Single-shot two-dimensional nano-size mapping of fluorescent molecules by ultrafast polarization anisotropy imaging

Wang P, Mishra YN, Bauer F, Gudipati MS, Wang LV (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Nature Communications Nature Publishing Group: Nature Communications

Book Volume: 16

Article Number: 5019

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60072-1

Abstract

Molecular size plays a crucial role in determining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of substances. However, traditional fluorescence polarization anisotropy methods struggle to capture fast transient processes or provide plane-specific details. To overcome these limitations, we introduce Compressed Ultrafast Planar Polarization Anisotropy Imaging (CUP2AI). This approach combines femtosecond laser-sheet illumination, molecular rotational diffusivity, and compressed sensing to enable real-time, non-invasive, wide-field anisotropy measurements in both liquid and gas phases. CUP2AI captures 2D molecular size mapping in a single acquisition, granting unprecedented insights into dynamic events across various excitation modes (i.e. both one- and two-photon) and environmental conditions. It enables mapping of molecular volume (500 Å³–80,000 Å³) and hydrodynamic diameter (10 Å–50 Å) based on anisotropy lifetimes. We imaged fluorescein-conjugated dextran in water and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in flames. CUP2AI holds transformative potential for applications ranging from molecular biology and drug design to nanoparticle formation.

Authors with CRIS profile

Florian Bauer Lehrstuhl für Technische Thermodynamik (LTT)

Involved external institutions

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Wang, P., Mishra, Y.N., Bauer, F., Gudipati, M.S., & Wang, L.V. (2025). Single-shot two-dimensional nano-size mapping of fluorescent molecules by ultrafast polarization anisotropy imaging. Nature Communications, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60072-1

MLA:

Wang, Peng, et al. "Single-shot two-dimensional nano-size mapping of fluorescent molecules by ultrafast polarization anisotropy imaging." Nature Communications 16.1 (2025).

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