Atomically Precise Au₃₂ Clusters for 3D Visualization of Pathological Progression in Sepsis-Induced Multi-Organ Injury.

Abstract

Sepsis has a high global incidence and mortality, requiring early identification and assessment of organ damage. We present a NIR-II 3D visualization strategy using atomically precise fluorescent Au₃₂ clusters to detect sepsis-induced multi-organ injury. These clusters emit strong fluorescence at 1044 nm with extended photostability (up to 300 min). Integrated with light-sheet microscopy, the method achieves rapid 3D imaging with a 2 μm isotropic resolution and 500 μm tissue penetration. It reveals significant pathological changes in two sepsis models, including intestinal villi shortening (to 32.7% and 43.8%) and renal tubule swelling (1.9× and 2.1×). Blood vessel integrity in pulmonary bronchioles was reduced to 37.1% and 45.2%. This approach enables detailed visualization of microstructural lesions and disease progression, underscoring its potential for early diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis-induced organ injury.