Open AccessAn alternative framework for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Author(s) -
Sina Jazani,
Ioannis Sgouralis,
Omer Shafraz,
Marcia Levitus,
Sanjeevi Sivasankar,
Steve Pressé
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
nature communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.559
H-Index - 365
ISSN - 2041-1723
DOI - 10.1038/s41467-019-11574-2
Subject(s) - fluorescence correlation spectroscopy , biological system , microsecond , fluorescence cross correlation spectroscopy , computer science , fluorescence , spectroscopy , microscopy , range (aeronautics) , confocal , photon , bayesian probability , signal (programming language) , noise (video) , diffusion , fluorescence spectroscopy , biophysics , physics , materials science , optics , artificial intelligence , biology , image (mathematics) , quantum mechanics , composite material , programming language , thermodynamics
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), is a widely used tool routinely exploited for in vivo and in vitro applications. While FCS provides estimates of dynamical quantities, such as diffusion coefficients, it demands high signal to noise ratios and long time traces, typically in the minute range. In principle, the same information can be extracted from microseconds to seconds long time traces; however, an appropriate analysis method is missing. To overcome these limitations, we adapt novel tools inspired by Bayesian non-parametrics, which starts from the direct analysis of the observed photon counts. With this approach, we are able to analyze time traces, which are too short to be analyzed by existing methods, including FCS. Our new analysis extends the capability of single molecule fluorescence confocal microscopy approaches to probe processes several orders of magnitude faster and permits a reduction of photo-toxic effects on living samples induced by long periods of light exposure.