Single Molecule Microscopy Using Silicone-Oil Immersion Objectives

Microscopy techniques capable of detecting individual molecules and providing quantitative data have the potential to offer great biological insight. However, such approaches require the efficient capture of light. In this application note, Dr. Mark Hink demonstrates how the use of new silicone immersion objective lenses from Olympus, have enabled his team to maximize the capture of emitted light. The use of silicone oil for fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) is shown to greatly facilitate the production of brighter images and more sensitive analysis. The use of silicone oil has the potential to improve all forms of fluorescence microscopy.