Simultaneous Nanorheometry and Nanothermometry Using Intracellular Diamond Quantum Sensors

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Quantum Sensing

Background:

• Cytoplasmic viscoelasticity is crucial for cellular functions like division and transport.
• Cellular temperature influences bioenergetics, and its interplay with viscoelasticity is key to understanding metabolism and disease.
• Existing biosensing tools struggle with simultaneous nanoscale measurements of these dynamic, interdependent properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dual-mode quantum sensor for simultaneous nanoscale thermometry and rheometry.
• To investigate the temperature-dependent viscoelasticity in complex cellular environments.
• To explore the relationship between intracellular forces, cytoplasmic rheology, and active cellular processes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond nanocrystals as biocompatible quantum sensors.
• Combined sub-diffraction resolution single-particle tracking with optically detected magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
• Performed simultaneous sensing of viscoelasticity and temperature in dynamic cellular environments and complex media.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated probing of temperature-dependent viscoelasticity at the nanoscale in complex media.
• Investigated the interplay between intracellular forces and cytoplasmic rheology in live cells.
• Identified distinct rheological regimes and provided evidence of active trafficking and nanoscale cytoplasmic viscoelasticity.

Conclusions:

• The dual-mode quantum sensor offers a powerful new tool for studying complex cellular biophysics.
• Understanding nanoscale viscoelasticity and temperature dynamics is vital for deciphering cellular functions and disease mechanisms.
• This technology opens avenues for advanced research in cellular metabolism, intracellular transport, and disease progression.