When choosing a fluorophore, consider the following characteristics:
1. Excitation and Emission Wavelengths: Ensure that the excitation wavelength matches the light source of your microscope, and the emission wavelength is within the detection range of your imaging system. 2. Brightness: Brightness is determined by the quantum yield and the extinction coefficient. A brighter fluorophore provides better signal-to-noise ratio. 3. Photostability: Some fluorophores are more resistant to photobleaching, which is the loss of fluorescence intensity upon prolonged exposure to light. 4. Compatibility: The fluorophore should be compatible with other dyes and labels used in the experiment to avoid spectral overlap.
