Chicago, USA - Scientists at the University of Chicago have unveiled a groundbreaking quantum biosensor, poised to revolutionize the way we study cells and diagnose diseases. This innovative technology, developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Iowa, utilizes diamond nanoparticles coated with a specially engineered shell, inspired by the technology behind QLED televisions.
The core of this biosensor lies in the use of diamond nanocrystals. These tiny diamonds, when introduced into living cells, can act as highly sensitive probes, allowing scientists to monitor cellular processes and detect diseases at their earliest stages. However, a major challenge has been maintaining the quantum properties of these nanoparticles once inside a cell, as their performance often degrades.
The research team addressed this issue by drawing inspiration from QLED television technology. They coated the diamond nanoparticles with a siloxane shell, a material that enhances the quantum properties of the diamonds and prevents the immune system from recognizing them as foreign objects. This innovative approach not only improved the sensor's sensitivity but also provided new insights into how surface modifications can influence a material's quantum behavior.
The results were remarkable. The researchers observed up to a fourfold improvement in spin coherence, a key factor in the sensor's performance. They also found that the siloxane shell fundamentally altered the quantum behavior within the diamond, leading to a more stable and sensitive way to read signals from living cells. This breakthrough solves a long-standing mystery in the quantum sensing field and opens new avenues for both engineering innovation and fundamental research.
"The end impact is not just a better sensor, but a new, quantitative framework for engineering coherence and charge stability in quantum nanomaterials," said Uri Zvi, the lead author of the paper. This discovery has the potential to transform medical diagnostics, enabling earlier and more accurate disease detection, and offering a deeper understanding of cellular biology.