Super-resolution fluorescence imaging based on molecular adsorption

While super-resolution fluorescence imaging has been revolutionizing the way we study nanoscale structures, applications of the imaging technique is still limited, partly due to limited fluorophores and labeling methods available for the imaging. Here, I introduce a localization microscopy technique (PALM/STORM) based on an adsorption of fluorophores to a target structure. This method does not require a covalent labeling of a target structure with a special fluorophore whose fluorescent state can be switched, which is not a trivial issue. In this approach, the fluorophores adsorb selectively to the target structure. Fluorescent states of the fluorophore are then spatiotemporally controlled by adsorption/desorption kinetics of the fluorophore. Based on the adsorption/desorption-induced fluorescence switching, a superresolution image is reconstructed, similar to PALM/STORM imaging. I show several examples of the superresolution fluorescence imaging based on this approach, including micro phase separation of phospholipids in a lipid bilayer, DNA nanostructures, and polymer nanostructures.