A segmented GFP-like aptamer was developed which is not fluorescent when its segments are separated, but after reconstitution has similar fluorescent properties with the full aptamer.

Segmented aptamers exhibited enhancement in fluorescence due to increased folding efficiency.

Segmented aptamers preserved their fluorescence properties upon association with coat protein and encapsulation inside a brome mosaic virus capsid.

Negligible bleaching from continuous chromophore exchange allowed for extended time single particle tracking.