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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells
Published on: February 9, 2012
A CTRW-based model of time-resolved fluorescence lifetime imaging in a turbid medium
Victor Chernomordik1, Amir H Gandjbakhche, Moinuddin Hassan
1Section on Analytical and Functional Biophotonics, Program on Pediatric Imaging and Tissue Sciences, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892.
This study introduces a new analytic model for time-resolved fluorescent imaging using a continuous-time random walk (CTRW) to locate fluorophores. The model accurately predicts fluorophore position and lifetime in turbid media, crucial for medical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Photon Migration Imaging
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Fluorescent imaging is vital for diagnostics, but models often simplify photon behavior.
- Accurate modeling of photon transport in turbid media is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an analytic model for time-resolved fluorescent imaging.
- To estimate fluorophore position and lifetime using a novel approach.
- To explore potential medical applications for pH and temperature sensing.
Main Methods:
- Developed an analytic model based on continuous-time random walk (CTRW) on a cubic lattice.
- Simulated photon migration through a semi-infinite turbid medium.
- Tested the model with time-resolved fluorescence measurements in tissue phantoms.
Main Results:
- The CTRW model successfully estimated fluorophore position and lifetime.
- Experimental results showed good agreement with theoretical predictions.
- Model accuracy was dependent on fluorophore proximity to the boundary.
Conclusions:
- The CTRW model offers a more accurate representation of photon migration in fluorescent imaging.
- This approach has potential for non-invasive medical sensing.
- Boundary effects require careful consideration in future model development.
