Quantum Nanodiamonds Unlock Drug Action in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
We are thrilled to highlight our co-founder Prof. Dr. Romana Schirhagl’s latest research, recently published in Advanced Functional Materials, describes the creation of a multifunctional nanodiamond (ND) theranostic platform—simultaneously delivering the drug Diazoxide (DZX) and providing real-time monitoring of intracellular redox dynamics. The NDs are engineered for pH-sensitive release, ensuring precise drug delivery to the acidic environment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer cells (TNBC).
Quantum Sensing Reveals Drug's Secret
The innovation hinges on the NDs’ built-in quantum sensing capabilities using Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers. This allowed researchers to directly monitor intracellular redox dynamics at the drug’s site of action. The key result was that after 24 hours of treatment, diamond relaxometry showed a specific decrease in the free radical load in the endo/lysosomal compartments.
New Mechanism of Action Discovered
This quantitative quantum data, when paired with observations of elevated mitochondrial ROS levels, provided definitive evidence of the drug’s function. The finding suggests that DZX’s therapeutic effect is achieved by activating cellular redox homeostasis—the cell’s natural response to stress. This work is a powerful validation of how advanced quantum sensing can precisely map a drug’s complex mechanism of action, accelerating therapeutic discovery.
We congratulate Prof. Schirhagl and all collaborators on this inspiring achievement. Their work exemplifies the curiosity, collaboration, and dedication that drive progress in quantum sensing—and the kind of innovation that motivates everyone at QT Sense.
Share this:
