What is the meaning of fluorophore?
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Fluorophore: An Overview
Definition
A fluorophore is a fluorescent chemical compound that can re-emit light upon light excitation. Fluorophores are also known as fluorescent probes or fluorescent dyes.
Function
Fluorophores typically absorb energy in the form of photons from a certain range of wavelengths (excitation spectrum) and then emit energy at a different, usually longer, wavelength range (emission spectrum). The energy difference between the absorbed and emitted light is known as the Stokes shift.
Applications
- Biological imaging: Fluorophores are widely used in microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, particularly in biological contexts for labeling and imaging cells, tissues, or biomolecules.
- Chemical sensors: They can act as sensors to detect various chemical changes within the environment they are placed, allowing for the detection of ions, molecules, or changes in pH.
- Flow cytometry: Specific fluorophores are conjugated with antibodies to identify different cell types or biomolecules within a heterogeneous cell population during flow cytometry.
- Medical diagnostics: Fluorophores are utilized in the medical field for diagnostic purposes, including immunofluorescence assays that can detect the presence of specific proteins or pathogens.
Key Properties
- Excitation and Emission Spectrum: The specific range of wavelengths at which a fluorophore absorbs and emits light.
- Quantum Yield: The efficiency of the fluorescence process, defined as the ratio of the number of photons emitted to the number of photons absorbed.
- Fluorescence Lifetime: The average time the fluorophore remains in its excited state before emitting a photon.
- Photostability: The resistance of a fluorophore to photobleaching or breakdown upon prolonged exposure to the excitation light source.
Examples of Fluorophores
| Name | Excitation Wavelength | Emission Wavelength |
|---|---|---|
| Fluorescein | 495 nm | 519 nm |
| Rhodamine | 540 nm | 625 nm |
| Green fluorescent protein (GFP) | 488 nm | 507 nm |
Fluorophores play a critical role in scientific research, diagnostics, and medical imaging due to their ability to emit observable light upon excitation, allowing for the visualization of various biological and chemical processes.