Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Super-Resolution Imaging

Super-resolution imaging techniques that overcome the diffraction limit of light have gained wide popularity for visualizing cellular structures with nanometric resolution. Following the pace of hardware developments, the availability of new fluorescent probes with superior properties is becoming ever more important. In this context, fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted increasing attention as bright and photostable probes that address many shortcomings of traditional fluorescent probes. The use of NPs for super resolution imaging is a recent development and this provides the focus for the current review. We give an overview of different super-resolution methods and discuss their demands on the properties of fluorescent NPs. We then review in detail the features, strengths, and weaknesses of each NP class to support these applications and provide examples from their utilization in various biological systems. Moreover, we provide an outlook on the future of the field and opportunities in material science for the development of probes for multiplexed subcellular imaging with nanometric resolution.

Automated summary

Super-resolution imaging techniques have become popular for visualizing cellular structures with nanometric resolution. This review focuses on the use of fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) as bright and photostable probes for super-resolution imaging. The review provides an overview of different super-resolution methods, discusses their demands on the properties of fluorescent NPs, and reviews the features, strengths, and weaknesses of each NP class. The future outlook and opportunities in material science for the development of probes for multiplexed subcellular imaging with nanometric resolution are also discussed.