Twinkle, twinkle little star: photoswitchable fluorophores for super-resolution imaging

Tyler J Chozinski; Lauren A Gagnon; Joshua C Vaughan

doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2014.06.043

Twinkle, twinkle little star: photoswitchable fluorophores for super-resolution imaging

FEBS Lett. 2014 Oct 1;588(19):3603-12. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.06.043. Epub 2014 Jul 7.

Authors

Tyler J Chozinski¹, Lauren A Gagnon¹, Joshua C Vaughan²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
² Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. Electronic address: jcv2@uw.edu.

PMID: 25010263
DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.06.043

Abstract

Photoswitchable fluorescent probes are key elements of newly developed super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques that enable far-field interrogation of biological systems with a resolution of 50 nm or better. In contrast to most conventional fluorescence imaging techniques, the performance achievable by most super-resolution techniques is critically impacted by the photoswitching properties of the fluorophores. Here we review photoswitchable fluorophores for super-resolution imaging with discussion of the fundamental principles involved, a focus on practical implementation with available tools, and an outlook on future directions.

Keywords: Fluorophore; Photoswitch; Super-resolution imaging.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
Organic Chemicals / chemistry
Photochemical Processes*

Substances

Fluorescent Dyes
Organic Chemicals