Fluorescence imaging

Fluorescence Imaging is a technique used in biological research and medical diagnostics to visualize cellular and subcellular structures within living organisms. It uses the property of fluorescence, where certain compounds, known as fluorophores, emit light of a longer wavelength when they absorb light of a shorter wavelength.

History

The concept of fluorescence was first observed by Sir George Gabriel Stokes in 1852. However, the application of fluorescence in imaging was not realized until the 20th century, with the development of the fluorescence microscope.

Principles

Fluorescence imaging is based on the principle of fluorescence. When a fluorophore absorbs light of a specific wavelength, it gets excited to a higher energy state. After a short delay, it returns to its ground state by emitting light of a longer wavelength. This emitted light is then captured to form an image.

Techniques

There are several techniques in fluorescence imaging, including:

• Fluorescence microscopy: This is the most common technique, used to study the structure and function of cells.
• Confocal microscopy: This technique uses a pinhole to eliminate out-of-focus light, resulting in clearer images.
• Two-photon excitation microscopy: This technique uses two photons of lower energy to excite the fluorophore, allowing for deeper tissue imaging.
• Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET): This technique is used to measure the distance between two fluorophores.

Applications

Fluorescence imaging has a wide range of applications in both research and clinical settings. It is used in cell biology to study the structure and function of cells, in molecular biology to study protein interactions, and in medical diagnostics to detect diseases such as cancer.

See also

• Fluorescence
• Fluorescence microscope
• Confocal microscopy
• Two-photon excitation microscopy
• Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)

References

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