3D super-resolved imaging in live cells using sub-diffractive plasmonic localization of hybrid nanopillar arrays

Analysing dynamics of a single biomolecule using high-resolution imaging techniques has been had significant attentions to understand complex biological system. Among the many approaches, vertical nanopillar arrays in contact with the inside of cells have been reported as a one of useful imaging applications since an observation volume can be confined down to few-tens nanometre theoretically. However, the nanopillars experimentally are not able to obtain super-resolution imaging because their evanescent waves generate a high optical loss and a low signal-to-noise ratio. Also, conventional nanopillars have a limitation to yield 3D information because they do not concern field localization in z-axis. Here, we developed novel hybrid nanopillar arrays (HNPs) that consist of SiO2 nanopillars terminated with gold nanodisks, allowing extreme light localization. The electromagnetic field profiles of HNPs are obtained through simulations and imaging resolution of cell membrane and biomolecules in living cells are tested using one-photon and 3D multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Consequently, HNPs present approximately 25 times enhanced intensity compared to controls and obtained an axial and lateral resolution of 110 and 210 nm of the intensities of fluorophores conjugated with biomolecules transported in living cells. These structures can be a great platform to analyse complex intracellular environment.