STAQ: A route toward low power, multicolor nanoscopy

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Optical Microscopy
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Fluorescence nanoscopy, including STED/RESOLFT, enables high-speed imaging of living cells.
• Existing methods face challenges with high deactivation power and multicolor imaging limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a novel nanoscopy concept using bipartite probes for enhanced real-time imaging.
• Develop a new class of probes to overcome limitations in power requirements and multicolor capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized bipartite probes separating luminescent and quenching functions.
• Employed Superresolution via Transiently Activated Quencher (STAQ) probes utilizing excited state absorbance for quenching.
• Demonstrated simultaneous multicolor imaging with three different dyes sharing a common quenching mechanism.

Main Results:

• Achieved super-resolved imaging (∼50 nm) with significantly reduced deactivation power.
• Showcased the versatility of the TAQ partner in quenching multiple visible dyes.
• Presented successful super-resolved multicolor images using the STAQ approach.

Conclusions:

• STAQ probes offer a promising avenue for advancing real-time nanoscopy.
• Reduced photodamage and expanded multicolor imaging capabilities will facilitate broader adoption of nanoscopy in living cell research.