Ultra-fast, ultra-sensitive single molecule detection and real-time imaging

Detection and imaging of single molecules have always been important tasks in fundamental science as well as practical applications. In this work we developed a novel approach to ultra-sensitive, ultra-fast detection and imaging of single molecules. Our approach allowed for detection of single troponin-T (cTnT) molecules (a clinically important marker for cardiac muscle damage) in human blood serum 1000 times faster than the existing techniques. We also performed imaging studies of single cTnT molecules and their motion in serum in real time and demonstrated the capability of this technique to measure ultra-low, clinically significant cTnT concentrations of 1 pg/mL.