Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in the medical sciences

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Optical Imaging

Background:

• Advances in fluorophore technology (organic dyes, fluorescent proteins, quantum dots) have enabled detailed observation of cellular processes.
• Fluorescence lifetime, an intrinsic fluorophore property, is sensitive to the microenvironment and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse fluorophores, techniques, and clinical applications of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).
• To highlight the growing importance of fluorescence lifetime measurements in optical bioassays and diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of fluorescence lifetime in either time or frequency domain.
• Utilizing fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for biological and clinical applications.

Main Results:

• Fluorescence lifetime serves as a critical parameter for constructing optical bioassays.
• FLIM has evolved from a research tool to a potential clinical diagnostic method.

Conclusions:

• FLIM provides a powerful, non-invasive method for studying cellular dynamics and environmental changes.
• The sensitivity and specificity of FLIM enable its application in both fundamental research and clinical settings.