Single Molecule Sensing Beyond Fluorescence

This book provides an interesting snapshot of recent advances in the field of single molecule nanosensing. The ability to sense single molecules, and to precisely monitor and control their motion is crucial to build a microscopic understanding of key processes in nature, from protein folding to chemical reactions. Recently a range of new techniques have been developed that allow single molecule sensing and control without the use of fluorescent labels. This volume provides an overview of recent advances that take advantage of micro- and nanoscale sensing technologies and provide the prospect for rapid future progress. The book endeavors to provide basic introductions to key techniques, recent research highlights, and an outlook on big challenges in the field and where it will go in future. It is a valuable contribution to the field of single molecule nanosensing and it will be of great interest to graduates and researchers working in this topic.

This interdisciplinary book covers the fundamentals of optical whispering gallery mode (WGM) microcavities, light–matter interaction, and biomolecular structure with a focus on applications in biosensing. Novel biosensors based on the hybridization of WGM microcavities and localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) in metal nanoparticles have emerged as the most sensitive microsystem biodetection technology that boasts single molecule detection capability without the need for amplification and labeling of the analyte. The book provides an ample survey of the physical mechanisms of WGMs and LSPRs for detecting affinity, concentration, size, shape and orientation of biomarkers, while informing the reader about different classes of biomolecules, their optical properties and their importance in label-free clinical diagnostics. This expanded and updated second edition features a new chapter that introduces the reader to advanced in vivo biosensing techniques using WGM microcavities, looking at photothermal sensing, methods for trapping neutral atoms around WGM microcavities, and practical aspects of optoplasmonic sensing. The second Edition now provides a comprehensive introduction to the use of WGM microcavities in physical sensing which includes measurements with frequency combs, macro and micro (one atom) lasers, gyroscopes, optomechanical and parity-time-symmetric sensor devices. Chapter-end problems round out this comprehensive and fundamental textbook, inspiring a host of up-and-coming physicists, bioengineers, and medical professionals to make their own breakthroughs in this blossoming new field. This textbook can be used for both introductory and advanced courses about the modern optics of optical microcavities.

Fluorescence is the most popular technique in chemical and biological sensing and this book provides systematic knowledge of basic principles in the design of fluorescence sensing and imaging techniques together with critical analysis of recent developments. Its ultimate sensitivity, high temporal and spatial resolution and versatility enables high resolution imaging within living cells. It develops rapidly in the directions of constructing new molecular recognition units, new fluorescence reporters and in improving sensitivity of response, up to the detection of single molecules. Its application areas range from the control of industrial processes to environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics. Being a guide for students and young researchers, it also addresses professionals involved in basic and applied research. Making a strong link between education, research and product development, this book discusses prospects for future progress.

Analytical measurements at the single molecule level under ambient conditions have become almost routine in the past few years. The application of this technology to fundamental studies of heterogeneity in biomolecular structure and dynamics, chemical and biological reaction kinetics, and photophysics provides a rich playground for molecular scientists. The potential use of single molecule detection for nanotechnology and quantum information processing is a new and almost unexplored area. This handbook is intended for those interested in a practical introduction to single molecule investigations using fluorescence techniques and places special emphasis on the practicalities of achieving single molecule resolution, analysing the resulting data and exploration of the applications in biophysics. It is ideal for graduate research students and others embarking on work in this exciting field.

This book provides systematic knowledge of basic principles in the design of fluorescence sensing and imaging techniques together with critical analysis of recent developments. Fluorescence is the most popular technique in chemical and biological sensing because of its ultimate sensitivity, high temporal and spatial resolution and versatility that enables imaging within the living cells. It develops rapidly in the directions of constructing new molecular recognition units, new fluorescence reporters and in improving sensitivity of response up to detection of single molecules. Its application areas range from control of industrial processes to environment monitoring and clinical diagnostics. Being a guide for students and young researchers, it also addresses professionals involved in active basic and applied research. Making a strong link between education, research and product development, this book discusses prospects for future progress.

New Methods and Sensors for Membrane and Cell Volume Research, Volume 88 provides an overview of novel experimental approaches to study both the cell membrane and the under-membrane space – the cytosol, which have lately began drawing renewed attention. The book's overall emphasis is on fluorescent and FRET-based sensors, however, other optical (such as variants of transmission microscopy) and non-optical methods (neutron scattering and mass spectrometry) also have dedicated chapters. This volume provides a rare review of experimental approaches to study intracellular phase transitions, as well as anion channels, membrane tension and dynamics, and other topics of intense current interest. Describes novel FRET-based membrane sensors Reviews selected non-optical approaches to membrane structure and dynamics Describes traditional and modern aspects of cell volume research, such as phase transitions and macromolecular crowding

Containing over 150 original photomicrographs accompanied by protocol information, Atlas of Cell Organelles Fluorescence delineates organelles structures, interaction, and organization into complexes. It provides a collection that shows living cells under physiopathological conditions and in the context of treatment with carcinogens, xenobi

This reference informs readers about nanoscale design and synthesis of different nanomaterials. Chapters of the book account for variable nanoarchitecture, while explaining concepts which are central to the field of nanotechnology. It explains how nanodevices and microdevices can be used for nanophotonics, biophotonics and drug delivery applications. Advanced biochemical techniques ranging from fluorescence, plasmonics, enhanced plasmonics (EP) to metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) from colloidal dispersion to single luminescent nanoplatforms and nanospectroscopy, microfluidics, nanofluidics, silica wave-guiding, lasers, nanolasers and photonic circuits for enhanced signal detections are also presented. In addition, proof of concept ideas of microdevices and nanodevices to real applications within other allied disciplines such as genomics, biochemistry, drug delivery and clinical chemistry (based on advanced optical detection and imaging) are highlighted. The book is an informative reference for readers studying biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical engineering and related subjects at all levels, as well as general readers who want to learn about advanced applications in optics and photonics.