In the past two decades, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has undergone a dynamic evolution. Following proof-of-concept studies with stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, several new approaches such as structured illumination microscopy (SIM), photoactivation localization microscopy (PALM) and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), have been developed for imaging of nanoscale structural details and fast cellular dynamics in biological research. In this chapter, after briefly explaining their principles, we will describe the recent application of these super-resolution techniques in single cell imaging. In addition, the extension of super-resolution microscopy to 3D, multicolor, live-cell imaging and multimodal imaging are also discussed, significantly improving the precision of single cell imaging. Combining with molecular biology, biochemistry and bio-computing algorithms, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy continues to expand its capabilities and provide comprehensive insights into the details of single cells.
Keywords: PALM; SIM; STED microscopy; STORM; Single cell imaging.