What does this research mean for the field?

MINFLUX superresolution microscopy achieves molecule-scale resolution of 1-3 nanometers and localization precisions in the Ångström range, enabling the characterization of dynamic processes at the single protein level. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.ESTABLISHES_NEW_DIRECTION.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study examines the innovative MINFLUX microscopy technique that achieves unprecedented resolution at the molecular scale.

February 22, 2026Open Access

XRM2024 - Thu04K - "Molecule-scale resolution and dynamics in fluorescence microscopy"

Key Points

This study examines the innovative MINFLUX microscopy technique that achieves unprecedented resolution at the molecular scale.
Detailed analysis of diffraction-unlimited fluorescence microscopy principles.
Demonstration of MINFLUX's capabilities in fixed and living cells.
Tracking of kinesin-1 protein dynamics on microtubules at high ATP concentrations.
Achieved 1–3 nanometer resolution in imaging.
Provided localization precisions in the Ångström range.
Characterized dynamic processes at the single protein level.

Abstract

I will show how an in-depth description of the basic principles of diffraction-unlimited fluorescence microscopy has spawned MINFLUX1–4, a recent superresolution method that has reached the resolution of the size of a fluorophore molecule. Providing 1–3 nanometer resolution in fixed and living cells, as well as localization precisions in the Ångström range, MINFLUX and the related MINSTED concept5,6 are being established for routine applications in the biomedical sciences4. Relying on fewer fluorescence photons than other methods, these techniques are also poised to characterize dynamic processes at the single protein level, as already demonstrated by tracking sub(nanometer) details of the unhindered stepping of the motor protein kinesin-1 on microtubules at up to physiological ATP concentrations7. References 1. Balzarotti, F., et al. (2017). Science 355, 606-6122. Eilers, Y., et al. (2018). PNAS 115, 6117-61223. Gwosch, K. C., et al. (2020). Nat. Methods 17, 217–2244. Schmidt, R., et al. (2021). Nat. Commun. 12:1478.5. Weber, M., et al. (2021). Nat. Photon. 15, 361-3666. Weber, M., et al. (2023). Nat. Biotechnol., 41, 569-576 (2023)7. Wolff, J.O., et al. (2023). Science, 379, 1004-1010 (2023)

XRM2024 - Thu04K - "Molecule-scale resolution and dynamics in fluorescence microscopy"

Key Points

Abstract

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