Various images showing exemplary research fields of Viktorija's research group.

Single Molecule Sensing

Research Group Leader: Viktorija Glembockyte

In our group, we are excited about the ability to visualize and sense single biomolecules using both the tools of DNA nanotechnology and single-molecule fluorescence imaging. 

Our mission

We are dedicated to unraveling the intricate details of molecular processes at the single-molecule level. By harnessing the power of DNA nanotechnology and advanced microscopy techniques, we aim to gain a deeper understanding and control over these fundamental biological interactions.

Our research

  • DNA nanotechnology and Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging: We leverage the precision of DNA nanotechnology to even more precisely position molecules and arrange functions on the nanoscale to build new nanosensors and nanodevices. Our single-molecule fluorescence imaging techniques allow us to study and visualize them with unparalleled sensitivity and resolution.
  • Superresolution imaging and Nanoscale Stability: We employ superresolution imaging methods and develop novel fluorescence-based tools to investigate the stability and addressability of nanoscale devices. Our goal is to enhance their robustness and reliability in complex biochemical environments.
  • Single Molecule Photophysics and DNA nanotechnology: We conduct in depth mechanistic studies on photophysical properties of fluorescence labels to optimize their performance in high-end imaging applications. Additionally, we utilize the versatility of DNA nanotechnology to develop new imaging tools.

The current topics include:

  • Modular and tunable single-molecule sensors
  • Proteolytic activity sensors
  • Nanoscale stability and addressability of DNA nanodevices
  • Nanoscale clustering and avidity
  • Photostabilization and photoswitching strategies

Some highlighted works:

Grabenhorst, L.; Pfeiffer M.; Schinkel, T.; Kümmerlin, M.; Brüggenthies, G.A.; Maglic, J.B.; Selbach, F.; Murr, A.T.; Tinnefeld, P.*; Glembockyte, V.*, Engineering Modular and Tunable Single Molecule Sensors by Decoupling Sensing from Signal Output, 2024, Nature Nanotechnology, doi: 10.1038/s41565-024-01804-0

Wasserman, L.M.†; Scheckenbach, M.†; Baptist, A.; Glembockyte, V.*; Heuer-Jungeman A.*; Full-site addressability in DNA origami templated silica nanostructures, Adv. Mater. 2023, 35, 2212024.

Trofymchuk, K.†*; Glembockyte, V.*; Grabenhorst, L.; Steiner, F.; Vietz, C.; Close, C.; Pfeiffer, M.; Richter, L.; Schütte, M.L.; Selbach, F.; Yaadav, R.; Zähringer, J.; Wei, Q.; Ozcan, A., Lalkens, B.; Acuna, G.P.*; Tinnefeld, P.* Addressable Nanoantennas with Cleared Hotspots for Single-Molecule Detection on a Portable Smartphone Microscope, Nat. Commun. 2021, 12, 950.

Scheckenbach, M.; Schubert, T.; Forthmann, C.; Glembockyte, V.*; Tinnefeld, P.*; Self-Regeneration and Self-Healing in DNA Origami Nanostructures, Angew. Chem. 2020, 60, 4931.

 

Photo credits: Viktorija Glembockyte, LMU Press Office

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