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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: May 17, 2026

Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging

Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging

Published on: October 9, 2012

Compact quantum dots for single-molecule imaging.

Andrew M Smith¹, Shuming Nie

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University.

Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove

|October 25, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed new, smaller quantum dots (QDs) for single-molecule imaging. These optimized QDs offer improved brightness and stability, enabling longer observation of biomolecular processes in cells.

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Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging

Compact Quantum Dots for Single-molecule Imaging

Published on: October 9, 2012

Production and Targeting of Monovalent Quantum Dots

Production and Targeting of Monovalent Quantum Dots

Published on: October 23, 2014

Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy on Planar Supported Bilayers

Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy on Planar Supported Bilayers

Published on: October 31, 2015

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Nanotechnology
Cellular Biology

Background:

Single-molecule imaging is crucial for understanding cellular mechanisms and molecular behavior.
Conventional fluorescent tags like dyes and proteins suffer from photobleaching, limiting observation times.
Existing quantum dots (QDs) offer better stability but are often too large, hindering diffusion in cellular environments.

Purpose of the Study:

To engineer and characterize novel, compact quantum dots for improved single-molecule imaging.
To overcome the limitations of existing imaging probes, particularly their size and stability issues.
To enable long-term, high-resolution observation of biomolecular dynamics in complex cellular environments.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of alloyed HgxCd1-xSe core nanocrystals with a CdyZn1-yS shell.
Surface modification with multidentate polymer ligands and polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains.
Characterization of nanocrystal hydrodynamic size, fluorescence properties, and nonspecific binding.

Main Results:

Developed QDs with a hydrodynamic size near 12 nm, comparable to soluble proteins.
Achieved bright fluorescence emission between 550-800 nm with enhanced quantum yields.
Demonstrated minimized nonspecific binding and improved colloidal stability for cellular applications.

Conclusions:

The engineered QDs provide a significant advancement for single-molecule imaging in biological systems.
Their compact size and robust photophysical properties facilitate detailed studies of molecular behavior.
These optimized nanocrystals are suitable for observing complex macromolecular dynamics in crowded cellular environments.