Molecular quantum nanosensors functioning in living cells

Quantitatively mapping temperature within living cells is essential for
understanding subcellular biophysical processes; however, existing
intracellular quantum sensors such as nanodiamonds with nitrogen-vacancy
centers, quantum dots and fluorescent proteins face limitations in
material heterogeneity, cytotoxicity, and thermometric specificity. Here,
we present molecular quantum nanosensors (MQNs) as a next-generation
platform for intracellular quantum sensing. MQNs embed pentacene molecular
spin qubits within para-terphenyl nanocrystals coated with Pluronic F127,
yielding a coherent spin system with molecular-level uniformity and long
spin coherence times under physiological conditions. By chemically
suppressing hyperfine interactions, we enhance spectral resolution and
demonstrate spatially resolved absolute temperature sensing inside the
nuclei of living cells. MQNs thus offer a chemically tunable, biologically
compatible platform for quantum-level detection of thermal and biochemical
states of intracellular environments.