Cathodoluminescence imaging of cellular structures labeled with luminescent iridium or rhenium complexes at cryogenic temperatures

We report for the first time the use of two live-cell imaging agents from the group of luminescent transition metal complexes (IRAZOLVE-MITO and REZOLVE-ER) as cathodoluminescent probes. This first experimental demonstration shows the application of both probes for the identification of cellular structures at the nanoscale and near the native state directly in the cryo-scanning electron microscope. This approach can potentially be applied to correlative and multimodal approaches and used to target specific regions within vitrified samples at low electron beam energies.

Automated summary

This study reports the first use of two live-cell imaging agents as cathodoluminescent probes. The approach allows for the identification of cellular structures at the nanoscale and near the native state directly in the cryo-scanning electron microscope.