Despite its many advantages, fluorescent imaging also has some limitations:
- Photobleaching: Prolonged exposure to light can cause fluorophores to lose their fluorescence, a phenomenon known as photobleaching. - Autofluorescence: Some tissues naturally emit fluorescence, which can interfere with the detection of specific signals. - Quantification: Quantifying fluorescence intensity can be challenging and may require careful calibration and controls. - Cost: Fluorescent imaging requires specialized equipment and reagents, which can be expensive.