Abstract
• Smart usage of single molecule photobleaching technology and dual-color fluorescence colocalization is of critical importance for exploiting the sensing platform. Here, we provide the detailed protocols related to the article "A split aptamer sensing platform for highly sensitive detection of theophylline based on dual-color fluorescence colocalization and single molecule photobleaching" (published online by Biosensors and Bioelectronics) (Liu et al., 2020). The protocols contain: (1) how to clean the slides; (2) how to prepare the probe and detection sample; (3) Single molecule imaging; 4) Data processing by using the Image J. Finally, we used a simple model to confirm the feasibility of the method for integrating dual-color fluorescence colocalization and single molecule photobleaching technology on the theophylline sensing platform. • A simple, ultrasensitive method for the detection of theophylline. • The method is easily comprehensible. • Both strategy formulation and data processing are simple, learnability, and highly reproducible.