Quantum Technologies For Nmr In The Life Sciences

Martin B. Plenio | Alexander von Humboldt Professor Director, Institute of Theoretical Physics Ulm University:
Quantum Technologies For Nmr In The Life Sciences

Abstract: 

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), a widely employed spectroscopic technique in biology and the life sciences, supports applications ranging from chemical analysis and drug discovery to medical imaging. Despite its versatility, it is subject to inherent limitations, primarily related to low sensitivity. This constraint arises from the weak nuclear spin polarization in thermal equilibrium - typically only a few parts per million - combined with inefficiencies in inductive NMR signal detection.

Strategies to overcome these limitations through the application of quantum technologies are explored. In particular, optically detected magnetic resonance based on color centers in diamond is presented as a method for detecting NMR signals with chemical shift resolution at the nano- and microscale. Achieving this capability, however, requires additional considerations: quantum control techniques can enable nuclear spin hyperpolarization, leading to signal enhancements of up to four orders of magnitude.

When combined with advanced signal processing methods, this approach offers the potential for metabolic NMR profiling at the single-cell level, as well as for metabolic magnetic resonance imaging in humans. Such developments could enable early assessment of treatment response in cancer care using standard clinical MRI scanners.