Organelle-Specific Quantum Thermometry Using Fluorescent Nanodiamonds: Insights into Cellular Metabolic...

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Quantum Sensing

Background:

• Intracellular thermometry is crucial for understanding biological thermodynamics.
• Previous methods faced limitations in spatial resolution and photostability.
• Organelle-specific temperature mapping is needed for precise cellular analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply organelle-specific quantum thermometry for subcellular temperature measurements.
• To investigate temperature dynamics during adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and inhibition.
• To identify key cellular locations of thermogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) for quantum sensing.
• Conjugated antibodies to FNDs for selective targeting of mitochondria, nuclei, and cell membranes.
• Performed real-time temperature monitoring in living fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise, organelle-specific temperature measurements at the subcellular level.
• Demonstrated real-time temperature changes during ATP synthesis and inhibition.
• Mitochondria-targeted FNDs showed significant temperature increases, identifying mitochondria as primary thermogenesis sites during ATP inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Established a robust quantum thermometry framework for investigating metabolic thermodynamics.
• Highlighted mitochondria as critical sites of cellular heat production.
• Provided a powerful tool for exploring thermal regulation in cellular processes.