Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Dual-Color Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy to Study Protein-Protein Interaction and Protein Dynamics in Live Cells
Published on: December 11, 2021
Multi-confocal fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Remi Galland1, Jie Gao, Meike Kloster
1Universite de Grenoble 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Spectrometrie Physique UMR 5588, BP 87, Saint Martin d'Heres, France.
We developed a multi-confocal Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (mFCS) technique using a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) and EM-CCD camera. This method enables rapid, high-resolution molecular dynamics studies in living cells.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Optical Microscopy
Background:
- Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful technique for studying molecular dynamics.
- Standard confocal setups can be limited in speed and throughput for complex biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel multi-confocal Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (mFCS) technique.
- To enhance the speed and efficiency of FCS measurements for biological applications.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) to generate multiple laser spots.
- Utilizing an Electron Multiplying-CCD (EM-CCD) camera with pixels acting as virtual pinholes.
- Employing spherical wave approximation for phase map calculation to create diffraction-limited spots.
Main Results:
- Achieved a time resolution of 100 microseconds in the fastest acquisition mode.
- Demonstrated comparable observation volumes to standard confocal setups using sulforhodamine G solutions.
- Successfully applied mFCS to study G-actin dynamics in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and HSF1 dynamics in H1299 cells during heat shock.
Conclusions:
- The developed mFCS technique offers high temporal resolution and sensitivity for molecular dynamics.
- This method is effective for analyzing protein dynamics and interactions within living cells.
- mFCS provides a valuable tool for advancing biophysical and cell biology research.
Related Concept Videos
Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Fluorescence and Phosphorescence: Instrumentation

