Chemical tags: inspiration for advanced imaging techniques.

This review summarizes recent applications of chemical tags in conjunction with advanced bio-imaging techniques including single-molecule fluorescence, spatiotemporally resolved ensemble microscopy techniques, and imaging modalities beyond fluorescence. We aim to illustrate the unique advantages of chemical tags in facilitating contemporary microscopy to address biological problems that are difficult or near impossible to approach otherwise. We hope our review will inspire more innovative applications enabled by the mingling of these two growing fields.