• A novel non-invasive renal function monitoring system based on fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) was developed, enabling real-time assessment of renal function.
• The renal function index (RFI) derived from fluorescence lifetime parameters strongly correlates with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (R² = 0.89).
• The system successfully distinguishes between healthy and diseased kidneys in a rat model of chronic kidney disease.
• FLIM-based monitoring allows longitudinal tracking of disease progression and therapeutic response, offering potential for clinical application.