Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
08:32
Author Spotlight: Advancing Knowledge in Far-From-Equilibrium Materials Through Light-Sheet Microscopy
Published on: January 26, 2024
3.2K
In-depth single molecule localization microscopy using adaptive optics and single objective light-sheet microscopy
Marine Cabillic1,2, Hisham Forriere1, Laetitia Bettarel1
1Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, IINS, UMR 5297, FR-33000, Bordeaux, France.
Nature Communications
|September 24, 2025
Summary
We developed soSMARt, a novel in-depth volumetric single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) method. This technique enhances nanoscale imaging capabilities for biomolecular organization and dynamics in complex biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Microscopy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) offers high-resolution insights into biomolecular organization.
- Current SMLM methods are limited in depth penetration, restricting the study of complex biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce soSMARt, an innovative solution for in-depth volumetric SMLM.
- To overcome the depth limitations of conventional SMLM techniques.
Main Methods:
- Development of microfabricated devices for single-objective light-sheet microscopy.
- Implementation of adaptive optics for aberration correction.
- Real-time feedback-loop registration with nanometric precision.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated soSMARt's performance in assessing 3D nanoscale protein organization in isolated cells.
- Explored optimizations and proof-of-concepts for imaging complex tissues, including 3D cell cultures.
Conclusions:
- soSMARt addresses key limitations in single-molecule microscopy depth penetration.
- This advancement enables novel biological applications and deeper investigations into cellular and tissue organization.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy
12.2K
Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) provides a better resolution than conventional fluorescence microscopy by reducing the point spread function (PSF). PSF is the light intensity distribution from a point that causes it to appear blurred. Due to PSF, each fluorescing point appears bigger than its actual size, and it is the PSF interference of nearby fluorophores that causes the blurred image. Various approaches to achieving higher resolution through SRFM have recently been...
12.2K
01:16Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
20.0K
Confocal microscopy is an advanced microscopic technique. The prime advantage of the confocal microscope over other microscopy techniques is its ability to block the out-of-focus light from the illuminated samples using pinholes. It is widely used with fluorescence optics to obtain high-resolution, sharp contrast images. Unlike optical microscopes, confocal microscopes use a focused beam of light laser to scan the entire sample surface at different z-planes. These microscopes are, therefore,...
20.0K