Toward Quantitative Bio-sensing with Nitrogen-Vacancy Center in Diamond

Area of Science:

• Quantum sensing
• Biomedical applications
• Materials science

Background:

• Current sensing technologies face limitations for monitoring molecular machinery in living systems.
• Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are promising quantum sensors with unique room-temperature properties.
• NV centers enable nanoscale electromagnetic field measurements via optical means at ambient conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest developments in NV-based quantum sensing.
• To focus on the biomedical applications of NV-based sensors.
• To outline challenges and future perspectives in NV-based bio-sensing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing NV centers in diamond as quantum emitters.
• Leveraging optical detection for nanoscale measurements.
• Exploring diamond nanoparticle internalization for cellular applications.

Main Results:

• NV-based sensors demonstrate potential for measuring magnetic biomaterials.
• Intracellular temperature and localized physiological species can be quantified.
• Action potentials and electronic/nuclear spins are measurable with NV centers.

Conclusions:

• NV-based quantum sensing is a versatile platform for life-science applications.
• Diamond's biocompatibility and NV center photostability are key advantages.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and unlock full potential.