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Fluorescence Lifetime Techniques in Medical Applications

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Abstract

This article presents an overview of time-resolved (lifetime) fluorescence techniques used in biomedical diagnostics. In particular, we review the development of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) instrumentation and associated methodologies which allow in vivo characterization and diagnosis of biological tissues. Emphasis is placed on the translational research potential of these techniques and on evaluating whether intrinsic fluorescence signals provide useful contrast for the diagnosis of human diseases including cancer (gastrointestinal tract, lung, head and neck, and brain), skin and eye diseases, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Dr. D. Schweitzer (University of Jena, Germany) and Dr. G. Wagnieres (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) for providing support material for this review and their insightful comments. We also thank Dr. H. Xie for his help with literature review. Work in the author’s laboratory has been supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01 HL67377, R21 RR 025818).

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    Laura Marcu

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Correspondence to Laura Marcu.

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Associate Editor Daniel Elson oversaw the review of this article.

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Marcu, L. Fluorescence Lifetime Techniques in Medical Applications. Ann Biomed Eng 40, 304–331 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-011-0495-y

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