Optimizing Laguerre expansion based deconvolution methods for analysing bi-exponential fluorescence lifetime images

Opt Express. 2016 Jun 27;24(13):13894-905. doi: 10.1364/OE.24.013894.

Abstract

Fast deconvolution is an essential step to calibrate instrument responses in big fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) image analysis. This paper examined a computationally effective least squares deconvolution method based on Laguerre expansion (LSD-LE), recently developed for clinical diagnosis applications, and proposed new criteria for selecting Laguerre basis functions (LBFs) without considering the mutual orthonormalities between LBFs. Compared with the previously reported LSD-LE, the improved LSD-LE allows to use a higher laser repetition rate, reducing the acquisition time per measurement. Moreover, we extended it, for the first time, to analyze bi-exponential fluorescence decays for more general FLIM-FRET applications. The proposed method was tested on both synthesized bi-exponential and realistic FLIM data for studying the endocytosis of gold nanorods in Hek293 cells. Compared with the previously reported constrained LSD-LE, it shows promising results.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Fluorescence
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Least-Squares Analysis
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods