MURCIA, November 1 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The quantum technology group at the University of Murcia (UMU), led by physicist Javier Prior, has succeeded in introducing nanodiamonds with quantum sensors into human cells, achieving unique precision in diagnostic medicine. Thanks to this technology, the platform developed by Pryor’s team will be able to detect cellular abnormalities in the human body in their most initial state, acting as “snitch” agents of the disease before the patient develops symptoms of the pathology.
This milestone in the field of quantum physics was made possible thanks to the financial support of the State Research Agency (AEI), an organization dependent on the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU), which contributed €836,939.97 to the program. through various competitions such as knowledge generation projects, international cooperation projects of the Quantera initiative and others.
The UMU physicist explained that “currently we have different platforms for the development of quantum technologies. In particular, the one we are developing at the University of Murcia consists of controlling the electron of a nitrogen atom implanted inside a diamond. Among the advantages of this platform, known as NV (nitrogen vacant) sites, are its ability to operate at room temperature, its reliability and biocompatibility, allowing it to be used inside living organisms.
AEI-funded research aims, as Pryor detailed, to “develop quantum sensors that can be applied in medicine.” Having sensors that can detect the presence of individual molecules will allow us to diagnose diseases at an early stage. We are currently working on this. in the development of nuclear magnetic resonators on the nanometer scale, which will allow us to detect the presence of individual molecules that should not be in the body and which will act as “snitch” of the disease.”
“Life expectancy today is increasing mainly due to three aspects: new treatment methods, prevention through the formation of healthy habits and, finally, early and personalized diagnosis of diseases. And it is in this last direction that physics plays a very important role today. with the development of quantum sensors,” defended the director of the Quantum Technologies team.
STUDYING INFLAMMATORY PROCESSES INSIDE CELLS
His research group uses nanodiamonds as well as a quantum platform to study inflammatory processes inside cells responsible for the development of numerous diseases.
“The biocompatibility of our quantum sensors allows us to introduce them into cells in vivo, giving us the ability to observe what is happening inside them. This technology allows us to advance what is today known as embodied precision medicine, taking it to the extreme thanks to quantum physics,” said Javier Prior.
Control of this platform will allow Spain to position itself in the development of quantum technologies and their applications, mainly in the healthcare sector, since “quantum sensors are revolutionizing medicine,” as the UMU researcher defends.
In the process of creating the technology company Qlab, Pryor’s team is currently in talks to create Qlab, a technology company that will develop another quantum sensor concept known as a “Lab on a Chip”: mini devices with laboratory functions, capable of analyzing with Using quantum principles, it is possible to take a sample of body microfluidics, which can become homemade.
In this case, a 100 nanometer channel will be created in the diamond to guide microsamples, allowing for an accurate result similar to a blood test or biopsy. Its application in the body can be through implantation, injection, or simply, in the case of the brain, a helmet that covers it and measures the electrical fields of neurons.
Pryor also announced that they are currently considering proposals for participation in their business project from public and private investors, both national and international, to launch this technology dedicated to quantum sensors for clinical use.