triggered Transdermal Delivery of Metformin in Diabetic Rats

Near-infrared light(NIR)triggered transdermal drug delivery systems are of great interest due to their on-demand drug release,which enable to enhance drug treatment efficiency as well as reduce side effect.Herein,a NIR-triggered microneedle(MN)patch array has been fabricated through depositing the photothermal conversion agent and anti-diabetic drug-loaded polymer vesicles with upper critical solution temperature(UCST)into dissolvable polymer matrix.The UCST-type polymer has a clearing point temperature of 41℃ and the drug-loaded polymer vesicles present excellent NIR-triggered and temperature responsive drug release behavior in vitro due to the disassociation of polymer vesicles upon NIR irradiation.After applying MNs to diabetic rats,significant hypoglycemic effect is achieved upon interval NIR irradiation and the blood glucose concentration can decrease to normal state for several hours,which enables to achieve the goal of on-demand drug release.This work suggests that the NIR-triggered MN drug release device has a potential application in the treatment of diabetes,especially for those requiring an active drug release manner.