This milestone in the field of quantum physics has been made possible thanks to the financial support of the State Research Agency (AEI), an agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU), which has contributed €836,939.97 to the program through various calls for proposals, such as Knowledge Generation Projects, International Collaboration Projects of the Quantera initiative, and others.

The physicist from the University of Murcia (UMU) explains that “we currently have several platforms for the development of quantum technologies. Specifically, the one we are developing at the University of Murcia involves the control of the electron of a nitrogen atom implanted inside a diamond. Among the advantages of this platform, known as NV (Nitrogen-Vacant) centers, are its ability to operate at room temperature, its robustness, and its biocompatibility, which allows its use inside living organisms.”

The research funded by the AEI focuses, as Prior explains, on “the development of quantum sensors with applications in medicine. Having sensors capable of detecting the presence of individual molecules will allow us to diagnose diseases at an early stage. We are currently working on the development of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMR) sensors at the nanoscale, which will allow us to detect the presence of individual molecules that shouldn't be in the body and that will act as 'indicators' of the disease.”
“Life expectancy today is increasing thanks mainly to three factors: new treatments, prevention through healthy habits, and, finally, early and personalized disease diagnosis. And it is in this last area that quantum physics plays a very important role today with the development of quantum sensors,” argues the director of the Quantum Technologies team.

within cells

, which are 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 opportunity to observe what is happening inside. This technology allows us to advance what is known today as personalized precision medicine, pushing it to its limits thanks to quantum physics,” says Javier Prior.
Control of this platform will allow Spain to position itself in the development of quantum technologies and their applications, primarily in the field of health because “quantum sensors are revolutionizing medicine,” as the UMU researcher argues.

found the technology company Qlab

, Prior's team will develop another concept of quantum sensor known as Lab-in-chip: mini-devices with laboratory functions capable of analyzing a sample of bodily microfluid using the same quantum principles, and which could eventually become a household product. In this case, a 100-nanometer channel would be drilled into the diamond to channel the microsamples, potentially yielding a precise result similar to a blood test or biopsy.

Its application in the body could be through implantation, injection, or, in the case of the brain, simply with a helmet that covers it and measures the electrical fields of the neurons.
Prior also states that they are currently evaluating offers of participation in their business project from public and private investors, both national and international, to launch this technology dedicated to quantum sensors with clinical applications.


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