Indian Institute of Science Researchers Achieve Record 12 Target Simultaneous Nanoscale Cellular Imaging

Indian Institute of Science researchers achieve 3-5nm resolution in mapping cancer cell nuclei, visualizing 12 biomolecules simultaneously with DNA-PAINT.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 8:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

A Breakthrough in Sub-Cellular Visual Mapping

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science have pioneered a transformation in biological visualization by mapping the internal architecture of cancer cell nuclei at unprecedented resolution. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights a leap in the ability to see the intricate meshwork of proteins and nucleic acids that sustain cellular life. According to Mahipal Ganji, Assistant Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, developing technologies that can see many biomolecules in a single cell is essential for expanding the current limits of biological research. This development overcomes the standard constraints of conventional imaging, which typically restricts scientists to observing only two or three molecular species at a time.

Technological Evolution of the DNA-PAINT Platform

The research utilized a high-resolution microscopy method known as DNA-Points Accumulation for Imaging in Nanoscale Topography, or DNA-PAINT. This process relies on tiny fluorescent DNA tags that briefly latch onto targets within the cell, blinking under laser light to reveal their positions. While the foundation of this technique existed previously, the IISc team introduced critical upgrades to the DNA sequences used for tagging. Micky Anand, a PhD student and co-first author, noted that moving beyond the three-molecule limit is what enables truly detailed insights into how a cell is organized at a fundamental level.

Precision Engineering at the Nanoscale Level

The technical improvements allowed the researchers to target twelve different molecules at once with extreme precision. Five of the newly developed tags demonstrated the ability to bind to their targets faster and remain attached for longer durations, resulting in images that show details as small as 3 to 5 nanometers. This enhanced binding efficiency also allows for the use of lower-energy laser beams, which effectively reduces potential damage to both the cellular samples and the delicate DNA tags themselves. The refinement of these molecular interactions represents a shift toward more durable and accurate bio-imaging standards.