Metabolic FLIM and oxygen PLIM/dFLIM in translational research

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of metabolic coenzymes, as NAD(P)H and FAD and oxygen induced phosphorescence lifetime imaging (PLIM) of phosphorescent drugs or delayed FLIM (dFLIM) is now widely accepted to be one of the most important imaging methods for cell metabolism and oxygen. Different algorithms are developed and optimized for simultaneous FLIM/PLIM/dFLIM to get reproducible results. The interaction of light, drug and oxygen during PDT (photodynamic therapy) induces a cellular response, which could be followed by various techniques. The aim of this work was to simultaneously image the cellular response and oxygen consumption in living cells with subcellular resolution.