In the last decade, point accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography (PAINT) has emerged as a versatile tool for single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Currently, DNA-PAINT is the most widely used, in which a transient stochastically binding DNA docking-imager pair is used to reconstruct specific characteristics of biological or synthetic materials on a single-molecule level. Slowly, the need for PAINT probes that are not dependent on DNA has immerged. These probes can be based on i) endogenous interactions, ii) engineered binders, iii) fusion proteins, or iv) synthetic molecules and provide complementary applications for SMLM. Therefore, researchers have been expanding the PAINT toolbox with new probes. In this review, we provide an overview of the currently excisting probes that go beyond DNA and their applications and challenges.

This article is Open Access

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