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In Situ Quantum Detection of Ferritin Using Spin Defects in Hexagonal Boron Nitride.
Dayang Zhang1, Haipeng Liu2, Qian Zhang2
1College of Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
ACS Nano
|June 6, 2026
Summary
Boron vacancy defects in hexagonal boron nitride act as sensitive quantum sensors. They enable in situ detection of paramagnetic ions and ferritin in solution and dry states using magnetic resonance and relaxation measurements.
Area of Science:
- Quantum sensing
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- In situ detection of paramagnetic ions is crucial for biology, chemistry, and medicine.
- Boron vacancy (VB-) defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are sensitive quantum sensors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate in situ quantum detection of paramagnetic Mn2+ ions and ferritin using hBN VB- defects.
- To explore the sensor's performance in solution and dry states.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing VB- defects in hBN for quantum sensing.
- Employing optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) to measure sensor response.
- Analyzing spin longitudinal relaxation rates (T1) for ion detection.
- Implementing an all-optical relaxation method for detection.
Main Results:
- ODMR contrasts decreased with increasing Mn2+ and ferritin concentrations in solution, but remained unchanged in dry states.
- Spin longitudinal relaxation rates increased monotonically with ion concentration in both states.
- VB- defects distinguished different ionic species by their relaxation rates.
- All-optical relaxation method efficiently detected ferritin and paramagnetic ions.
Conclusions:
- hBN VB- defects provide a versatile quantum sensing platform for paramagnetic ions and biomolecules.
- The platform offers dual-modal detection (ODMR and T1 relaxation) with high sensitivity and operational flexibility.
- This technology has significant potential for applications in biology and chemistry.
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