Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
11:00
Visualizing the Actin and Microtubule Cytoskeletons at the B-cell Immune Synapse Using Stimulated Emission Depletion STED Microscopy
Published on: April 9, 2018
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Quantitative Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) Microscopy with DNA-Fluorophore Labels
Laurell F Kessler1, Yunqing Li1, Ashwin Balakrishnan1
1Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 7, Frankfurt 60438, Germany.
ACS Nano
|February 3, 2026
Summary
We developed a simple method for molecule counting using stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. This quantitative STED approach allows for accurate single-protein resolution imaging and quantification in biological samples.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Microscopy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy offers super-resolution imaging capabilities for biological samples.
- Molecular quantification using STED microscopy remains a challenge, limiting its application in biological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a straightforward and reliable method for quantitative STED microscopy.
- To enable accurate molecule counting and single-protein resolution imaging with STED.
Main Methods:
- Designed novel DNA-fluorophore labels for signal amplification in STED imaging.
- Utilized intensity-based quantitative imaging for molecule counting.
- Validated the method on DNA origami structures and in live cellular environments.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated accurate molecule counting on DNA origami with the developed method.
- Successfully visualized and quantified epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor monomers and dimers in cells.
- Achieved single-protein resolution for quantitative STED imaging.
Conclusions:
- Introduced a robust, fast, and easy-to-implement tool for quantitative STED microscopy.
- Enabled precise molecular quantification at the single-protein level using STED.
- Expanded the utility of STED microscopy for quantitative biological investigations.
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