A Compact Incubation Platform for Long‐Term Cultivation of Biological Samples for Nitrogen‐Vacancy Center Widefield Microscopy

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Authors: Andre Pointner, Daniela Thalheim, Sarah Belasi, Lukas Heinen, LR Carnell, Christina Janko, Rainer Tietze, Christoph Alexiou, Regine Schneider‐Stock, Roland Nagy
Cited by: 2
References: 20

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers in diamond provide a versatile quantum sensing platform for biological imaging through magnetic field detection, offering unlimited photostability and the ability to perform long‐term observations without photobleaching or phototoxicity. However, conventional stage‐top incubators are incompatible with the unique requirements for NV widefield magnetometry to study cellular dynamics. Here, we present a purpose‐built compact incubation platform that maintains precise environmental control of temperature, atmosphere, and humidity while accommodating the complex constraints of NV widefield microscopy. The system employs a 3D‐printed biocompatible chamber with integrated heating elements, temperature control, and humidified gas flow to create a stable physiological environment directly on the diamond sensing surface. We demonstrate sustained viability and proliferation of HT29 colorectal cancer cells over 90 hours of continuous incubation, with successful magnetic field imaging of immunomagnetically labeled cells after extended cultivation periods. This incubation platform enables long‐term cultivation and real‐time monitoring of biological samples on NV widefield magnetometry platforms, opening new possibilities for studying dynamic cellular processes using quantum sensing technologies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Diamond and Carbon-based Materials Research Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies Magnetic Field Sensors Techniques

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Materials Technologies
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
11
Issue
12
Publication date
25 March 2026
Language
EN