Time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging for intracellular pH sensing in living tissues

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2008 Jul;391(5):1871-9. doi: 10.1007/s00216-008-2147-0. Epub 2008 May 16.

Abstract

pH sensing in living cells represents one of the most prominent topics in biochemistry and physiology. In this study we performed one-photon and two-photon time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging with a laser-scanning microscope using the time-correlated single-photon counting technique for imaging intracellular pH levels. The suitability of different commercial fluorescence dyes for lifetime-based pH sensing is discussed on the basis of in vitro as well of in situ measurements. Although the tested dyes are suitable for intensity-based ratiometric measurements, for lifetime-based techniques in the time-domain so far only BCECF seems to meet the requirements of reliable intracellular pH recordings in living cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Endothelium / cytology*
  • Fluoresceins / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lasers
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Photons
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Fluoresceins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein