Quantum sensing for bioprocess monitoring

Diamond nanoparticles hosting nitrogen vacancy (NV) center defects are powerful tools for studying chemical and biological systems. These quantum sensors convert spin-state information into readily detectable fluorescence signals, sensitive to magnetic fields, temperature, and paramagnetic species. These tools can be useful for a range of biological applications including the monitoring of oxidative stress and cell metabolism. We demonstrate extracellular measurements of oxidative stress indicators in fermentation cultures using NV-diamond-based quantum sensing. Optically detected magnetic resonance signals show dose-dependent responses to stress-induced ROS in filtered fermentation media. This work indicates the potential of NV diamond as a biosensing tool with biotechnology applications.