Researchers led by the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science have successfully engineered a quantum mechanical process within proteins. This achievement marks the first time such a process has been designed for practical use, moving beyond observing natural quantum effects.
Key Development
The study, published in Nature, involved creating magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins (MFPs). These biomolecules are designed to interact with magnetic fields and radio waves through quantum mechanical interactions when exposed to specific wavelengths of light.
Biomedical Applications
A primary focus of this breakthrough is its potential in biomedicine. The research team developed a prototype imaging instrument that can locate these engineered proteins. This instrument functions similarly to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) but offers the ability to track specific molecules or gene expression within a living organism. Potential applications include:
- Targeted drug delivery
- Monitoring genetic changes within tumors
Engineering Methodology
The engineered proteins were developed using directed evolution. This bioengineering technique involves:
- Introducing random mutations into the DNA sequence encoding the protein.
- Creating numerous variants with altered properties.
- Selecting high-performing variants and repeating the process over several rounds to enhance sensitivity to magnetic fields.
Interdisciplinary Approach
The project integrated expertise from Engineering Biology, Quantum research, and Artificial Intelligence, representing a novel intersection of these fields in technological development.
Project Leadership and Support
The research was led by Oxford's Department of Engineering Science, with collaborations from the Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, and Calico Life Sciences LLC. Funding support included the EPSRC EEBio Programme Grant and a BBSRC project.