An overview on some applications of multispectral imaging autofluorescence microscopy in biology and medicine

Many cell and tissue components exposed to light of appropriate wavelength exhibit UV-visible emission. This is a spontaneous fluorescence, defined autofluorescence in contrast with that produced by highly fluorescent exogenous probes. This communication deals with the Multispectral Imaging Autofluorescence Microscopy (MIAM) technique, that allows living cell and tissue analysis without use of any reagent or treatment modifying the native conditions of the samples. The technique is suitable for a wide range of applications, practically in all the fields where samples containing fluorescent substances occur. Examples of application in biology and medicine are given, showing the power of the technique in both basic research and diagnostics.