Description
Presents cutting-edge insights into quantum biosensors for disease detection and medical diagnostics
The rapid evolution of biosensing technologies has transformed the field of medical diagnostics. By enabling the identification of biological events at the scale of single molecules or ions, quantum biosensors hold the potential to revolutionize early detection, guide personalized treatment strategies, and offer fresh mechanistic insights into disease pathways.
Quantum Biosensing in Medical Diagnostics explores how quantum mechanics is being harnessed to achieve unprecedented levels of precision in disease detection and patient monitoring. This in-depth volume brings together international experts to survey the current state of quantum biosensing, covering fundamental principles, enabling technologies, clinical applications, and future prospects.
Detailed chapters span a wide range of topics, including quantum dots as fluorescent probes, photonic quantum sensors, quantum resonance imaging, and emerging applications in oncology, cardiovascular diagnostics, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious disease monitoring. The contributors also highlight innovative uses of quantum biosensing in drug discovery, biomarker identification, environmental monitoring, and precision medicine.
Examining both the promise and challenges of quantum biosensors, Quantum Biosensing in Medical Diagnostics:
- Integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering
- Highlights case studies demonstrating diagnostic applications across multiple disease areas
- Examines quantum approaches to imaging, metabolomics, and omics-based diagnostics
- Evaluates challenges in sensor stability, scalability, and integration into existing platforms
- Addresses the role of quantum biosensors in personalized and precision medicine
- Explores applications beyond healthcare, including environmental monitoring and public health
Providing a rigorous and up-to-date foundation for those navigating the future of biomedical diagnostics in the quantum era, Quantum Biosensing in Medical Diagnostics is an invaluable resource for graduate students, postgraduate researchers, and academics in medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, and bioengineering. It is also a key reference for pharmaceutical industry professionals working in drug discovery, biomarker development, and diagnostic innovation.
Table of Contents
List of Contributors xv
Notes on Contributors xxi
Preface xxxi
1 Introduction to Quantum Biosensing: A New Frontier in Diagnostics 1
Jyotirmayee Sahoo, Muneshwar Harsha Vardhan, Nireekshana Nandigam, and Sonu Gandhi
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Foundations of Quantum Mechanics in Biosensing 4
1.2.1 Basics of Biosensing Technologies 4
1.2.2 Principles of Quantum Mechanics 6
1.2.2.1 Quantum Superpositions 6
1.2.2.2 Entanglement 7
1.2.2.3 Quantum Tunneling 7
1.2.3 Technological Components of Quantum Biosensing 7
1.2.3.1 Quantum Dots 8
1.2.3.2 Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Centers in Diamonds 9
1.2.3.3 Quantum Photonics and Light-Matter Interaction 10
1.3 Applications of Quantum Biosensing in Diagnostics 10
1.3.1 Fluorescent Probes in Medical Diagnostics 11
1.3.2 Applications of Quantum Biosensing in Oncology 11
1.3.3 Quantum Biosensors for Cardiovascular Disease Detection 13
1.3.4 Quantum Biosensing in Infectious Disease Diagnostics 13
1.3.5 Nanoparticles in Quantum Biosensing 15
1.3.6 Quantum Optical Sensors for Biomedical Applications 15
1.4 Role of Artificial Intelligence in Quantum Biosensing 18
1.5 Conclusion 20
Acknowledgments 20
References 21
2 Quantum Dots: Fluorescent Probes in Medical Diagnostics 29
Balamurugan Arumugam, Po-Ling Chang, Sathish Kumar Ponnaiah, and Sayee Kannan Ramaraj
2.1 Introduction 29
2.2 Properties of Quantum Dots (QDs) 30
2.2.1 Key Requirements for Applying QDs in Medicine 31
2.3 Methods of Synthesis of Quantum Dots 33
2.3.1 Colloidal Chemistry 33
2.3.2 Organometallic Method 34
2.3.3 Aqueous Phase Method 34
2.3.4 Epitaxial Growth 35
2.3.5 Lithography 35
2.3.6 Eco-Friendly Synthesis 35
2.3.7 Electrochemical Methods 36
2.4 Quantum Dots in Medical Diagnostics 36
2.4.1 Imaging Applications 37
2.4.1.1 Real-Time Cellular Imaging and Intracellular Tracking 37
2.4.1.2 Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) with QDs 37
2.4.2 Biomarker Detection 38
2.4.2.1 Cancer Biomarkers and Tumor-Specific Antigen Detection 38
2.4.2.2 Role in Infectious Disease Diagnostics 39
2.4.2.3 Use of QDs for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Analytes 40
2.4.3 Multiplexed Diagnostic Platforms 41
2.4.3.1 Use of QDs for Simultaneous Recognition of Various Analytes 41
2.5 Recent Advancements and Emerging Trends 42
2.5.1 Development of QD-Based Biosensors 42
2.5.2 Integration with Other Nanomaterials 43
2.5.2.1 Graphene and Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) 43
2.5.2.2 Gold–Graphene Nanocomposites 43
2.5.2.3 Plasmonic–Quantum Dot Hybrids 43
2.5.2.4 SERS and Multimodal Platforms 43
2.5.3 Role of AI and ML in QD-Based Diagnostics 44
2.6 Conclusion and Future Perspectives 44
References 45
3 Single-Molecule Detection with Quantum Biosensors 53
Jayeeta Chattopadhyay and Tara Sankar Pathak
3.1 Introduction 53
3.2 Fundamental Principles of Quantum Biosensing for Single-Molecule Detection 54
3.2.1 Quantum Confinement 54
3.2.2 Quantum Properties for Enhanced Sensing 54
3.2.2.1 Superposition and Quantum Coherence 54
3.2.2.2 Entanglement 54
3.2.2.3 Quantum Noise Reduction 55
3.2.3 Transduction Mechanisms 55
3.2.3.1 Optical Transduction 55
3.2.3.2 Electronic Transduction 55
3.3 Types of Quantum Biosensors for Single-Molecule Detection 56
3.3.1 Quantum Dots (QDs)-Based Biosensors 56
3.3.1.1 Properties and Synthesis Methods 56
3.3.1.2 Integration into Biosensors 56
3.3.1.3 Recent Breakthroughs in QD Sensors 56
3.3.2 Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Centers in Diamond 57
3.3.2.1 Properties and Development for Magnetic Quantum Sensing 57
3.3.2.2 Breakthroughs in Integrating NV Centers into Living Cells 57
3.3.2.3 New Techniques Using Nanodiamonds in Microdroplets 57
3.3.3 Superconducting Qubits 58
3.3.3.1 Principles of Superconducting Qubits 58
3.3.3.2 Recent Advances in Single-Molecule Sensing with Superconducting Qubits 58
3.4 Advantages of Quantum Biosensors for Single-Molecule Detection 58
3.4.1 Unprecedented Sensitivity and Resolution 59
3.4.1.1 Beyond Classical Limits 59
3.4.1.2 Digital Readout and Molecular Counting 59
3.4.1.3 Real-Time and Continuous Monitoring 59
3.4.2 Noninvasiveness and Biocompatibility 59
3.4.2.1 Low Light Levels and Minimal Sample Damage 59
3.4.2.2 Integration into Biological Systems 60
3.4.3 Ability to Uncover Hidden Molecular Properties 60
3.4.3.1 Heterogeneity and Stochastic Variability 60
3.4.3.2 Rare Event Detection 60
3.5 Applications of Single-Molecule Detection with Quantum Biosensors 60
3.5.1 Biomedical and Clinical Diagnostics 61
3.5.1.1 Early Disease Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine 61
3.5.1.2 Drug Discovery and Neuroscience Research 61
3.5.1.3 Detection of Pathogens and Biomarkers in Bodily Fluids 61
3.5.2 Environmental Monitoring and Food Safety 61
3.5.2.1 Detection of Contaminants 61
3.5.3 Materials Science and Fundamental Research 62
3.5.3.1 Characterization of Quantum Materials 62
3.5.3.2 Probing Molecular Dynamics and Interactions 62
3.6 Challenges and Limitations 62
3.6.1 Fabrication and Integration Complexities 63
3.6.1.1 Material Immobilization and Contamination 63
3.6.1.2 Miniaturization and Cost 63
3.6.1.3 Debye Screening Effect in Physiological Solutions 63
3.6.2 Signal Processing and Data Analysis 63
3.6.2.1 Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Complex Samples 63
3.6.2.2 Quantum State Reconstruction Challenges 64
3.6.2.3 Decoherence and Environmental Interference 64
3.6.3 Toxicity and Biocompatibility (For Certain QDs) 64
3.7 Conclusion 64
References 65
4 Photonic Quantum Sensors: Light-Based Diagnostic Tools 69
Monima Sarma and Tanmay Chatterjee
4.1 Introduction 69
4.2 Various Light-Based Diagnostic Tools and Technologies 70
4.2.1 Quantum Interferometers 70
4.2.1.1 HOM Interferometers 70
4.2.1.2 N00N State Interferometers 74
4.2.1.3 Franson Interferometers 77
4.2.2 Squeezed Light Interferometers 83
4.2.3 Quantum Magnetometers 84
4.2.4 Quantum-Enabled Imaging Tools and Techniques 85
4.3 Conclusion 87
References 87
5 Quantum Resonance Imaging: A New Era in Medical Imaging 95
Dhivya Antony, Arasan Saroja Anakath, Pandurangan Anandan, and Chinnapiyan Vedhi
5.1 Introduction 95
5.1.1 Background of Quantum Resonance Imaging with Traditional MRI 96
5.1.2 Technological Review on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 96
5.1.3 Relation Between QRI and MRI 98
5.2 Quantum Resonance Imaging 99
5.2.1 Discovery of Quantum Resonance Imaging 99
5.2.2 Development of Quantum Resonance Imaging (QRI) 99
5.2.3 The Science Behind Quantum Resonance Imaging 100
5.3 Advance Technologies in Quantum Resonance Imaging 101
5.4 QRI in Medical and Healthcare Applications 102
5.4.1 Disease Diagnosis and Early Detection 102
5.4.2 Brain and Neurological Imaging 103
5.4.3 Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering 104
5.4.4 Personalized Medicine 104
5.4.5 Cancer Treatment and Monitoring 105
5.5 Advantages of QRI 105
5.6 Challenges of QRI 105
5.7 Future Prospects of QRI 106
5.8 Conclusion 106
References 107
6 Applications of Quantum Biosensing in Oncology 111
Hülya Silah and Bengi Uslu
6.1 Introduction 111
6.2 Quantum Dots and Their Unique Physicochemical Properties 113
6.3 Quantum Dots in Oncology: Advanced Applications in Electrochemical Biosensing 115
6.4 Conclusion 122
References 123
7 Quantum Biosensors for Cardiovascular Disease Detection 129
Seydanur Yücer, Begüm Sarac, and Fatih Ciftci
7.1 Introduction 129
7.2 Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Diagnostic Challenges 130
7.2.1 Common Types of Cardiovascular Diseases 130
7.2.1.1 Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) 130
7.2.1.2 High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) 130
7.2.1.3 Heart Failure 130
7.2.1.4 Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat) 131
7.2.1.5 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) 131
7.2.1.6 Heart Valve Diseases 131
7.2.1.7 Aortic Aneurysm 132
7.2.2 Traditional Diagnostic Methods and Their Limitations 132
7.2.3 Need for More Sensitive and Rapid Detection 133
7.3 Quantum Biosensors: Principles and Mechanisms 134
7.3.1 Fundamental Quantum Concepts 134
7.3.2 Sensing Elements andWorking Mechanisms of Quantum Biosensors 135
7.3.2.1 Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Centers in Diamonds 135
7.3.2.2 Quantum Dots 135
7.3.2.3 Spin and Magnetic Sensing 136
7.3.2.4 Optical Detection 137
7.3.3 Comparison with Conventional Biosensors 137
7.4 Design and Functionality of Quantum Biosensors for Cardiovascular Biomarkers 139
7.4.1 Key Cardiovascular Biomarkers for Detection 139
7.4.1.1 Troponin (TnC), (TnI), (TnT) 139
7.4.1.2 B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) 139
7.4.1.3 High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) 139
7.4.1.4 Myoglobin 140
7.4.1.5 Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) 140
7.4.2 Quantum Materials and Detection Techniques 140
7.4.2.1 Quantum Materials 140
7.4.2.2 Detection Techniques 143
7.4.3 Wearable and Implantable Quantum Biosensors 147
7.5 Recent Advances and Applications 148
7.5.1 Breakthrough Studies in Quantum Biosensors for CVD Diagnosis 148
7.5.2 Performance Evaluation in CVD Diagnosis 151
7.5.3 Real-World Applications and Case Studies 154
7.6 Future Perspectives and Challenges 155
7.7 Conclusion 156
References 157
8 Neurodiagnostics: Quantum Approaches to Brain Health 163
Brikshadipa Mandal, Subrata Barick, and Sandeep Chandrashekharappa
8.1 Introduction 163
8.2 Classes of QDs 164
8.3 Photophysical Properties of QDs 165
8.4 Mechanism of Electroluminescence 166
8.5 Synthesis of Quantum Dots 166
8.6 Making QDs Biocompatible 167
8.7 Detection of QDs (Bioimaging) 169
8.8 Conventional Neuroimaging Techniques 169
8.8.1 Computed Tomography (CT) 170
8.8.2 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) 170
8.8.3 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 170
8.8.4 Electroencephalograph (EEG) 171
8.8.5 Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) 171
8.8.6 Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging (fNIRS) 171
8.9 Application of QDs in Brain Health 172
8.9.1 Brain Tumors 172
8.9.2 Neurodegenerative Disorders (NDs) 173
8.9.2.1 Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 173
8.9.2.2 Parkinson’s Disease (PD) 173
8.10 Conclusion 175
References 175
9 Quantum Biosensing in Infectious Disease Diagnostics 181
Begüm Sarac, Seydanur Yücer, and Fatih Ciftci
9.1 Introduction 181
9.2 Fundamentals of Quantum Biosensors 182
9.2.1 Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) in Pathogen Detection 182
9.2.2 Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Centers in Diamond for Viral RNA Sensing 183
9.3 Application of Quantum Biosensors in Infectious Disease Detection 184
9.3.1 Viral Infections 184
9.3.2 Bacterial Infections 190
9.3.3 Parasitic and Fungal Infections 193
9.4 Advantages of Quantum Biosensing in Disease Diagnostics 196
9.5 Current Research and Practical Implementations 197
9.6 Challenges and Future Perspectives 198
9.7 Conclusion 199
References 200
10 Quantum Biosensors in Drug Discovery and Development 205
Santosh Nandi, Vinayak Adimule, Shankramma S. Nesargi, Savita Hanaji, Rangappa Keri, and Praveen Barmavatu
10.1 Introduction 205
10.1.1 Fundamentals of Quantum Biosensing 209
10.2 Examples of Quantum Biosensors 210
10.2.1 Optical Biosensors 210
10.2.2 Quantum Plasmonic Biosensors 212
10.2.3 Magnetic Biosensors 213
10.2.4 Quantum Dot-Based Quantum Biosensors 215
10.2.5 Electrochemical and Mechanical Biosensors 217
10.3 Transformative Applications of Quantum Biosensors in Drug Development 220
10.3.1 Accelerated High-Throughput Screening (HTS) 220
10.3.2 Single-Molecule Pharmacokinetic Monitoring 220
10.3.3 Target Engagement and Mechanism Studies 221
10.3.4 Early Disease Biomarker Detection 222
10.4 Integration Issues and Challenges 224
10.4.1 Challenges of Scale and Manufacturing 224
10.4.2 Interpreting Data with AI and ML Methods 224
10.4.3 Regulatory Pathway Considerations 226
10.5 Future Outlook and Commercial Potential 226
10.5.1 Next-Generation Quantum Biosensor Designs 227
10.5.2 Emerging Applications in Personalized Medicine 227
10.5.3 Roadmap for Clinical Translation 228
10.5.4 Investment and Commercialization Landscape 228
10.6 Conclusions 229
References 230
11 Quantum Biosensing for Environmental Monitoring and Public Health 235
Shridevi Salagare, Siddaramanna Ashoka, and Prashanth S. Adarakatti
11.1 Introduction 235
11.2 Principles of Quantum Biosensing 236
11.2.1 Quantum Dots and Their Applications 236
11.2.1.1 Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamonds 236
11.2.1.2 Quantum Coherence and Superposition 236
11.2.2 Materials and Technologies 238
11.2.2.1 Advanced Materials for Quantum Biosensors 238
11.2.2.2 Integration with Nanotechnology 239
11.2.2.3 Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 239
11.2.3 Technological Advances in Quantum Biosensors 241
11.2.4 Applications in Environmental Monitoring 241
11.2.4.1 Pollutant Identification (Heavy Metals, Pesticides, etc.) 241
11.2.4.2 Tracking the Quality of the Air,Water, and Soil 242
11.2.4.3 Examples of Cases 242
11.2.5 Applications in Public Health 242
11.2.5.1 Early Pathogen and Biomarker Identification 242
11.2.5.2 Using Quantum Sensors to Diagnose Illnesses 243
11.2.5.3 Consequences for International Health Emergencies 243
11.3 Challenges and Limitations 243
11.3.1 Material and Technological Difficulties 243
11.3.2 Both Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability 243
11.3.3 Regulatory and Ethical Considerations 244
11.3.4 Future Perspectives 244
11.4 Conclusions 245
Acknowledgments 246
References 246
12 Nanoparticles in Quantum Biosensing 249
Nikiwe Mhlanga
12.1 Quantum Mechanics Theory 249
12.2 Quantum Biosensing 250
12.3 Nanoparticles in Quantum Biosensing 250
12.3.1 Miniaturized and Smart Biosensors 254
12.4 Nanoparticles-Enabled Bioimaging 257
12.5 Outlook of Quantum Nanoparticle-Based Biosensors 260
Acknowledgments 261
References 261
13 Quantum Optical Sensors for Biomedical Applications 267
Cigdem Kanbes-Dindar, Nazife Aslan, and Bengi Uslu
13.1 Introduction 267
13.2 Properties, Synthesis, and Importance of Quantum Nanoparticle 269
13.3 Applications of Quantum Optical Sensors for Biomedical Sensing 271
13.3.1 Utilizing Raman Spectroscopy for Quantum Optical Sensors for Biomedical Sensing 271
13.3.2 Utilizing Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Quantum Optical Sensor Sensing 274
13.3.3 Optical Sensor for Biomedical Imaging 275
13.4 Challenges of Quantum Optical Sensors for Biomedical Applications 277
13.5 Conclusion 278
References 279
14 Quantum Sensing in Metabolomics 285
Gnanesh Rao, Priya Tiwari, Raghu Ningegowda, Belakatte P. Nandeshwarappa, and Sandeep Chandrashekharappa
14.1 Introduction 285
14.2 Current Challenges in Metabolomics 286
14.2.1 Complexity of Biological Samples 286
14.2.2 Sensitivity and Selectivity of Detection Methods 287
14.3 Quantum Sensing 287
14.3.1 How Quantum Sensing Enhances Metabolomics 287
14.3.2 Types of Quantum Sensing Relevant to Metabolomics 288
14.3.3 Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) Centers in Diamond 289
14.3.4 Quantum Interferometric Biosensors 290
14.3.5 Quantum Dots-Based Sensors 291
14.3.6 Optically Pumped Atomic Magnetometers 292
14.4 Applications 292
14.4.1 NV-Center-Based NMR in Metabolite Detection and Structure Determination 292
14.4.2 Quantum Sensing in Metabolite Detection 293
14.4.3 Computational Quantum Chemistry in Metabolite Identification 294
14.4.4 Aptamer-Functionalized Platforms 295
14.5 Challenges and Considerations 297
14.5.1 Integration with Existing AnalyticalWorkflows 298
14.5.2 Interdisciplinary Collaboration 299
14.6 Conclusion 299
References 300
15 Quantum Plasmonic in Biosensing 309
Raril Chenthattil, Sree Lekshmi, Aswathy S. Murali, Leona R. Varghese, Anuja Sudarsanan, and Beena Saraswathyamma
15.1 Introduction 309
15.2 Fundamentals of Quantum Plasmonic 310
15.2.1 Surface Plasmon Resonances (SPRs) and Localized Surface Plasmons (LSPs) 310
15.2.2 Evaluation of Plasmonic Biosensors 312
15.2.3 Mechanism of Plasmonic Biosensors 312
15.2.4 Quantum Plasmonic in Biosensing 312
15.3 Quantum Plasmonic Sensing and Microsystems 315
15.3.1 General Concept of Quantum Plasmonic Sensing 315
15.3.2 Light/Matter Coupling for Quantum Plasmonic Biosensing 315
15.3.3 Quantum Plasmonic Microsystem Biosensors 316
15.3.4 Intensity and Phase-Sensitive Sensing 320
15.3.5 Other Plasmonic Sensors 320
15.4 Conclusions and Future Perspectives 321
Acknowledgment 322
References 322
Index 327
