Advancements in Imaging and Sensing of Single Multi-Functional Nanoparticles, Viruses and Organelles

Dear Colleagues,

The state of the art in optical imaging and nanosensing for single nanoparticles and cellular organelles has made significant strides in recent years, with advancements in techniques like super-resolution microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and nanoparticle-based sensors, including a variety of plasmonic methods and nanopore approaches. Super-resolution microscopy methods, such as STORM (stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy) and PALM (photoactivated localization microscopy), have achieved unprecedented spatial resolution, allowing the visualization of cellular structures at the nanometer scale, yet their full potential in the analysis of lipid nanoparticles, viruses used for gene therapy, exosomes, and cellular organelles has not been fully exploited to date. The limited ability to monitor complex, dynamic interactions inside nanoparticles and cellular organelles over extended periods also remains a bottleneck, as current methods often struggle with photobleaching or phototoxicity. Therefore, methods to improve fluorescence-mediated sensing or perform label-free measurements with techniques like SPR (surface plasmon resonance), SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy), and electrical nanopore sensing are still needed. Furthermore, the integration of multimodal imaging systems that combine optical techniques with other complementary methods, such as electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, or mass spectrometry, is still in its early stages and requires refinement to improve data interpretation and accuracy. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to fully realize the potential of optical imaging and nanosensing in both basic and applied biological research focused on the analysis of molecular interactions between and within diverse types of nanoparticles and cellular organelles.

Dr. Michelle A. Digman
Dr. Qimei Zhang
Dr. Jian Yang
Prof. Dr. Georgios Alexandrakis
Guest Editors

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