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Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy

Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) provides a better resolution than conventional fluorescence microscopy by reducing the point spread function (PSF). PSF is the light intensity distribution from a point that causes it to appear blurred. Due to PSF, each fluorescing point appears bigger than its actual size, and it is the PSF interference of nearby fluorophores that causes the blurred image. Various approaches to achieving higher resolution through SRFM have recently been developed.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Whole-cell Super-Resolution Imaging via DNA-PAINT on a Spinning Disk Confocal with Optical Photon Reassignment

Whole-cell Super-Resolution Imaging via DNA-PAINT on a Spinning Disk Confocal with Optical Photon Reassignment

Published on: January 6, 2026

Superresolution imaging using single-molecule localization.

George Patterson¹, Michael Davidson, Suliana Manley

¹Biophotonics Section, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

Annual Review of Physical Chemistry

|January 9, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Superresolution imaging achieves 10-20 nm resolution, enabling molecular-scale biological studies. This single-molecule technique uses fluorescent probes for advanced imaging in living cells.

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Whole-cell Super-Resolution Imaging via DNA-PAINT on a Spinning Disk Confocal with Optical Photon Reassignment

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Published on: January 6, 2026

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Multi-color Localization Microscopy of Single Membrane Proteins in Organelles of Live Mammalian Cells

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Published on: June 30, 2018

Area of Science:

Microscopy
Biophysics
Molecular Biology

Background:

Light microscopy has limited resolution for observing molecular processes.
Superresolution imaging enhances spatial resolution by over tenfold.
Molecular-scale insights are crucial for understanding biological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To discuss a superresolution microscopy method.
To highlight the use of single-molecule imaging techniques.
To showcase applications of advanced fluorescent probes.

Main Methods:

Controlled activation and sampling of sparse fluorescent molecules.
Utilizing photoconvertible fluorescent proteins and photoswitchable dyes.
Employing single-molecule-based imaging approaches.

Main Results:

Achieved approximately 10-20 nm resolution.
Enabled three-dimensional, multicolor molecule localization.
Facilitated tracking of nanometric structures and molecules in living cells.

Conclusions:

Superresolution imaging provides unprecedented molecular-scale detail.
Single-molecule techniques offer versatile applications in cell biology.
This approach allows for studying biological events across various timescales.