Fluorescein

Properties of Fluorescein

Uses of Fluorescein

In Medical and Ophthalmic Applications

• Doctors perform fluorescein angiography to investigate changes in retinal blood supply.
• Researchers study bile canaliculi motility using fluorescein.
• Surgeons evaluate the ocular surface and brain regions lacking a blood-brain barrier to ensure precise malignant glioma resections.
• Ophthalmologists rely on fluorescein angiography to diagnose diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal vessel abnormalities.
• Eye specialists detect corneal injuries, ulcers, and foreign bodies by applying fluorescein during corneal abrasion tests.
• Doctors measure intraocular pressure (IOP) in applanation tonometry using fluorescein.
• Ophthalmologists assess tear film stability in dry eye patients through the Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT) test.

In Diagnostics and Bio-imaging

• Doctors use fluorescein in tumor imaging and neurosurgery to differentiate cancerous tissue from healthy tissue.
• Microscopists also use fluorescein in fluorescence microscopy to capture detailed images of biological specimens.
• Scientists utilize fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) derivatives to label proteins and cellular components for immunofluorescence studies.

In Scientific and Research Applications

• Scientists study enzyme activities, metabolic pathways, and drug interactions using fluorescein in bioassays.
• Biologists examine cell membranes, organelles, and genetic material using fluorescein in molecular biology and cytology.
• Researchers label and sort cell populations in flow cytometry using fluorescein-based fluorescence markers.
• Geneticists use fluorescein derivatives as fluorescent tags for DNA sequencing, PCR assays, and hybridization techniques.
• Cytogeneticists map chromosomes and genes using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH).

In Chemical and Environmental Applications

• Scientists use fluorescein as a chemical sensor to detect metal ions, toxins, and environmental pollutants.
• Researchers rely on fluorescein as a pH-sensitive dye, which shifts from non-fluorescent to fluorescent at higher pH levels.
• Chemists use fluorescein in acid-base titrations and biochemical assays.
• Hydrologists trace water flow and detect leaks using fluorescein.
• Plant biologists monitor xylem function by applying fluorescein to study plant vasculature.

In Industrial, Forensic, and Consumer Applications

• Security specialists incorporate fluorescein in covert markings to prevent counterfeiting.
• Manufacturers apply fluorescein to fabrics to create high-visibility safety wear and sportswear.
• Authorities mark official documents and currency using fluorescein-based anti-counterfeiting measures.
• Cosmetic companies use fluorescein as a color additive in lipsticks, nail polishes, and eyeshadows.

Side effects of Fluorescein

• Common side effects include paresthesia of the lips, taste alteration (when taken orally), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal or chest pain.
• Prolonged use may lead to corneal opacification.
• Fluorescein can alter urine and skin color and cause  inflammation or discoloration at the injection site.
• Severe reactions may include nerve palsy, seizures, bronchospasms, pulmonary edema, epithelial keratopathy, and anaphylaxis.
• Other potential side effects include urticaria, syncope, dizziness, hypotension, and angioedema.