Bioanalysis using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

Abstract

Imaging of fluorescence lifetime has received much attention in recent years for investigating biological systems. Fluorescence intensity depends on concentration of chromophore, excitation intensity, and optical conditions, whereas fluorescence lifetime is an inherent property of a chromophore and therefore independent of the factors that limit fluorescence intensity measurements. Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) techniques therefore provide more quantitative information on the cellular environment compared with fluorescence intensity imaging. In the present review, we briefly introduce the physical properties of fluorescence lifetime and show the FLIM images of living cells expressing green fluorescent protein mutants.