Dense And Dynamic 3D Selection For Game-Based Virtual Environments

Monitoring of microenvironmental parameters is critical in healthcare and disease management. Harnessing the antioxidant activity of nanoceria and the imaging capabilities of iron oxide nanoparticles in a device setup, we were able to image changes in the device\u27s aqueous milieu. The device was able to convey and process changes in the microenvironment\u27s pH and reactive oxygen species\u27 concentration, distinguishing physiological from abnormal levels. As a result under physiological and transient inflammatory conditions, the device\u27s fluorescence and magnetic resonance signals, emanating from multimodal iron oxide nanoparticles, were similar. However, under chronic inflammatory conditions that are usually associated with high local concentrations of reactive oxygen species and pH decrease, the device\u27s output was considerably different. Specifically, the device\u27s fluorescence emission significantly decreased, while the magnetic resonance signal T2 increased. Further studies identified that the changes in the device\u27s output are attributed to inactivation of the sensing component\u27s nanoceria that prevents it from successfully scavenging the generated free radicals. Interestingly, the buildup of free radical excess led to polymerization of the iron oxide nanoparticle\u27s coating, with concomitant formation of micron size aggregates. Our studies indicate that a nanoceria-based device can be utilized for the monitoring of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, having important applications in the management of numerous ailments while eliminating nanoparticle toxicity issues. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012