What are the Applications of Autofluorescence in Toxicology?
Despite its challenges, autofluorescence can be leveraged in toxicological research for various purposes:
Biomarker Identification: Autofluorescence can aid in identifying biomarkers of disease or toxicity, such as the accumulation of lipofuscin, which indicates oxidative damage. Non-invasive Imaging: Since it does not require external dyes, autofluorescence enables non-invasive imaging techniques that can be used in in vivo studies to monitor tissue health over time. Drug Development: By understanding the autofluorescent properties of tissues, researchers can better design drugs that minimize interference in diagnostic assays.