Relative concentration of fluorophores in a scattering medium using fluorescence lifetime contrast

摘要

In vivo optical molecular imaging of fluorescent probes predominantly employs continuous wave techniques to measure fluorescence intensity. Alternatively, time domain techniques permit measurement of fluorescence lifetime in addition to fluorescence intensity. Fluorescence lifetime allows discrimination of fluorescent probes with contrasting lifetime or inference of a probe's environment due to lifetime sensitivity. Here, we present the use of fluorescence lifetime contrast to evaluate the relative concentrations of a mixture of fluorophores in a scattering medium. This approach offers the potential to perform dual-probe in vivo optical molecular imaging at a single wavelength employing lifetime contrast rather than via spectral intensity contrast.