Quantum Sensing of Free Radical Generation in Mitochondria of Human Keratinocytes during UVB Exposure

• DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00118
• Publication Date: 2024-05-14T15:37:15Z
• Authors: Siyu Fan; Lluna Lopez Llorens; Felipe P Perona M...; Romana Schirhagl
• Keywords: Keratinocytes; Free Radicals; nanodiamonds; Ultraviolet Rays; Quantum Dots; diamonds; UV irradiation; Humans; NV centers; skin cells; Mitochondria

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to cause skin issues, such as dryness, aging, and even cancer. Among UV rays, UVB stands out for its ability trigger problems within cells, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage. Free radicals are implicated in these cellular responses, but they challenging measure due their short lifetime limited diffusion range. In our study, we used a quantum sensing technique (T1 relaxometry) involving fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) that change optical properties response magnetic noise. This allowed us monitor the free radical presence real time. To near mitochondria, coated FNDs with antibodies, targeting protein voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (anti-VDAC2). Our findings revealed dynamic rise levels on membrane cells were exposed (3 J/cm