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Author Spotlight: A Machine-Vision Approach to Transmission Electron Microscopy Workflows, Results Analysis and Data Management
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Chemistry Is Dead. Long Live Chemistry!
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute , Janelia Research Campus, 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, United States.
Biochemistry
|July 14, 2017
Summary
Chemical fluorophores are making a comeback in biological imaging, offering brighter and more efficient options than fluorescent proteins. Advances in synthesis and engineering are driving this resurgence for modern microscopy needs.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Microscopy
Background:
- Fluorescent proteins largely replaced chemical dyes in fluorescence microscopy.
- Modern microscopy demands higher performance from fluorophores, particularly a better
- photon budget
- .
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in chemical fluorophores for biological imaging.
- To highlight the resurgence of synthetic dyes in microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Review of advancements in biochemistry.
- Review of advancements in protein engineering.
- Review of advancements in organic synthesis.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing novel synthetic dyes.
- Chemical fluorophores now meet the demanding requirements of advanced microscopy.
- Biochemistry, protein engineering, and organic synthesis have enabled this return.
Conclusions:
- Chemical fluorophores are regaining prominence in biological imaging.
- Synthetic dyes offer superior brightness and efficiency for modern microscopy.
- Interdisciplinary advancements fuel the renewed utility of chemical fluorophores.
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