Autofluorescent, spelled /ˌɔː.təʊ.flʊərəˈsent/, is a term commonly used in biology and chemistry to describe a substance that can emit light when it is excited by another form of light. The word is derived from the prefix "auto-" meaning "self," and "fluorescence," the emission of light from a substance. The spelling of the word follows English phonetics with the "au" pronounced as in "auto," and "fluorescent" pronounced as /flʊərəˈsent/. The term is often used to describe cells or tissues under a microscope, which appear brightly illuminated due to autofluorescence.
Autofluorescent is an adjective used to describe the natural ability or characteristic of a substance, cell, tissue, or organism to emit fluorescence without any external excitation or the need for added artificial fluorochromes. This phenomenon occurs due to the presence of certain intrinsic molecules or compounds that can absorb and re-emit light at different wavelengths when exposed to specific wavelengths of light.
In biological and medical contexts, autofluorescence can refer to the spontaneous emission of light by certain biomolecules like proteins, pigments, lipids, or metabolites within cells or tissues. This property allows scientists and researchers to study and analyze various biological samples or specimens using autofluorescence as an imaging technique, without the need for additional labeling or staining.
Autofluorescence can be visualized and captured using fluorescence microscopy or spectroscopy, where fluorescent emissions are detected and analyzed. By observing and measuring the emitted light, specific molecules or structures can be identified, localized, or quantified in a sample.
However, autofluorescence can also pose challenges in some experimental setups, as it can interfere with fluorescence signals or produce background noise. Researchers often need to account for and mitigate autofluorescence effects to obtain accurate results and interpretations.
Overall, autofluorescent properties play a crucial role in various scientific fields, including biology, biochemistry, medicine, and materials science, enabling the visualization and investigation of natural fluorescence signals from within biological systems.
The word "autofluorescent" has its roots in the combination of two words: "auto-" and "fluorescent".
The prefix "auto-" is derived from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self" or "same". In English, this prefix is commonly used to imply self-reliance, self-operation, or self-sufficiency.
The term "fluorescent" originates from the Latin word "fluere", which means "to flow". In the context of light, it refers to the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. "Fluorescent" is often used to describe a phenomenon where certain molecules or substances absorb energy from external sources, such as ultraviolet light, and re-emit it as visible light.