Nanometre-scale thermometry in a living cell.

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Accurate nanoscale temperature measurement is crucial for various scientific fields.
• Existing methods lack the required sensitivity and integration capabilities for biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive nanoscale thermometer.
• To demonstrate its application in biological systems for temperature mapping and control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized coherent manipulation of electronic spins in nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond.
• Employed diamond nanocrystals (nanodiamonds) for localized temperature sensing.
• Integrated nanodiamonds and gold nanoparticles within human embryonic fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Achieved temperature sensitivity as low as 1.8 mK (9 mK Hz−1/2).
• Successfully measured local thermal environments at the 200 nm scale.
• Demonstrated subcellular temperature-gradient control and mapping in living cells.

Conclusions:

• The NV-center-based thermometer offers unprecedented sensitivity for nanoscale thermometry.
• This technique enables precise temperature control and mapping within living biological systems.
• Opens new avenues for applications in gene expression, disease treatment, and integrated circuit analysis.