Global Journal of Life Sciences and Biological Research
Open Access

Fluorescence: Its Medical Applications and Diagnostics

Phoebe Zew^{* *}Correspondence: Phoebe Zew, Department of Environmental Science, University of Thessaly, Thessal, Greece, Email:

Author info »

Description

Fluorescence, is a phenomenon discovered over a century ago, has become an indispensable tool in the realms of life science and biology. It is a process by which molecules absorb light energy and re-emit it as longer-wavelength light.

This article, discusses about the world of fluorescence, its applications, and its crucial role in advancing our understanding of the intricate mechanisms of life at the cellular and molecular levels.

Fluorescence begins with the absorption of photons by a molecule, which excites its electrons to higher energy states. Shortly after, these electrons return to their ground state, releasing excess energy as photons of lower energy (longer wavelength) light. This emitted light is characteristic of the specific fluorophore (fluorescent molecule) involved, enabling scientists to identify and track various cellular components and processes.

Fluorescent probes and labels

One of the primary applications of fluorescence in biology is the use of fluorescent probes and labels. These are molecules designed to bind specifically to particular biological targets, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or cellular structures. When these probes or labels bind to their targets, they emit fluorescent signals, allowing researchers to visualize and study these components in live cells or tissues.

Cellular imaging

Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful technique that relies on the use of fluorescent probes to visualize cellular structures and processes. By attaching fluorescent labels to specific cellular components, scientists can observe dynamic events in real-time. For instance, the use of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) has revolutionized cell biology by allowing the tracking of protein movement and localization within living cells. This technique has led to ground-breaking discoveries in understanding cellular dynamics.

Flow cytometry

Flow cytometry is another vital application of fluorescence in biology. It enables the rapid analysis of individual cells in a heterogeneous population. Cells are tagged with fluorescent markers that can bind to specific surface molecules or intracellular components. As cells pass through a flow cytometer, they are illuminated with a laser, and the emitted fluorescence is measured. This technique is invaluable for sorting and characterizing cells based on their fluorescence properties, facilitating various research areas, from immunology to cancer biology.

Molecular biology and DNA sequencing

Fluorescence plays a crucial role in molecular biology and DNA sequencing. The development of fluorescent DNA probes, such as DNA intercalating dyes and fluorescently labelled nucleotides, has revolutionized genetic research. These probes enable the visualization and sequencing of DNA, allowing scientists to decode genetic information with remarkable accuracy and efficiency. Fluorescence-based DNA sequencing techniques, like Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing, have transformed the field of genomics.

Protein interaction studies

The protein-protein interactions is vital in elucidating cellular processes. Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (FCCS) are fluorescence-based techniques used to study these interactions. FRET measures the distance between two fluorescently labelled molecules, providing insights into their spatial relationships, while FCCS quantifies the interactions between molecules in real-time. These methods have been instrumental in uncovering the intricacies of signal transduction, protein trafficking, and molecular interactions.

Diagnostics and medical applications

Fluorescence is also employed in diagnostic and medical applications. For instance, fluorescent dyes can be used to detect specific biomarkers associated with diseases, enabling early diagnosis and monitoring. In addition, the field of molecular imaging relies on fluorescent tracers to visualize and study diseases at the molecular level, leading to advancements in cancer detection, neuroimaging, and drug development.

Fluorescence has evolved from a curious natural phenomenon to an indispensable tool in life science and biology. Its applications, ranging from cellular imaging and flow cytometry to molecular biology and medical diagnostics, have propelled scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs. As technology continues to advance, fluorescence plays an even more prominent role in unravelling the mysteries of life at the molecular and cellular levels.