Until now, quantum sensing has primarily been known from solid-state materials such as diamonds with deliberately introduced tiny defects. The researchers are now transferring this principle to proteins – biological molecules that can be genetically produced and specifically tailored. In the future, this could allow quantum sensors to be built directly into cells or tissue.<\/p>\n
These protein-based sensors are potentially particularly well suited for biosensing – that is, for imaging living cells, tissues, or organs. In theory, they sit directly where measurement is needed, making them suitable for studies in organisms – unlike bulky solid-state sensors.<\/p>\n
Dominik Bucher, Professor of Quantum Sensing at the TUM School of Natural Sciences and last author of the study published in Nature Biotechnology, explains: “In contrast to established solid-state-based systems, protein-based approaches can not only serve as sensors, but also open up the prospective possibility of controlling biological processes with radio waves in a targeted manner – an extremely exciting prospect.”<\/p>\n
What exactly did the researchers do?<\/p>\n
The researchers irradiated two light-sensitive proteins – so-called flavoproteins – with blue light. The starting point was a cryptochrome, a protein studied in biology as a potential magnetic field sensor in birds. The protein samples used in the study were provided by the research group of Prof. Erik Schleicher at the University of Freiburg.<\/p>\n
The light generates spin-correlated radical pairs with extraordinary spin properties in the proteins: these are coupled electron pairs that are extremely sensitive to magnetic fields. This behavior can be made visible via the luminescence intensity of these proteins.<\/p>\n
The researchers then deliberately applied radio waves and were able to alter the luminescence of the proteins – and thus the underlying radical pairs. This demonstrates that the sensitive quantum states in the biological environment can be influenced by electromagnetic fields.<\/p>\n
The proteins act as magnetic field sensors and can even make magnetic field distributions in the samples visible. The signal is read out purely optically via light – similarly to solid-state-based quantum sensors.<\/p>\n
Even though this is basic research, the findings have great potential for near-term biotechnological applications.<\/p>\n
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The possibilities range from biological quantum sensors to radio wave-controlled cell activity, such as remotely controlled gene expression.” <\/p>\n
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Kun Meng, doctoral student, TUM School of Natural Sciences and first author of the study<\/p>\n
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Source:<\/p>\n
Technical University of Munich (TUM)<\/a><\/p>\n Journal reference:<\/p>\n