Applications
Discover the most recent research and publications on quantum sensing
Quantum Nuova for Qubit Technology
The Quantum Nuova, though still under research for this application, offers potential for high-throughput quality assessment of qubits during both development and final quality control stages, with options for sending samples to QT Sense for testing or purchasing the device for in-lab use. Diamond-based qubits represent a significant advancement in quantum computing, utilizing the crystal lattice defects in diamonds to create qubits within NV centers. These qubits are initialized and read through diamond magnetometry, a method that leverages the electron spin states which can be manipulated using microwave radiation. Notably, NV centers are valued for their extended coherence times at room temperature. For optimal qubit creation, diamonds must be precisely engineered to control defect positioning and maximize coherence time.
Measuring free radicals with relaxometry in human semen
Measuring free radicals with relaxometry: Pioneering steps for measurements in human semen
This article explores using T1 relaxometry, a quantum sensing technique with fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs), to detect free radicals in human semen. This approach aims to provide insights into unexplained male infertility by allowing real-time, nanoscale detection of free radical generation. The method's potential diagnostic applications could include evaluating the effects of therapeutic interventions and lifestyle changes on male reproductive health. However, no significant correlation was found between free radical levels and sperm concentration or motility, indicating further research is needed to refine this technique as a diagnostic tool for male infertility.
Diamond and Related Materials (2023)
Quantum Sensing in Endothelial Cells
Quantum Sensing for Detection of Zinc-Triggered Free Radicals in Endothelial Cells
The study investigates the detection of zinc-triggered free radicals in endothelial cells using quantum sensing techniques. It focuses on how different concentrations of zinc affect cell morphology, proliferation, and the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The research employs relaxometry with fluorescent nanodiamonds to measure free radical production in real-time, highlighting the potential of this method in assessing the biological impacts of zinc ions. This approach offers insights into the cellular responses to zinc, contributing to understanding its role in oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Adv Quantum Technol. (2023)
Quantum Sensing for Drug Efficacy
Quantum Sensing for Real-Time Monitoring of Drug Efficacy in Synovial Fluid from Arthritis Patients
The study explores using diamond-based T1 relaxometry to measure free radical levels in arthritis patients. It differentiates between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by analyzing synovial fluid and cells treated with the drug piroxicam. The findings indicate a significant reduction in free radicals in OA patients but not in RA patients after treatment, suggesting a potential reason why piroxicam is more effective for OA than RA.
Nano Lett (2023)
Quantum Sensing in Primary Human Granulosa Cells
Quantum Sensing of Free Radicals in Primary Human Granulosa Cells with Nanoscale Resolution
The article describes a study on detecting free radicals in human granulosa cells using quantum sensing with fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs). This method allows for the real-time, nanoscale observation of free radical generation in cells, offering insights into cellular responses to oxidative stress. The study highlights the potential of quantum sensing in biomedical research, especially in understanding the mechanisms of reproductive health and fertility.
ACS Central Science (2023)
Fluorescent Nanodiamonds for Tracking Single Polymer Particles in Cells and Tissues
Fluorescent Nanodiamonds for Tracking Single Polymer Particles in Cells and Tissues
This article presents a novel method for the long-term imaging and tracking of polymer nanoparticles within biological systems using fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs). Unlike conventional fluorescent dyes, FNDs do not bleach or blink, enabling continuous tracking in cells and liver tissues. The study demonstrates how FNDs, embedded within polymer nanoparticles, can be used to visualize and understand the transport routes of these particles in cellular and tissue environments, highlighting FNDs' potential for biomedical imaging and environmental studies on nanoparticle behavior.
Analytical Chemistry (2023)
Enhanced Scaffolds with Fluorescent Nanodiamonds
Melt electrowritten scaffolds containing fluorescent nanodiamonds for improved mechanical properties and degradation monitoring
The article presents a study on melt electrowritten scaffolds embedded with fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) for enhanced mechanical properties and degradation monitoring in biomedical applications. The addition of a minute amount (0.001 wt%) of FNDs to polycaprolactone (PCL) significantly improved the scaffolds' tensile modulus and cell proliferation rates while offering the capability for real-time tracking of degradation. These scaffolds showed slower hydrolytic degradation, making them suitable for long-term biomedical applications. This innovative approach combines the benefits of melt electrowriting's precision and the unique properties of FNDs, highlighting the potential for creating advanced scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Bioprinting (2023)
Diamond Nanosensing and Machine Learning for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis
Prospects of Using Machine Learning and Diamond Nanosensing for High Sensitivity SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis
The article explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Fluorescent Nanodiamond (FND) biosensing for enhancing SARS-CoV-2 detection. It highlights the potential of FNDs in quantum nanosensing due to their high photostability, biocompatibility, and the ability to be functionalized for specific biomolecule detection. The use of AI and machine learning algorithms is proposed to optimize FND biosensing capabilities, such as improving signal-to-noise ratio and specificity towards SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. This approach aims to provide sensitive, accurate, and rapid diagnostics for managing pandemic outbreaks and understanding virus mutations.
Magnetochemistry (2023)
Unlocking Huntington's Disease with Diamond Quantum Sensing
Diamond Quantum Sensing Revealing the Relation between Free Radicals and Huntington’s Disease
This technique, which utilizes fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) capable of detecting magnetic changes caused by free radicals, enables nanoscale MRI measurements with subcellular resolution. The research focused on whether radical generation occurs near PolyQ aggregates in human embryonic kidney cells expressing Huntington's disease markers. Findings revealed that nanodiamonds are highly colocalized with PolyQ aggregates at autolysosomes, and an increase in PolyQ aggregation was correlated with heightened production of free radicals, suggesting a link between PolyQ aggregation, autolysosome dysfunction, and free radical production.
ACS Central Science (2023)
Fluorescent nanodiamond for sperm cell viability
Fluorescent nanodiamond labels: Size and concentration matters for sperm cell viability
The study explores the potential of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) in biomedical applications, specifically focusing on their biocompatibility with sperm cells for applications in studying infertility and labeling sperm cells. The research assesses various sizes and concentrations of nanodiamonds, examining their impact on sperm cell metabolic activity, membrane integrity, morphology, and reactive oxygen species formation in both uncapacitated and capacitated states. It concludes that FNDs' biocompatibility varies, with larger particles and lower concentrations being better tolerated, especially in the capacitated state of cells, indicating the need for careful consideration in biomedical applications
Today Bio (2023)
Fast Broad-Band Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy with Diamond Widefield Relaxometry
Fast Broad-Band Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy with Diamond Widefield Relaxometry
This study introduces a novel approach to Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using the photoluminescence of Nitrogen-Vacancy centers in diamonds, bypassing traditional bulky EPR equipment. By monitoring the relaxation time (T1) and utilizing a localized magnetic field gradient, the technique successfully detects cross-relaxation with compounds of interest. Remarkably, it reconstructs a full EPR spectrum in just 3 seconds across a 3 to 11 G range, with a minimal volume requirement of 0.5 μL for a 1 μM hexaaquacopper(II) ion solution. This method represents a significant advance in sensitivity and efficiency for EPR spectroscopy.
ACS Sensors (2023)
Understanding Yeast Cell Metabolism: Insights from Diamond Magnetometry
Detecting the metabolism of individual yeast mutant strain cells when aged, stressed or treated with antioxidants with diamond magnetometry
This study presents a novel approach for detecting free radicals in yeast cells during stress conditions and aging using diamond magnetometry. Utilizing nitrogen vacancy centers in nanodiamonds, researchers could measure free radical generation and reduction at a sub-cellular level with unprecedented sensitivity. They demonstrated the technique's ability to differentiate between mutant yeast strains with altered metabolism and monitor the aging process, revealing increased free radical loads in older cells. This research introduces a significant tool for understanding free radical biology with potential biomedical applications.
Nano Today (2023)
Future Directions
Intracellular Relaxometry, Challenges, and Future Directions
Relaxometry with Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds, a technique where laser-stimulated NV centers emit light to measure magnetic fields, is advancing biological research by allowing detailed study of subcellular structures. The technique faces challenges in consistency and biocompatibility. Future directions include using larger NV center ensembles and exploring new materials proposed to enhance analysis and understanding of cellular processes and diseases.
ACS Central Science (2022)
Drug Delivery and Quantum Sensing in HeLa Cells
Functionalized Fluorescent Nanodiamonds for Simultaneous Drug Delivery and Quantum Sensing in HeLa Cells
This study demonstrates the application of functionalized fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) for simultaneous drug delivery and free radical detection in HeLa cells. By modifying FNDs with a diazoxide derivative, researchers achieved enhanced cellular uptake and sustained drug release, compared to free drugs. The unique quantum sensing capabilities of FNDs enabled real-time monitoring of the local drug response and free radical levels within cells. This dual functionality of FNDs offers a novel approach for targeted cancer therapy, providing a method to deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells while monitoring treatment effects at the nanoscale.
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces (2022)
Nanoscale MRI in Sperm Cells
Nanoscale MRI for Selective Labeling and Localized Free Radical Measurements in the Acrosomes of Single Sperm Cells
A nanodiamond-based relaxometry approach for precise detection of free radicals within the acrosomes of sperm cells, addressing limitations of traditional free radical detection methods. By employing diamond magnetometry for its sensitivity to magnetic fields affected by free radicals, the researchers could pinpoint the primary source of radical generation during sperm capacitation, particularly identifying NOX5 on the sperm head's plasma membrane.
ACS Nano (2022)
Quantum Sensing of Viral Infections
Applying NV center-based quantum sensing to study intracellular free radical response upon viral infections
By employing optical probing and measuring the spin-lattice relaxation (T1) of NV defect ensembles in intracellular nanodiamonds, the research pinpoints alterations in free radical levels near infectious viruses. This innovative approach allows for precise measurement of free radical concentration changes at random cellular locations and specifically near virus entry points, providing insights into intracellular dynamics during viral replication. Additionally, the study utilizes relaxometry to monitor free radical variations in real-time during the early stages of infection, offering a novel method to understand virus pathogenesis and aiding in the development of effective antiviral drugs or vaccines.
Redox Biology (2022)
Quantum Sensing of Free Radicals in Primary Human Dendritic Cells
Quantum Sensing of Free Radicals in Primary Human Dendritic Cells
Utilizing quantum sensing with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds to detect free radicals in human dendritic cells, overcoming traditional detection challenges. This innovative method highlights the significant variations in radical production among individuals and provides insights into the immune response mechanisms. The research successfully demonstrates real-time, localized measurements of radical levels, particularly focusing on the NADPH oxidase (NOX2) activity in cells. This technique not only offers a deeper understanding of immune system functioning but also holds potential for broader applications in biological research, including fertility treatments and the study of male infertility.
ACS Nano (2021)
Review on Nanodiamonds in Organisms
Nanodiamonds for In Vivo Applications
Delve into the multifaceted applications of nanodiamonds (NDs), including their use in drug delivery, cancer therapy, and biomedical implants. These tiny diamonds are prized for their unique optical properties and quantum sensing capabilities, making them ideal for delivering drugs and genetic materials directly to target areas, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Notably, their application extends to improving the mechanical properties of composites in medical implants, like promoting bone formation, due to their hardness and customizable surface.