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POSA for fast, amplified and multiplexed protein imaging

Author

Listed:
  • Wenkang Zhang

    (Nanshan District)

  • Hengfeng Jiang

    (Nanshan District)

  • Liang Han

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Jie Liu

    (Nanshan District)

  • Jie Wang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Feng He

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Leilei Tian

    (Nanshan District)

Abstract

Fluorescent π-conjugated polymers (FCPs) are known for their superior brightness but are still unavailable for highly multiplexed molecular imaging in single cells as they are hydrophobic and lack targeting capability toward biomolecules. Herein, we develop a π-conjugated polymer-based amplification (POSA) method to achieve highly multiplexed signal amplification. Optical amplification by virtue of the high brightness of FCPs makes POSA a simple and quick signal amplification technique that can spatially resolve the distribution of multiplexed proteins in single cells, with a 28- to 126-fold signal amplification effect. By this POSA method, we demonstrate that the high brightness of FCPs can be used to strengthen the images of subcellular biomolecules and showcase the phenomenon of optical amplification of FCPs at the cellular level. Additionally, with its sensitivity, ease of use, and quick imaging features, the POSA technique proves to be a valuable tool for advanced biological research.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenkang Zhang & Hengfeng Jiang & Liang Han & Jie Liu & Jie Wang & Feng He & Leilei Tian, 2025. "POSA for fast, amplified and multiplexed protein imaging," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57589-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57589-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhilun Zhao & Chen Chen & Shixuan Wei & Hanqing Xiong & Fanghao Hu & Yupeng Miao & Tianwei Jin & Wei Min, 2021. "Ultra-bright Raman dots for multiplexed optical imaging," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Pavel Zrazhevskiy & Xiaohu Gao, 2013. "Quantum dot imaging platform for single-cell molecular profiling," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-12, June.
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