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Nanoparticles for super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule tracking

Nature Methods volume 15, pages 415–423 (2018)Cite this article

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Abstract

We review the use of luminescent nanoparticles in super-resolution imaging and single-molecule tracking, and showcase novel approaches to super-resolution imaging that leverage the brightness, stability, and unique optical-switching properties of these nanoparticles. We also discuss the challenges associated with their use in biological systems, including intracellular delivery and molecular targeting. In doing so, we hope to provide practical guidance for biologists and continue to bridge the fields of super-resolution imaging and nanoparticle engineering to support their mutual advancement.

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Fig. 1: Luminescent nanoparticles used in super-resolution microscopy imaging and single-molecule tracking.
Fig. 2: Surface functionalization and bioconjugation strategies for a range of nanoparticles used in subcellular staining and tracking applications.
Fig. 3: Typical schemes used to optically switch luminescent nanoparticles between their ‘on’ and ‘off’ states in super-resolution microscopy.
Fig. 4: The evolution of super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule/particle localization approaches.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge S. Qu (Changchun Institute of Optics Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences), C. Wu (Southern University of Science and Technology), Q. Su, O. Shimoni, and F. Wang for valuable technical discussions. D.J., A.M.v.O., and P.X. acknowledge support from the Australian Research Council (FT 130100517, FL140100027) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (61729501, 51720105015). J.E. is grateful for financial support from the Cluster of Excellence and DFG Research Centre Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia

    Dayong Jin, Baoming Wang & Le Zhang

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China

    Peng Xi

  3. Third Institute of Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

    Jörg Enderlein

  4. School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

    Antoine M. van Oijen

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Jin, D., Xi, P., Wang, B. et al. Nanoparticles for super-resolution microscopy and single-molecule tracking. Nat Methods 15, 415–423 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-018-0012-4

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