What are the Advantages of Single Molecule Fluorescence?
Single molecule fluorescence offers several advantages over traditional fluorescence techniques:
High Sensitivity: The ability to detect and analyze individual molecules provides unparalleled sensitivity, allowing for the study of rare events and low-abundance species. Minimal Averaging: By avoiding ensemble averaging, SMF reveals heterogeneities and subpopulations that would be obscured in bulk measurements. Real-Time Monitoring: SMF techniques enable real-time observation of dynamic processes, capturing transient states and kinetic pathways. Single-Molecule Manipulation: Techniques such as optical trapping and atomic force microscopy can be combined with SMF to manipulate and probe single molecules with high precision.
