Super-Resolution SERS Spectral Bioimaging

In fifteen words or less, explain the significance of this contribution (Novel Aspect).: We demonstrate wide-field Raman imaging to acquire super-resolution images and spectra simultaneously.

Abstract Text:

Advances in nanotechnology enable the detection of trace molecules from the enhanced Raman signal generated at the surface of plasmonic nanoparticle, commonly called surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).  We have developed technology to enable super-resolution imaging of plasmonic nanoparticles, where the fluctuations in the (SERS) signal can be analyzed with localization microscopy techniques to provide nanometer spatial resolution of the emitting molecules location.  We have been able to use this approach to increase the spatial resolution of SERS imaging of chemicals and reactions on nanoparticles. We have further developed instrumentation that enables the super-resolved SERS image and the corresponding spectrum to be acquired simultaneously.  This spectrally resolved SERS imaging provides two spatial, a frequency dimension, and a time dimension, providing increased information characterization of molecules interacting with plasmonic nanoparticles.  Application of the localization algorithm is also observed to increase the precision in the observed spectrum, enable more precise determination of Raman frequencies associated with nanoparticle sensors.  We are using this approach to understand how the signals are generated and for applications in vitro cell imaging. In this presentation we will discuss the instrumentation, nanoparticles, and data illustrating the wealth of information obtainable from the Raman signals of molecules interacting with nanoparticle probes.