Mesoscopic light-sheet imaging set-up for 3D SWIR fluorescence intensity and NIR fluorescence lifetime imaging

Fluorescence lifetime imaging offers the unique ability to monitor the molecular status of the tissue microenvironment. However, the scattering nature of tissues remains a challenge for mesoscopic 3D high resolution imaging. We introduce the design of a mesoscopic light-sheet system with short-wave infrared (SWIR) intensity and near infrared (NIR) fluorescent lifetime imaging capabilities. This system enables 3D mesoscopic imaging of high-resolution probe biodistribution and fluorescent lifetime. The system was characterized and validated through phantom experiments, and further tested on tumor spheroids and ex vivo organ samples.