Aptamer functionalized silver clusters for STED microscopy

Abstract

Alternative to traditional dye or fluorescent protein, a novel stable probe for stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is critically needed. In this work, aptamer functionalized Ag clusters with high photostability were successfully prepared. Moreover, improved resolution has been observed both at the single particle level and in specific cell structures, suggesting that aptamer functionalized Ag clusters are promising candidates for STED microscopy.