From Well-Known to Underrated Applications of Fluorescence

Abstract

A review. Mol. fluorescence is extensively used in phys., chem., material, biol., and medical sciences as a tool for detection/anal., visualization, investigation of local properties, diagnosis, etc. In fact, fluorescent compds. can be used not only for mere visualization, but also as probes, indicators, sensors, and tracers for providing information on local concns. of ionic or neutral species, and on the structure and dynamics of matter or living systems. New compds. with improved characteristics in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and photochem. stability appear almost daily. The present review does not intend to be exhaustive: some applications of fluorescence relevant to fundamental and applied research will be illustrated with pertinent examples. In addn., technol. or industrial applications will be exemplified. [on SciFinder (R)]