Detecting free radicals in single cells using diamond relaxometry

Free radicals play a crucial role in numerous diseases. Currently, very little is known about where and when radicals are build and how they work. Their short lifetime and reactivity make measuring them challenging. There are currently several methods available to detect free radicals inside cells; however none of them can determine the location and detect the radicals at high time resolution. Nanodiamonds have superior physical and chemical properties and are excellently biocompatible. The NV centers make it possible for nanodiamonds to function as biosensors to detect free radicals. NV centers can convert magnetic noise into an optical signal by changing their brightness according to the magnetic surroundings and allowing radical detection in real-time