Weight-dependent Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging for Viscosity Detection in Glycerol-water Mixtures / 生物化学与生物物理进展

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveBased on fluorescence lifetime imaging technology, a novel method for viscosity detection is proposed and the capability of different weighting of fluorescence lifetimes in distinguishing the viscosity of glycerol-water mixtures is evaluated, aiming to enhance the accuracy and reliability of viscosity differentiation. MethodsThis approach incorporates the principles of electronic weighting, introducing both amplitude-weighted average fluorescence lifetime (τm) and intensity-weighted average fluorescence lifetime (τi). Viscosity changes in glycerol-water mixtures are detected through τm and τi. τm Reflects the relationship between fluorescence signal amplitude and time, while τi focuses on the time-varying characteristics of fluorescence signal intensity. ResultsThe results of both τm and τi mutually corroborate each other, not only enhancing the reliability in detecting viscosity changes in glycerol-water mixtures but also revealing their unique roles in the detection process. Although τm plays a crucial role in capturing changes in fluorescence signal amplitude, τi exhibits higher accuracy in viscosity detection when considering the time-varying characteristics of fluorescence signal intensity. It is particularly noteworthy that, due to τi’s greater sensitivity, microenvironment viscosity detection can be directly analyzed using τi. This provides a more convenient approach for real-time, highly sensitive microfluidic viscosity monitoring. Therefore, through the comprehensive utilization of τm and τi, a more thorough and accurate understanding of the viscosity information in glycerol-water mixtures can be obtained, and specific parameters can be selected for in-depth analysis based on specific needs. ConclusionThe combination of amplitude weighting and intensity weighting allows for a more sensitive identification of subtle changes in viscosity under different conditions. The innovation of this method lies in its simultaneous consideration of multiple parameters, enhancing sensitivity and distinguishability to variations in viscosity. Therefore, this weighted-dependent fluorescence lifetime imaging technique not only introduces a novel approach for viscosity detection in glycerol-water mixtures but also provides a powerful analytical tool for various fields, including microfluidics, rheology, and research on novel functional materials.