Open AccessQuantum Dots for Improved Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy
Author(s) -
Jennifer M. Urban,
Wesley Chiang,
Jennetta W. Hammond,
Nicole M. B. Cogan,
Angela Litzburg,
Rebeckah Burke,
Harry A. Stern,
Harris A. Gelbard,
Bradley L. Nilsson,
Todd D. Krauss
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the journal of physical chemistry. b
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 392
eISSN - 1520-6106
pISSN - 1520-5207
DOI - 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c11545
Subject(s) - quantum dot , fluorophore , fluorescence , microscopy , nanotechnology , resolution (logic) , materials science , molecule , semiconductor , fluorescence microscope , particle (ecology) , optoelectronics , chemistry , optics , physics , computer science , organic chemistry , oceanography , artificial intelligence , geology
Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have long established their versatility and utility for the visualization of biological interactions. On the single-particle level, QDs have demonstrated superior photophysical properties compared to organic dye molecules or fluorescent proteins, but it remains an open question as to which of these fundamental characteristics are most significant with respect to the performance of QDs for imaging beyond the diffraction limit. Here, we demonstrate significant enhancement in achievable localization precision in QD-labeled neurons compared to neurons labeled with an organic fluorophore. Additionally, we identify key photophysical parameters of QDs responsible for this enhancement and compare these parameters to reported values for commonly used fluorophores for super-resolution imaging.