Resolving Biology Beyond the Diffraction Limit with Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy

Abstract

Optical imaging provides a window into the microscopic world, but the level of observable detail is ultimately limited by the wavelength of light being employed. By harnessing the physics of photoswitchable dyes and fluorescent proteins, single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) provides a window into the nano-world of biology. This mini-review article provides a short overview of SMLM and discusses some of its prospects for the future.