Work

Quantum-sensing-based super-resolution live cell microenvironment imaging

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Direct monitoring the multifaceted intracellular microenvironment is fundamental for deciphering localized cellular behavior and function. However, performing nanoscale spatiotemporal sensing of the dynamic physiochemical environment within a live cell has remained challenging, mainly limited by the lack of robust, biocompatible method which satisfies the requirements for spatiotemporal resolution, sensitivity, multi-physical sensing capability and long-term viability. Here we present a super-resolution-based quantum biosensing approach, namely Super-resolution Multi-physical field Imaging with Deconvolution, implemented in our custom-built setup which integrates nitrogen vacancy center-based quantum sensing with structured illumination microscopy. This enables quantitative, super-resolved, and long-term tracking of intracellular physical fields, featuring spatial resolution of 136 nm, temporal resolution of 150 ms, and field of view of 180×180 μm2. We further perform super-resolution multimodal imaging in a live cell, revealing the spatially heterogeneous reactive oxygen species dynamics under external stimulation. Our work enables the dynamic assessment of localized physiochemical dynamics under super-resolution quantum biosensing. This work presents a super-resolution quantum biosensing approach by integrating nitrogen vacancy (NV) center-based quantum nanodiamond sensors with structured illumination microscopy, which achieves super-resolution multi-physical imaging within live cells.
Language: English
Subfield: Biophysics
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W7221342000
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: 10