Fluorocromi

Fluorocromi are a class of compounds that exhibit fluorescence, meaning they absorb light at one wavelength and emit light at a longer wavelength. This property makes them useful in a variety of scientific and technical applications. The term itself is a portmanteau of "fluorescent" and "chromophore," the part of a molecule responsible for its color.

In biological and medical fields, fluorocromi are widely employed as biological stains or labels. They can be attached to specific molecules, such as antibodies or nucleic acids, allowing researchers to visualize and track these molecules within cells or tissues using techniques like fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. This enables the study of cellular processes, disease diagnosis, and drug development.

Beyond the life sciences, fluorocromi find applications in materials science, security features, and analytical chemistry. For instance, they can be incorporated into inks for anti-counterfeiting measures on currency or documents, or used in optical brighteners to enhance the whiteness of fabrics and paper. Their ability to emit light upon excitation is also leveraged in certain types of sensors and detectors. The specific emission and excitation wavelengths, as well as their quantum yield (efficiency of fluorescence), are key characteristics that determine their suitability for different uses.