# Development of spectroscopic Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $306,142

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
One of the major recent scientific breakthroughs was the emergence of super-resolution optical nanoscopy.
Nanoscale optical imaging currently plays a crucial role in biomedical sciences and has provided invaluable
information about the cellular structure and function at the macromolecular scale. However, the potential of this
technology can be immensely enhanced. We propose to develop and optimize a new class of spectroscopic
super-resolution imaging tool, referred to as spectroscopic single-molecular localization microscope or sSMLM.
It will allow biomedical researchers, for the first time, to achieve multi-color imaging with molecular specificity at
sub 10-nm spatial resolution with principally unlimited number of distinguishable molecules. We will develope
the sSMLM with modular optical designs and open-source data processing software. The unique spectral
analysis optical module will be compatible with existing commercial SMLM systems with minimal or no system
modification. The new hardware and software development together with optimized experimental protocols will
ensure maximal accessibility of sSMLM by the broad biomedical research community. We anticipate that sSMLM
will push the envelope of super-resolution imaging in fundamental biological research beyond current static
spatial analysis of only few (<4) molecules.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10132097
- **Project number:** 1R01GM140478-01
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Cheng Sun
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $306,142
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-12-01 → 2024-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10132097

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10132097, Development of spectroscopic Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (1R01GM140478-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10132097. Licensed CC0.

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