Spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy: applications and prospective

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) breaks the optical diffraction limit by numerically localizing sparse fluorescence emitters to achieve super-resolution imaging. Spectroscopic SMLM or sSMLM further allows simultaneous spectroscopy and super-resolution imaging of fluorescence molecules. Hence, sSMLM can extract spectral features with single-molecule sensitivity, higher precision, and higher multiplexity than traditional multicolor microscopy modalities. These new capabilities enabled advanced multiplexed and functional cellular imaging applications. While sSMLM suffers from reduced spatial precision compared to conventional SMLM due to splitting photons to form spatial and spectral images, several methods have been reported to mitigate these weaknesses through innovative optical design and image processing techniques. This review summarizes the recent progress in sSMLM, its applications, and our perspective on future work.

Automated summary

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) achieves super-resolution imaging by numerically localizing sparse fluorescence emitters beyond the optical diffraction limit. Spectroscopic SMLM (sSMLM) enables simultaneous spectroscopy and super-resolution imaging, extracting spectral features with single-molecule sensitivity, higher precision, and multiplexity. Despite reduced spatial precision compared to conventional SMLM, innovative optical design and image processing techniques have been developed to mitigate these weaknesses. This review summarizes the recent progress in sSMLM, its applications, and future perspectives.