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Fluorescence lifetime estimation: a practical approach using Flipper-TR FLIM

First online date2025-09-25
Abstract

Flipper-TR is a membrane dye sensitive to lipid packing widely used to probe membrane tension in live cells via fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). However, no consensus currently exists on the optimal strategy for extracting lifetime values, particularly across varying experimental setups and biological systems. Here, we systematically compare multiple approaches to estimate Flipper-TR lifetime, including multi-exponential reconvolution fitting, tail fitting, mean photon arrival time (first moment), and phasor analysis. These estimators are tested against changes in photon budget, sample characteristics, microscope manufacturer, and laser frequency. This offers a comprehensive benchmark and decision-making framework for quantitative FLIM analysis of Flipper dyes in various contexts.

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Citation (ISO format)
MANDAL, Tithi, ROUX, Aurélien, GARCIA ARCOS, Juan Manuel. Fluorescence lifetime estimation: a practical approach using Flipper-TR FLIM. 2025. doi: 10.1101/2025.09.23.678124
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Creation16/01/2026 13:01:23
First validation19/01/2026 10:33:05
Update19/01/2026 10:33:05
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