Convex hull as diagnostic tool in single-molecule localization microscopy

Abstract

Motivation: Single-molecule localization microscopy resolves individual fluorophores or fluorescence-labeled biomolecules. Data are provided as a set of localizations that distribute normally around the true fluorophore position with a variance determined by the localization precision. Characterizing the spatial fluorophore distribution to differentiate between resolution-limited localization clusters, which resemble individual biomolecules, and extended structures, which represent aggregated molecular complexes, is a common challenge. Results: We demonstrate the use of the convex hull and related hull properties of localization clusters for diagnostic purposes, as a parameter for cluster selection or as a tool to determine localization precision.