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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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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Fluorescence Imaging with One-nanometer Accuracy (FIONA)

Fluorescence Imaging with One-nanometer Accuracy (FIONA)

Published on: September 26, 2014

Vertical nanopillars for highly localized fluorescence imaging.

Chong Xie¹, Lindsey Hanson, Yi Cui

¹Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|March 4, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed silicon dioxide nanopillars for highly localized fluorescence microscopy. This breakthrough enables single-molecule detection in complex biological environments, both in vitro and within live cells.

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Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Fluorescence Imaging with One-nanometer Accuracy (FIONA)

Fluorescence Imaging with One-nanometer Accuracy (FIONA)

Published on: September 26, 2014

High-resolution Volume Imaging of Neurons by the Use of Fluorescence eXclusion Method and Dedicated Microfluidic Devices

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Simultaneous Multicolor Imaging of Biological Structures with Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy

Simultaneous Multicolor Imaging of Biological Structures with Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy

Published on: December 9, 2013

Area of Science:

Nanotechnology
Optical Microscopy
Biophysics

Background:

Fluorescence microscopy is crucial for biological research.
Observing single molecules in complex environments requires reduced observation volumes.
Existing methods face limitations in achieving sub-diffraction limit resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate silicon dioxide nanopillars for below-the-diffraction-limit observation volumes.
To enable in vitro and in vivo single-molecule detection.
To facilitate localized observation of molecular interactions within live cells.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of vertically aligned silicon dioxide nanopillars on a substrate.
Utilizing nanopillars to confine light propagation and create evanescent wave excitation.
Applying nanopillar illumination for in vitro single-molecule detection.
Integrating nanopillars with live cells for intracellular observations.
Chemical modification of nanopillar surfaces for protein recruitment.

Main Results:

Achieved below-the-diffraction-limit observation volumes using silicon dioxide nanopillars.
Demonstrated successful in vitro single-molecule detection at high fluorophore concentrations.
Showcased nanopillars as localized light sources within live cells.
Enabled simultaneous observation of recruited proteins within the cellular environment.

Conclusions:

Vertically aligned silicon dioxide nanopillars effectively reduce observation volume for fluorescence microscopy.
Nanopillar technology offers a powerful tool for high-resolution imaging in complex biological systems.
This approach advances the study of molecular dynamics in both in vitro and in vivo settings.