Nanostructures improve imaging techniques by providing higher resolution and better contrast. For instance, gold nanoparticles can be conjugated with antibodies to specifically bind to target proteins in cells. When used in conjunction with electron microscopy, these nanoparticles enhance the contrast, making it easier to identify and study specific cellular components.
Quantum dots, on the other hand, are semiconductor nanocrystals that can emit light at specific wavelengths when excited. They offer several advantages over traditional fluorescent dyes, such as greater photostability and the ability to emit multiple colors simultaneously. This makes them particularly useful for [multiplexed imaging](), where multiple targets can be visualized in a single sample.
