Advancing spin-based quantum sensors for single-cell analysis

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded Arizona State University $363,365 on July 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to advance spin-based quantum sensors for single-cell analysis. The research will develop optically addressable spin-qubit magnetometers to detect biological magnetic fields at the nanoscale, focusing on improving sensor coherence and biocompatibility to enable label-free detection of cellular activities including mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress responses, inflammation, and iron regulation. The project runs through June 30, 2031, with performance at Tempe, Arizona. Arizona State University's Office of Research and Sponsored Projects Administration (Orspa) administers the award on behalf of the university's research teams.

Abstract

Single-cell experiments reveal levels of biological complexity and heterogeneity that are otherwise lost in ensemble measurements. This recognition motivates the creation of experimental methods that can provide highly sensitive, micro- to nanoscale insights under physiologically relevant conditions. Amid the second quantum revolution, there is increasing interest in creating quantum sensing technologies that support single- cell analysis and drive progress in biological research. The emergent optically addressable spin-based quantum sensors represent a new class of magnetometers that have demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and nanoscale spatial resolution. Thanks to these capabilities, spin qubits are exceptionally well suited to detecting a broad range of biological signals related to molecular magnetism and biomagnetism-often in an entirely label-free manner. These signal types, which were previously difficult to access, offer a privileged window into cellular activities such as mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress responses, inflammation, membrane dynamics, and iron regulation, transport, and storage. They have also created new opportunities for biomarker detection and disease diagnostics. However, the application of quantum sensors to study biological systems remains a nascent field and still faces major issues related to their coherence and biocompatibility. These limitations hinder the widespread adoption of quantum sensing technology in biomedical research. Our proposed research over the next five years focuses on both technology development and practical application of these novel quantum sensors to sense biological magnetic fields originating from individual cells. We will particularly work on improving their coherence and biocompatibility to advance molecular and cellular biology research. Specifically, we will employ cross-disciplinary methods to design and fabricate hybrid sensor structures, devices, and modalities. We also plan to integrate advanced microfluidics for single-cell analysis. Moreover, we will develop strategies to understand the physical basis of the quantum performance of these novel sensors. The successful completion of this research will yield methods for effective sensor-sample interfacing and multiple novel sensing modalities surpassing current state-of-the-art. These advances will be essential to drive practical applications of quantum sensing in biological settings. By focusing on oxidative stress and iron regulation as our initial research areas, we seek to reveal new insights into how individual cells behave differently under the same global conditions. Such insights will illuminate heterogeneous cellular responses underlying immune defense, inflammation, and iron transport and homeostasis, ultimately contributing to improved diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. More broadly, progress in quantum sensing technology will expand the experimental toolkit for investigating biological systems and create new opportunities for transformative research in cellular physiology, disease mechanisms, and biomedical intervention.