Dual-Mode Superresolution Imaging Using Charge Transfer Dynamics in Semiconducting Polymer Dots |
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Authors: | Dr. Yifei Jiang Dr. Qiongzheng Hu Dr. Haobin Chen Dr. Jicheng Zhang Prof. Daniel T. Chiu Prof. Jason McNeill |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634 USA;2. Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA These authors contributed equally to this work.;3. Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA |
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Abstract: | In a conjugated polymer-based single-particle heterojunction, stochastic fluctuations of the photogenerated hole population lead to spontaneous fluorescence switching. We found that 405 nm irradiation can induce charge recombination and activate the single-particle emission. Based on these phenomena, we developed a novel class of semiconducting polymer dots that can operate in two superresolution imaging modes. The spontaneous switching mode offers efficient imaging of large areas, with <10 nm localization precision, while the photoactivation/deactivation mode offers slower imaging, with further improved localization precision (ca. 1 nm), showing advantages in resolving small structures that require high spatial resolution. Superresolution imaging of microtubules and clathrin-coated pits was demonstrated, under both modes. The excellent localization precision and versatile imaging options provided by these nanoparticles offer clear advantages for imaging of various biological systems. |
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Keywords: | fluorescent probes photoactivation photoswitching polymers superresolution imaging |
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