Structural anisotropy quantification improves the final superresolution image of localization microscopy

Superresolution localization microscopy initially produces a dataset of fluorophore coordinates instead of a conventional digital image. Therefore, superresolution localization microscopy requires additional data analysis to present a final superresolution image. However, methods of employing the structural information within the localization dataset to improve the data analysis performance remain poorly developed. Here, we quantify the structural information in a localization dataset using structural anisotropy, and propose to use it as a figure of merit for localization event filtering. With simulated as well as experimental data of a biological specimen, we demonstrate that exploring structural anisotropy has allowed us to obtain superresolution images with a much cleaner background.