An alternative to MINFLUX that enables nanometer resolution in a confocal microscope

MINFLUX nanoscopy enhanced with high-order vortex beams

Minimal photon fluxes (MINFLUX) nanoscopy has emerged as a transformative advancement in superresolution imaging, enabling unprecedented nanoscale observations across diverse biological scenarios. In this work, we propose, for the first time, that employing high-order vortex beams can significantly enhance the performance of MINFLUX, surpassing the limitations of the conventional MINFLUX using the first-order vortex beam. Our theoretical analysis indicates that, for standard MINFLUX, high-order vortex beams can improve the maximum localization precision by a factor corresponding to their order, which can approach a sub-nanometer scale under optimal conditions, and for raster scan MINFLUX, high-order vortex beams allow for a wider field of view while maintaining enhanced precision. These findings underscore the potential of high-order vortex beams to elevate the performance of MINFLUX, paving the way towards ultra-high resolution imaging for a broad range of applications.

MINFLUX nanoscopy: Visualising biological matter at the nanoscale level

Since its introduction in 2017, MINFLUX nanoscopy has shown that it can visualise fluorescent molecules with an exceptional localisation precision of a few nanometres. In this overview, we provide a brief insight into technical implementations, fluorescent marker developments and biological studies that have been conducted in connection with MINFLUX imaging and tracking. We also formulate ideas on how MINFLUX nanoscopy and derived technologies could influence bioimaging in the future. This insight is intended as a general starting point for an audience looking for a brief overview of MINFLUX nanoscopy from theory to application.

Open-source 3D active sample stabilization for fluorescence microscopy

Super-resolution microscopy has enabled imaging at nanometer-scale resolution. However, achieving this level of detail without introducing artifacts that could mislead data interpretation requires maintaining sample stability throughout the entire imaging acquisition. This process can range from a few seconds to several hours, particularly when combining live-cell imaging with super-resolution techniques. Here, we present a three-dimensional active sample stabilization system based on real-time tracking of fiducial markers. To ensure broad accessibility, the system is designed using readily available off-the-shelf optical and photonic components. Additionally, the accompanying software is open source and written in Python, facilitating adoption and customization by the community. We achieve a standard deviation of the sample movement within 1 nm in both the lateral and axial directions for a duration in the range of hours. Our approach allows easy integration into existing microscopes, not only making prolonged super-resolution microscopy more accessible but also allowing confocal and widefield live-cell imaging experiments spanning hours or even days.

Monitoring Dynamic Conformations of a Single Fluorescent Molecule Inside a Protein Cavity

Fluorescence nanoscopy and single-molecule methods are entering the realm of structural biology, breaking new ground for dynamic structural measurements at room temperature and liquid environments. Here, single-molecule localization microscopy, polarization-dependent single-molecule excitation, and protein engineering are combined to determine the orientation of a fluorophore forming hydrogen bonds inside a protein cavity. The observed conformations are in good agreement with molecular dynamics simulations, enabling a new, more realistic interplay between experiments and simulations to identify stable conformations and the key interactions involved. Furthermore, jumps between conformations can be monitored with a precision of 3° and a time resolution of a few seconds, confirming the potential of this methodology for retrieving dynamic structural information of nanoscopic biological systems under physiologically compatible conditions.

Point-Spread Function Deformations Unlock 3D Localization Microscopy on Spherical Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) have proven their applicability in biosensing, drug delivery, and photothermal therapy, but their performance depends critically on the distribution and number of functional groups on their surface. When studying surface functionalization using super-resolution microscopy, the NP modifies the fluorophore's point-spread function (PSF). This leads to systematic mislocalizations in conventional analyses employing Gaussian PSFs. Here, we address this shortcoming by deriving the analytical PSF model for a fluorophore near a spherical NP. Its calculation is four orders of magnitude faster than numerical approaches and thus feasible for direct use in localization algorithms. We fit this model to individual 2D images from DNA-PAINT experiments on DNA-coated gold NPs and demonstrate extraction of the 3D positions of functional groups with <5 nm precision, revealing inhomogeneous surface coverage. Our method is exact, fast, accessible, and poised to become the standard in super-resolution imaging of NPs for biosensing and drug delivery applications.

Multiplexed Fluoro-electrochemical Single-Molecule Counting Enabled by SiC Semiconducting Nanofilm

A major challenge for ultrasensitive analysis is the high-efficiency determination of different target single molecules in parallel with high accuracy. Herein, we developed a quantitative fluoro-electrochemical imaging approach for direct multiplexed single-molecule counting with a SiC-nanofilm-modified indium tin oxide transparent electrode. The nanofilm could control local pH through proton-coupled electron transfer in a lower potential range and further induce direct electrochemical oxidation of the dye molecules with a higher applied potential. The fluoro-electrochemical responses of immobilized single molecules with different pH values and redox behaviors could thus be distinguished within the same fluorescence channels. This method yields nonamplified direct counting of single molecules, as indicated by excellent linear responses in the picomolar range. The successful distinction of seven different randomly mixed dyes underscores the versatility and efficacy of the proposed method in the highly accurate determination of single dye molecules, paving the way for highly parallel single-molecule detection for diverse applications.

Far-field superresolution of thermal sources by double homodyne or double array homodyne detection

We propose two schemes for estimating the separation of two thermal sources via double homodyne and double array homodyne detection considering the joint measurement of conjugate quadratures of the image plane field.By using the Cramér-Rao bound, we demonstrate that the two schemes can estimate the separation well below the Rayleigh limit and have an advantage over direct imaging when the average photon number per source exceeds five.For arbitrary source strengths, double homodyne detection is superior to homodyne detection when the separation is above 25/4 σ/N s , σ is the beam width, Ns is the average photon number per source.A larger separation can be estimated better via double array homodyne detection with the superiority of flexible operation compared with other schemes. High-speed and high-efficiency detection enables the measurement schemes with potential practical applications in fluorescence microscopy, astronomy and quantum imaging.

Quantifying the minimum localization uncertainty of image scanning localization microscopy

Modulation enhanced single-molecule localization microscopy (meSMLM), where emitters are sparsely activated with sequentially applied patterned illumination, increases the localization precision over single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). The precision improvement of modulation enhanced SMLM is derived from retrieving the position of an emitter relative to individual illumination patterns, which adds to existing point spread function information from SMLM. Here, we introduce SpinFlux: modulation enhanced localization for spinning disk confocal microscopy. SpinFlux uses a spinning disk with pinholes in its illumination and emission paths, to sequentially illuminate regions in the sample during each measurement. The resulting intensity-modulated emission signal is analyzed for each individual pattern to localize emitters with improved precision. We derive a statistical image formation model for SpinFlux and we quantify the theoretical minimum localization uncertainty in terms of the Cramér-Rao lower bound. Using the theoretical minimum uncertainty, we compare SpinFlux to localization on Fourier reweighted image scanning microscopy reconstructions. We find that localization on image scanning microscopy reconstructions with Fourier reweighting ideally results in a global precision improvement of 2.1 over SMLM. When SpinFlux is used for sequential illumination with three patterns around the emitter position, the localization precision improvement over SMLM is twofold when patterns are focused around the emitter position. If four donut-shaped illumination patterns are used for SpinFlux, the maximum local precision improvement over SMLM is increased to 3.5. Localization of image scanning microscopy reconstructions thus has the largest potential for global improvements of the localization precision, where SpinFlux is the method of choice for local refinements.

Exploring the future of regenerative medicine: Unveiling the potential of optical microscopy for structural and functional imaging of stem cells

Regenerative medicine, which utilizes stem cells for tissue and organ repair, holds immense promise in healthcare. A comprehensive understanding of stem cell characteristics is crucial to unlock their potential. This study explores the pivotal role of optical microscopy in advancing regenerative medicine as a potent tool for stem cell research. Advanced optical microscopy techniques enable an in-depth examination of stem cell behavior, morphology, and functionality. The review encompasses current optical microscopy, elucidating its capabilities and constraints in stem cell imaging, while also shedding light on emerging technologies for improved stem cell visualization. Optical microscopy, complemented by techniques like fluorescence and multiphoton imaging, enhances our comprehension of stem cell dynamics. The introduction of label-free imaging facilitates noninvasive, real-time stem cell monitoring without external dyes or markers. By pushing the boundaries of optical microscopy, researchers reveal the intricate cellular mechanisms underpinning regenerative processes, thereby advancing more effective therapeutic strategies. The current study not only outlines the future of regenerative medicine but also underscores the pivotal role of optical microscopy in both structural and functional stem cell imaging.

Microscopy and spectroscopy approaches to study GPCR structure and function

The GPCR signalling cascade is a key pathway responsible for the signal transduction of a multitude of physical and chemical stimuli, including light, odorants, neurotransmitters and hormones. Understanding the structural and functional properties of the GPCR cascade requires direct observation of signalling processes in high spatial and temporal resolution, with minimal perturbation to endogenous systems. Optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques are uniquely suited to this purpose because they excel at multiple spatial and temporal scales and can be used in living objects. Here, we review recent developments in microscopy and spectroscopy technologies which enable new insights into GPCR signalling. We focus on advanced techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, single-molecule methods, labelling strategies and approaches suitable for endogenous systems and large living objects. This review aims to assist researchers in choosing appropriate microscopy and spectroscopy approaches for a variety of applications in the study of cellular signalling.

Differential Confocal Optical Probes with Optimized Detection Efficiency and Pearson Correlation Coefficient Strategy Based on the Peak-Clustering Algorithm

Quantifying free-form surfaces using differential confocal microscopy can be challenging, as it requires balancing accuracy and efficiency. When the axial scanning mechanism involves sloshing and the measured surface has a finite slope, traditional linear fitting can introduce significant errors. This study introduces a compensation strategy based on Pearson's correlation coefficient to effectively reduce measurement errors. Additionally, a fast-matching algorithm based on peak clustering was proposed to meet real-time requirements for non-contact probes. To validate the effectiveness of the compensation strategy and matching algorithm, detailed simulations and physical experiments were conducted. The results showed that for a numerical aperture of 0.4 and a depth of slope < 12°, the measurement error was <10 nm, improving the speed of the traditional algorithm system by 83.37%. Furthermore, repeatability and anti-disturbance experiments demonstrated that the proposed compensation strategy is simple, efficient, and robust. Overall, the proposed method has significant potential for application in the realization of high-speed measurements of free-form surfaces.

Ångström-resolution fluorescence microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy, with its molecular specificity, is one of the major characterization methods used in the life sciences to understand complex biological systems. Super-resolution approaches1-6 can achieve resolution in cells in the range of 15 to 20 nm, but interactions between individual biomolecules occur at length scales below 10 nm and characterization of intramolecular structure requires Ångström resolution. State-of-the-art super-resolution implementations7-14 have demonstrated spatial resolutions down to 5 nm and localization precisions of 1 nm under certain in vitro conditions. However, such resolutions do not directly translate to experiments in cells, and Ångström resolution has not been demonstrated to date. Here we introdue a DNA-barcoding method, resolution enhancement by sequential imaging (RESI), that improves the resolution of fluorescence microscopy down to the Ångström scale using off-the-shelf fluorescence microscopy hardware and reagents. By sequentially imaging sparse target subsets at moderate spatial resolutions of >15 nm, we demonstrate that single-protein resolution can be achieved for biomolecules in whole intact cells. Furthermore, we experimentally resolve the DNA backbone distance of single bases in DNA origami with Ångström resolution. We use our method in a proof-of-principle demonstration to map the molecular arrangement of the immunotherapy target CD20 in situ in untreated and drug-treated cells, which opens possibilities for assessing the molecular mechanisms of targeted immunotherapy. These observations demonstrate that, by enabling intramolecular imaging under ambient conditions in whole intact cells, RESI closes the gap between super-resolution microscopy and structural biology studies and thus delivers information key to understanding complex biological systems.

Combining pMINFLUX, graphene energy transfer and DNA-PAINT for nanometer precise 3D super-resolution microscopy

3D super-resolution microscopy with nanometric resolution is a key to fully complement ultrastructural techniques with fluorescence imaging. Here, we achieve 3D super-resolution by combining the 2D localization of pMINFLUX with the axial information of graphene energy transfer (GET) and the single-molecule switching by DNA-PAINT. We demonstrate <2 nm localization precision in all 3 dimension with axial precision reaching below 0.3 nm. In 3D DNA-PAINT measurements, structural features, i.e., individual docking strands at distances of 3 nm, are directly resolved on DNA origami structures. pMINFLUX and GET represent a particular synergetic combination for super-resolution imaging near the surface such as for cell adhesion and membrane complexes as the information of each photon is used for both 2D and axial localization information. Furthermore, we introduce local PAINT (L-PAINT), in which DNA-PAINT imager strands are equipped with an additional binding sequence for local upconcentration improving signal-to-background ratio and imaging speed of local clusters. L-PAINT is demonstrated by imaging a triangular structure with 6 nm side lengths within seconds.

Raster-scanning Donut simplifies MINFLUX and provides alternative implement on other scanning-based microscopes

A donut excitation moves around a single molecule with a zigzag configuration lattice by lattice. Such a method implemented in scanning fluorescence microscopy simplifies the conventional MINFLUX process. Consisting of hollow zero-intensity excitation, single-pixel detection, time-correlated single photon counting, and drift stabilization, the system achieves localization precision and resolution very close to conventional MINFLUX theoretically and experimentally. An averaged high-SNR reference, and pixel-registered intensity from a single molecule is essential to reconstruct localization in maximum likelihood estimation. With performance reaching nearly conventional MINFLUX's, the proposed raster-scanning MINFLUX can inspire researchers expertized in STED or confocal setup to quickly transform to MINFLUX and develop for further exploring on bio-specimens or optical applications.

Precise Two-Dimensional Tilt Measurement Sensor with Double-Cylindrical Mirror Structure and Modified Mean-Shift Algorithm for a Confocal Microscopy System

To improve the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) surface contour measurements of freeform optics, a two-dimensional (2D) tilt measurement sensor for confocal microscopy (CM) systems is proposed based on a double-cylindrical mirror structure. First, the proposed system is accurately modeled. Second, we introduce a modified mean-shift-based peak-extraction algorithm with a novel kernel function (MSN) because the reflectivity of the measured object and fluctuation of the light source affect the measurement accuracy. Third, a partition fitting (PF) strategy is proposed to reduce the fitting error and improve the measurement accuracy. Simulations and experiments reveal that the robustness, speed, and angular prediction accuracy of the system effectively improved as a function of MSN and PF. The developed sensor can measure the 2D tilt, where each tilt is a composition of two separate dimensions, and the mean prediction errors in the 2D plane from -10°-+10° are 0.0134° (0.067% full scale (F.S)) and 0.0142° (0.071% F.S). The sensor enables the optical probe of a traditional CM to obtain accurate and simultaneous estimates of the 2D inclination angle and spatial position coordinates of the measured surface. The proposed sensor has potential in 3D topographic reconstruction and dynamic sampling rate optimization for 3D contour detection.