Exploring mitochondrial phototoxicity: Mechanisms, measurement, and mitigation

Phototoxicity, induced by light exposure, presents a major challenge in fluorescence microscopy, particularly when studying mitochondria. These organelles are sensitive to damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during imaging. This review discusses the basic principles of phototoxicity, focusing primarily on the effects of phototoxicity on mitochondrial function and structure. It also explores strategies to mitigate damage, including optimized imaging techniques and specialized probes, and considers cases where phototoxicity is utilized for therapeutic purposes. The need for advanced imaging methods to balance damage prevention and mitochondrial research is emphasized.