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Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells
Published on: February 9, 2012
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Imaging tumor microscopic viscosity in vivo using molecular rotors
Lyubov' E Shimolina1,2, Maria Angeles Izquierdo3, Ismael López-Duarte3
1Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy, Minin and Pozharsky Square, 10/1, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia.
Scientific Reports
|January 31, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a novel method using fluorescent molecular rotors and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to measure microscopic viscosity in living animals. This technique enables real-time monitoring of viscosity changes in cells and tissues, crucial for diagnostics and treatment evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biophysics
- Biomedical imaging
- Cancer research
Background:
- Microscopic viscosity is crucial for cellular processes like diffusion and reactions.
- Existing methods for viscosity measurement are limited to in vitro applications.
- In vivo monitoring of cellular viscosity has remained a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for in vivo microscopic viscosity imaging.
- To assess the feasibility of using fluorescent molecular rotors and FLIM for real-time viscosity monitoring.
- To correlate in vivo viscosity measurements with in vitro data for cancer cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluorescent molecular rotors as viscosity probes.
- Employed Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) for high-resolution imaging.
- Applied the technique to single tumor cells and surrounding tissues in live mice.
Main Results:
- Successfully imaged microscopic viscosity in vivo at both single-cell and tissue levels.
- Demonstrated a strong correlation between in vivo and in vitro viscosity measurements for cancer cells.
- Showcased the capability for dynamic, real-time monitoring of viscosity changes in live animals.
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescent molecular rotor and FLIM-based method enables non-invasive in vivo viscosity imaging.
- This technique is suitable for diagnostics and monitoring treatment efficacy in real-time.
- Provides a new tool for understanding cellular biophysics in vivo.
