Fluorophores for single-molecule localization microscopy

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy allows for obtaining images with a resolution of 10–20 nm, far exceeding the diffraction limit of conventional optical microscopy (200–350 nm), and provides an opportunity to study in detail the subcellular structures and individual proteins in both living and fixed cells. Among these methods, single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has become widespread. SMLM techniques are based on special fluorophores capable of photoswitching. The paper presents a classification of such fluorophores and describes their photoswitching mechanisms and successful practical applications. We discuss recent progress and prospects for the development of new effective labels suitable for SMLM.