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Free radical detection in precision-cut mouse liver slices with diamond-based quantum sensing.
Yue Zhang1, Alina Sigaeva1, Arturo Elías-Llumbet1,2
1Department of Biomaterials and Biotechnology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands.
Summary
Diamond quantum sensing now measures free radical generation in living liver tissues. This breakthrough overcomes challenges in tissue fragility and background noise, enabling nanoscale insights into cellular stress responses.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Quantum Sensing
Background:
- Free radicals are crucial in biological processes and elevated during cellular stress and diseases like liver cancer and cirrhosis.
- Detecting free radicals in tissues is difficult due to their short lifespan, low abundance, and the challenges of working with fragile tissue samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt diamond-based quantum sensing for measuring free radical generation in living liver tissues.
- To overcome challenges specific to tissue samples, such as fragility, background fluorescence, and adherence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, which optically detect magnetic resonance signals with high sensitivity.
- Developed a method to adapt quantum sensing for precision-cut liver slices, addressing tissue-specific challenges.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected free radical generation in liver tissue during an ethanol-induced stress response.
- Demonstrated the ability to measure the reduction in free radical load upon antioxidant administration.
Conclusions:
- Diamond quantum sensing is now applicable to studying free radical dynamics in living tissues.
- This technique provides nanoscale insights into cellular stress and the efficacy of interventions in liver tissue.
