Final answer:
An autoclave's limitation is that it cannot be used with heat-labile materials. The high temperatures used for sterilization could damage these materials. Other options regarding shortcomings of autoclaves are not accurate, as it can kill endospores, inactivate viruses, and is suitable for glassware.
Step-by-step explanation:
The limitation of an autoclave is E) It cannot be used with heat-labile materials. Autoclaves operate at high temperatures and pressure to sterilize equipment and kill microorganisms, including resistant forms like endospores. However, this method is not suitable for materials that are sensitive to heat (heat-labile), such as certain plastics, some biological samples, or chemicals that might decompose at the high temperatures used in autoclaving. Glassware can generally withstand the autoclave's conditions, making option D incorrect. The autoclave's ability to inactivate viruses and kill endospores is one of its primary functions, thereby invalidating options B and C as limitations. While it is time-efficient for sterilization purposes compared to other methods, it is not excessively long, making option A incorrect.