In vivo real-time recording of photoxidation-induced autofluorescence in a melanin-containing fungus using a micro-spectrofluorimeter and a low-cost webcam

An optical epifluorescence microscope, coupled to a CCD
camera, a standard webcam and a microspectrofluorimeter, are used to
record in vivo real-time changes in the autofluorescence of spores and
hyphae in Aspergillus niger, a fungus containing melanin, while exposed to
UV irradiation. The results point out major changes in both signal intensity
and the spectral shape of the autofluorescence signal after only few minutes
of exposure, and can contribute to the interpretation of data obtained with
other fluorescence techniques, including those, such as GPF labeling, in
which endogenous fluorophores constitute a major disturbance.