Researchers have developed enhanced nanodiamond sensors with quantum-grade spin properties, offering significant potential for high-sensitivity biological sensing and early disease detection. These advancements in nanodiamond (ND) technology, led by Okayama University in collaboration with Sumitomo Electric Company and the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, aim to improve bioimaging and biosensing applications. By utilizing nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers embedded within nanodiamonds, scientists can detect subtle changes in various environments via optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR).
The new nanodiamonds demonstrate superior spin properties, requiring less microwave power and exhibiting longer spin relaxation times compared to existing commercial NDs. This breakthrough enables the detection of specific biological molecules, enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of biosensing applications. The NDs were tested in HeLa cells, showing a remarkable ability to monitor temperature changes with high sensitivity.
These innovations are expected to revolutionize various fields, including healthcare, energy technology, and environmental management, offering sustainable solutions for future challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of stable quantum states in enhancing detection methods while minimizing potential cellular toxicity associated with large microwave powers.
