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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
08:32
Conducting Multiple Imaging Modes with One Fluorescence Microscope
Published on: October 28, 2018
Fluorescence nanoscopy with optical sectioning by two-photon induced molecular switching using continuous-wave lasers
Jonas Fölling1, Vladimir Belov, D Riedel
1Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Summary
Researchers developed a novel rhodamine amide that can be photoswitched between nonfluorescent and fluorescent states. This bright marker allows for precise single-molecule localization microscopy, achieving 15 nm resolution.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Molecular Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Far-field fluorescence microscopy has advanced, achieving resolutions below the wavelength of light.
- Existing super-resolution techniques rely on modulating a molecule's fluorescence emission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel photoswitchable rhodamine amide for advanced fluorescence microscopy.
- To demonstrate its capability for high-precision single-molecule localization and optical sectioning.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel rhodamine amide photoswitchable marker.
- Utilizing one- or two-photon absorption from a continuous-wave laser for photoswitching.
- Single-molecule localization microscopy to determine spatial precision.
Main Results:
- The novel rhodamine amide can be switched from a nonfluorescent to a fluorescent state.
- Achieved single-molecule localization precision down to 15 nm.
- Demonstrated optical sectioning capabilities using two-photon induced nonlinear photoswitching.
Conclusions:
- The developed bright marker offers strict on/off switching control.
- This photoswitchable dye enables cost-effective fluorescence nanoscopy with noninvasive optical sectioning.
- Future development of similar compounds promises further advancements in super-resolution microscopy.
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