Mouzhe Xie, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
The University of Chicago
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual event.
The seminar will take place in the McDonnell Sciences Building, Room 423.
Virtual attendees can join via Zoom webinar link:
https://wustl.zoom.us/j/91338325751?pwd=dGZWbG9CWWswOHkvSVI3dm01Rkc3QT09
Meeting ID: 913 383 257 51
Passcode: 006384
“Diamond-based quantum sensor for molecular analytics”
Mouzhe Xie, Ph.D.
Abstract: Quantum sensing technologies enable some of the most precise measurements that human beings have ever achieved. In recent years, optically addressable nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center hosted by diamond crystal has been used as a novel quantum sensor, which has exquisitely sensitive response to local magnetic field fluctuations. It is therefore capable to perform micro-/nano-scale NMR experiments, manifesting enormous potential to study biological systems on extremely small sample volume – even down to single-molecule regime. In this seminar, I will discuss some of the comprehensive efforts to develop NV-based quantum sensing platforms for a wide range of applications in chemistry and biology. I will start with a general introduction to quantum sensing followed by conventional NMR spectroscopy as a powerful tool to study biomolecules, as well as their connections to the NV-based nanoscale NMR. I will then introduce a biocompatible surface functionalization architecture for interfacing a diamond quantum sensor with individual intact biomolecules under physiological conditions. A sensing modality based on diamond membrane integrated with flow channel will also be discussed, which is a promising platform for a variety of experiments at molecular, cellular, and even living-organism levels. Finally, I will conclude by providing an outlook on how NV-based quantum sensing platforms, combined with other advanced spectroscopy and microscopy methods, can be utilized to address important biophysical and bioanalytical questions with unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution, which will enhance our understanding of molecular interactions and cellular processes and ultimately improve human health