Direct single-molecule detection and super-resolution imaging with a low-cost portable smartphone-based microscope

Morgane Loretan, Mariano Barella (), Nathan Fuchs, Samet Kocabey, Karol Kołątaj, Fernando D. Stefani () and Guillermo P. Acuna ()
Additional contact information
Morgane Loretan: University of Fribourg
Mariano Barella: University of Fribourg
Nathan Fuchs: University of Fribourg
Samet Kocabey: University of Fribourg
Karol Kołątaj: University of Fribourg
Fernando D. Stefani: Universidad de Buenos Aires
Guillermo P. Acuna: University of Fribourg

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Detecting single molecules, which represents the ultimate level of sensitivity, is typically achieved with research-grade equipment. Here we present a low-cost, portable smartphone-based fluorescence microscope capable of detecting single-molecule fluorescence directly, i.e., without the need for any signal amplification. The setup leverages the image sensors and data handling capacity of mass-produced smartphones, it is adaptable to different smartphones and capable of detecting single molecules across the visible spectral range. We showcase this capability through single-molecule measurements on DNA origami models and super-resolution microscopy of cells by single-molecule localization microscopy. Last, we illustrate its potential as a point-of-care (POC) device by implementing a single-molecule bioassay for RNA detection. This development paves the way for innovative applications of massively distributed or personalized assays with single-molecule sensitivity in various fields such as digital bioassays, POC diagnostics, field expeditions, STEM outreach, and life science education.

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63993-z Abstract (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63993-z

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
https://www.nature.com/ncomms/

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63993-z

Access Statistics for this article

Nature Communications is currently edited by Nathalie Le Bot, Enda Bergin and Fiona Gillespie

More articles in Nature Communications from Nature
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().