Advancements in Fluorescent Markers Enhance Imaging Precision

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique called plasmon-enhanced expansion microscopy (p-ExM) that improves the resolution of imaging very small objects like neurons. By using ultrabright fluorescent markers called plasmonic-fluors (PFs), the team was able to overcome the issue of signal loss during the expansion process. The PFs, constructed from gold and silver nanoparticles, significantly increased the brightness of the fluorophores and allowed for clearer imaging of neural networks. The technique has the potential to aid in mapping connections between neurons and other high-resolution imaging applications.