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Excitation light-induced phototoxicity during fluorescence imaging

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Abstract

Fluorescence microscopy has revolutionized life science research. It is a powerful technique to visualize molecular structures, physiological functions, and dynamic processes in living cells, tissues, and organisms. Excitation-light and/or excited-fluorescent proteins-mediated dysregulation in cell physiology are widely known but poorly considered. Although there are vast applications of fluorescence microscopy in research, imaging results may suffer from the excitation-light-induced artefacts. Here, we highlight potential excitation light-induced alterations in cell functions thereby misinterpretation of imaging results and strategies to minimize common artefacts that can be produced during imaging experiments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Saarland University, 66424, Homburg, Germany

    Abhilasha Ojha & Navin Kumar Ojha

Authors
  1. Abhilasha Ojha
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  2. Navin Kumar Ojha
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Correspondence to Navin Kumar Ojha.

Additional information

Corresponding editor: BJ RAO

Corresponding editor: BJ RAO

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Ojha, A., Ojha, N.K. Excitation light-induced phototoxicity during fluorescence imaging. J Biosci 46, 78 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12038-021-00193-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12038-021-00193-z

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