Label-free visualization of multimodal diffusion dynamics in live cells via in-cell two-dimensional fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy

Chemistry Letters 2026

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Authors: Sandeep Yadav, Kenji Okamoto, Yasushi Sako, Kunihiko Ishii, Tahei Tahara
DOI: 10.1093/chemle/upaf244
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

Abstract Fundamental biological processes depend on molecular diffusion within cells, typically studied using external fluorescent probes that can disturb native functions. Here, we introduce in-cell two-dimensional fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy (in-cell 2D FLCS) as a label-free approach utilizing cellular autofluorescence to measure diffusion dynamics in living cells. Three distinct autofluorescent species were identified, each exhibiting diverse diffusion behaviors, revealing cytoplasmic heterogeneity. This technique offers a noninvasive and sensitive tool for probing diffusion dynamics in biological and medical research.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques Molecular Sensors and Ion Detection Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Techniques

Publication details

Journal / source
Chemistry Letters
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
55
Issue
1
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN