Physics

Small molecule

Nanotechnology

Biomolecule

Biology

Gene

Optics

Biophysics

Catalysis

Raman scattering

Chemistry

Materials science

Alkyne

Raman spectroscopy

Biochemistry

Nature Methods

The combination of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy with an alkyne group as a Raman-active tag allows high-contrast, live-cell dynamic imaging of a variety of biomolecules including DNA, RNA, protein, lipids and small-molecule drugs. Sensitive and specific visualization of small biomolecules in living systems is highly challenging. We report stimulated Raman-scattering imaging of alkyne tags as a general strategy for studying a broad spectrum of small biomolecules in live cells and animals. We demonstrate this technique by tracking alkyne-bearing drugs in mouse tissues and visualizing de novo synthesis of DNA, RNA, proteins, phospholipids and triglycerides through metabolic incorporation of alkyne-tagged small precursors.

Live-cell imaging of alkyne-tagged small biomolecules by stimulated Raman scattering