A New Macro-Imager Based On Tpx3cam Optical Camera For Plim Applications

The recently designed Tpx3 Cam camera based PLIM (Phosphorescence Lifetime IMaging) macro-imager was tested using an array of phosphorescent chemical and biological samples. A series of sensor materials prepared by incorporating the phosphorescent O-2-sensitive dye, PtBP, into five polymers with different O-2 permeability were imaged along with several commercial and non-commercial sensors based on PtBP and PtOEPK dyes. The PLIM images showed good lifetime contrast between the different materials, and phosphorescence lifetime values obtained were consistent with those measured by alternative methods. A panel of live tissues samples stained with PtBP based nanoparticle probe were also prepared and imaged under resting conditions and upon inhibition of respiration. The macro-imager showed promising results as a tool for PLIM of O-2 in chemical and biological samples.