Ag2S nanoparticles enable early detection of inflammation by transient thermometry

Early diagnosis of inflammation, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis, remains challenging due to the limited sensitivity of conventional methods. Here, we introduce a novel diagnosis approach using Ag₂S nanoparticles for transient thermometry to detect early-stage inflammation. Ag₂S nanoparticles exhibit temperature-dependent near-infrared (NIR) luminescence, which enables measurement of the dynamics of joint joint temperature. Our results demonstrate that both acute and chronic inflammation can be detected by monitoring the shortening in the thermal relaxation time of inflamed joints. This method offers a sensitive, minimally invasive, and cost-effective tool for early inflammation diagnosis, potentially improving patient outcomes by enabling timely intervention. Importantly, it discriminates subtle inflammatory processes from non-inflammatory conditions even at very early stages. • NIR luminescence of Ag 2 S nanoparticles allows internal joint thermometry in rodent models. • Increased blood perfusion can be detected by faster thermal relaxation. • Transient thermometry reveals joint inflammation via heat dynamics in chronic and acute inflammation models.