Surface Plasmon Resonance Microscopy: From Single-Molecule Sensing to Single-Cell Imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Chemical Sensing
• Microscopy

Background:

• Surface plasmon resonance microscopy (SPRM) is a powerful technique for analyzing chemical and biological samples at the nanoscale.
• Significant advancements have expanded SPRM's utility in diverse research areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the principles and instrumentation of SPRM.
• To summarize the current applications of SPRM in single-molecule and single-cell analysis.
• To discuss existing challenges and potential future directions for SPRM technology.

Main Methods:

• Review of fundamental principles of surface plasmon resonance.
• Description of instrumentation setups for SPRM.
• Compilation of recent studies showcasing SPRM applications.

Main Results:

• SPRM enables label-free detection and imaging of biological and chemical processes.
• Applications demonstrated include single-molecule detection, binding kinetics, and live-cell imaging.
• The technique offers high sensitivity and spatial resolution for analyzing single entities.

Conclusions:

• SPRM is a valuable tool with broad applicability in chemical and biological sciences.
• Further development is needed to overcome current limitations and enhance its capabilities.
• SPRM holds significant promise for future advancements in sensing and imaging technologies.