Immunfestéssel

Immunfestéssel, also known as immune fluorescence or immunofluorescence microscopy, is a laboratory technique used to detect and locate specific antigens in cells or tissues. It combines the specificity of antibodies with the visualization power of fluorescence microscopy. The process involves using antibodies that have been labeled with fluorescent dyes, often called fluorophores. These labeled antibodies are designed to bind to a particular antigen of interest. When applied to a sample, the fluorescently tagged antibodies will attach themselves to the target antigen.

The sample is then viewed under a fluorescence microscope, which emits light at specific wavelengths. The fluorophore attached to the antibody absorbs this excitation light and then emits light of a different, longer wavelength. This emitted light is what makes the target antigen visible as a glowing signal under the microscope. Different fluorophores emit light at different colors, allowing for the simultaneous detection of multiple antigens within the same sample by using antibodies labeled with different colored fluorescent dyes.

Immunfestéssel is a versatile tool used in various fields, including immunology, cell biology, and diagnostics. It can be used to study the distribution and localization of proteins, identify pathogens, and diagnose diseases by detecting specific antibodies or antigens in patient samples. The technique requires careful preparation of samples and controls to ensure accurate and reliable results. There are two main types: direct immunofluorescence, where the primary antibody is directly labeled, and indirect immunofluorescence, where a labeled secondary antibody binds to the primary antibody.