Imaging Nanostructures by Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy in Organic Solvents

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optical Microscopy

Background:

• Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRM) has revolutionized biological imaging at the nanoscale in aqueous environments.
• However, its application to synthetic nanostructures, particularly in organic solvents, has been limited.
• Supramolecular chemistry and material science have not fully benefited from SRM's advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the capabilities of SRM, specifically photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), to image dynamic synthetic nanostructures in organic solvents.
• To characterize the photophysical properties of photoactivatable dyes in various organic solvents.
• To demonstrate the utility of PALM for imaging challenging nanoscale materials.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) for imaging in organic solvents.
• Characterization of photoactivatable dye photophysics with the addition of small amounts of alcohol.
• Imaging of silica nanoparticles and dynamic supramolecular polymers using PALM.

Main Results:

• Successful PALM imaging of synthetic nanostructures in organic solvents.
• Identification and reliable sizing of individual nanoparticles, including multicolor mixtures.
• Visualization of nm-thin, μm-long dynamic supramolecular polymers, overcoming imaging challenges.

Conclusions:

• PALM can be effectively applied to study dynamic synthetic nanostructures in organic solvents.
• This technique expands the scope of SRM for supramolecular chemistry and material science.
• The study provides a foundation for advanced nanoscale imaging of synthetic materials.