Final Report Summary - IMAGINDNA (Advanced DNA imaging: improving spatial resolution and contrast through photoswitching)
Progress in fluorescent labeling of DNA has also been achieved by understanding and exploiting the properties of CyDNA, a biopolymer consisting in DNA labeled in high density with cyanine dyes. The fluorescence quenching mechanisms have been elucidated, and the knowledge has allowed redesigning CyDNA to improve its properties. CyDNA has also been re-engineered into a reversible fluorescence photoswitchable biopolymer, and constitutes a new class of photoactive DNA-based nanomaterial that is of great interest for advanced microscopy applications. We have exploited fluorescence photoswitching in CyDNA to perform proof-of-principle super-resolution and optical lock-in detection (OLID) imaging.
The grant has greatly contributed to the consolidation of the fellow and her group at the host institution, and to the establishment of new national and international collaborations.