Confocal Microscopy in Cell Physiology and Bioengineering

The fluorescent dyes or cellular autofluorescence can be used in studies of cell structure and in physiological measurements. The confocal microscope collects the information from a welldefined optical section; thus, out of focus fluorescence is eliminated, which results in an increase in contrast, clarity and detection of optical objects. Moreover, stacks of optical sections taken at successive focal planes can be reconstructed to produce a three dimensional view of a specimen, and all this can be done in real time. Thus, confocal microscopy provides means to observe structural components and physiological processes of living cells and tissues in threedimensional space without physical sectioning.