Nanodiamond quantum sensing in redox cell biology by hyperspectral microscopy

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded Florida Institute of Technology Inc. $527,392 on May 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to develop nanodiamond quantum sensing platforms for measuring redox dynamics in live cells.

The Usselman Lab will engineer chemogenetic systems using D-amino acid oxidase to generate hydrogen peroxide with spatial and dose control in mammalian cells, then quantify redox dynamics using ratiometric biosensors, Seahorse metabolic assays, and optically detected magnetic resonance microscopy with nanodiamond quantum sensors. The work aims to define oxidative stress thresholds, measure mitochondrial responses, and track real-time redox changes at subcellular resolution to clarify the boundary between beneficial reactive oxygen species signaling and harmful oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and aging. The research also engages undergraduates in hands-on training as part of Florida TECH's teaching-intensive mission.

Performance occurs in Melbourne, Florida from May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2029. The award is a Project Grant, the standard assistance type under NIGMS's portfolio-based funding approach prioritizing meritorious investigators and broad research coverage.

Abstract

Oxidative stress caused by dysregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging. Despite its importance, the boundary between ROS beneficial signaling and harmful oxidative stress remains poorly defined, in part due to limited tools for precise, real- time measurement of redox dynamics in live cells. Clarifying how cells respond to different ROS levels is essential to understanding redox regulation and developing strategies to mitigate oxidative damage. A better grasp of these mechanisms could impact diverse fields including neuroscience, cancer biology, and metabolic disease. The usselman lab at florida tech brings a unique combination of redox biology, hyperspectral imaging, and quantum sensing expertise. As a teaching-intensive institution, we also engage undergraduates directly in hands-on research, building the next generation of stem leaders through immersive, high-impact training. We will engineer chemogenetic systems using d-amino acid oxidase (daao) to generate h₂o₂ with spatial and dose control in mammalian cells. Redox dynamics will be quantified using ratiometric biosensors, seahorse metabolic assays, and a novel optically detected magnetic resonance microscopy (odmrm) platform with nanodiamond quantum sensors. These tools will allow US to define oxidative thresholds, measure mitochondrial responses, and track real-time redox changes with subcellular resolution. This multidisciplinary approach offers a powerful framework for understanding redox adaptation and stress, with broad implications for human health.