Open AccessIn vivo real-time recording of UV-induced changes in the autofluorescence of a melanin-containing fungus using a micro-spectrofluorimeter and a low-cost webcam
Author(s) -
Valentina Raimondi,
Giovanni Agati,
Giovanna Cecchi,
Ioana Gomoiu,
David Lognoli,
Lorenzo Palombi
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.022735
Subject(s) - autofluorescence , optics , fluorescence , microscope , melanin , in vivo , materials science , fluorescence microscope , microscopy , photobleaching , chemistry , biology , physics , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology
An optical epifluorescence microscope, coupled to a CCD camera, a standard webcam and a microspectrofluorimeter, are used to record in vivo real-time changes in the autofluorescence of spores and hyphae in Aspergillus niger, a fungus containing melanin, while exposed to UV irradiation. The results point out major changes in both signal intensity and the spectral shape of the autofluorescence signal after only few minutes of exposure, and can contribute to the interpretation of data obtained with other fluorescence techniques, including those, such as GPF labeling, in which endogenous fluorophores constitute a major disturbance.