Work

Live cell quantum multiphysiology enabled by a manipulable single nanodiamond

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The patch-clamp technique provides direct insight into electrophysiology. However, probing multiphysiology such as local temperature and electromagnetic field dynamics within a single live cell remains a challenge. Here we report live cell quantum multiphysiology using a manipulable-single-nanodiamond-based electron spin sensor. By electrically trapping and integrating a single nanodiamond onto a glass nanopipette, we achieve its 3D manipulation within a single live cell. This enables the first nanoscale controlled live cell quantum sensing of multiphysiology signals under native conditions, providing direct insight into localized intracellular activities. Our observations reveal a spatial heterogeneity in temperature over different sites within a single cell, indicative of local activity-induced heat production. Furthermore, temporally resolved relaxation measurements effectively capture the intracellular free-radical-mediated local electro-magnetic noise dynamics. We find a number of unexpected fluctuation phenomena of electromagnetic noise that may directly represent different types of intracellular free radical generation dynamics. Live cell quantum multiphysiology bridges the gap between high-physical-sensitivity-quantum sensing with high-spatiotemporal-resolution live cell measurements, opening up a new avenue for accessing cellular function with unprecedented capabilities.

Source: National Science Review

DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaf130