We have developed biocompatible azaBODIPY fluorescent contrast agents with extended lifetimes, alongside two time-domain camera technologies: the CAPS tauCAM and CA-SPAD sensor and camera, and advanced supporting tdFLI models and algorithms. The CAPS sensor offers excellent NIR sensitivity, essential for medical fluorescence imaging, and is available at 128×128 resolution. The CA-SPAD camera, with a higher QVGA resolution (320×240), introduces fast and efficient photon-to-lifetime conversion, though it has limited NIR efficiency. Achieving high resolution combined with strong NIR performance remains a key challenge.
We have engineered a preclinical time-domain fluorescence imaging instrument, pioneering tdFLI in mesoscopic preclinical research. Additional research has focused on identifying optimal illumination sources. With the systems and contrast agents in place, we now have a validated preclinical proof-of-concept (PoC) instrument and have begun showcasing tdFLI’s transformative potential. Feedback from early users confirmed the system’s suitability for specific applications, while other use cases require adaptation—these are now pursued in secondary development tracks.
Each CoDaFlight sensors have unique strengths, enabling us to tailor different systems to different needs. While a single sensor combining all advantages remains our ultimate goal, a major bottleneck is the limited availability of high-power pulsed lasers, especially for azaBODIPY dyes. We are currently working around this with medium-powered lasers and are also exploring the development or acquisition of suitable high-power laser systems.
In parallel, based on feedback from our External Advisory Board, we have begun exploring specimen imaging, aligning better with clinical needs and increasing the technology’s impact. This too has become a dedicated secondary track. We need to spin this towards 775 nm excitation because of the laser power, and the current clinically approved fluorescent molecualr tracers.
Our aim is to demonstrate tdFLI's capabilities through in vivo PoC studies to build acceptance in the biomedical field and pave the way for adoption in new markets. We have shown that the CoDaFlight system and azaBODIPY dyes can clearly distinguish tumor fluorescence from background based on large lifetime differences—enabled by the novel dye chemistry. Upcoming efforts include real-time surgical demonstrations and showcasing our new pH-sensitive dyes.
Feedback from molecular imaging centers is increasingly shaping project priorities, prompting engineers to develop application-specific instrument versions—a key step for broader adoption.
We are also building visibility within the scientific community, independently and with US collaborators. Notably, we are organizing dedicated tdFLI sessions at EMIM 2024 and 2025, covering the full spectrum from microscopy to clinical translation, featuring key European and US experts.
Though still at a relatively low TRL, our technology is steadily moving toward market readiness. Encouragingly, there is growing interest in our minimum viable product from the life sciences sector, with clinicians and researchers exploring how tdFLI could expand the potential of fluorescence imaging in practice.
