Live cell quantum multiphysiology enabled by a manipulable single nanodiamond

Abstract The patch-clamp technique provides direct insights into electrophysiology. However, probing multiphysiology such as local temperature and electromagnetic field dynamics within a single live cell remains an outstanding challenge. Here we report live cell quantum multiphysiology using a manipulable single nanodiamond (MSN)-based electron spin sensor. By electrically trapping and integrating a single nanodiamond onto a glass nanopipette, we achieve its three-dimensional manipulation within a single live cell. This enables the first nanoscale controlled live cell quantum sensing of multiphysiology signals under native conditions, providing direct insights into localized intracellular activities. Our observations reveal a spatial heterogeneity in temperature over different sites within a single cell, indicative of local activity-induced heat production. Furthermore, temporally resolved relaxation measurements effectively capture the intracellular free radical mediated local electromagnetic noise dynamics. We find a number of unexpected fluctuation phenomena of electromagnetic noise which may directly represent different types of intracellular free radical generation dynamics. Live cell quantum multiphysiology bridges the gap between high-physical sensitivity quantum sensing with high-spatiotemporal resolution live cell measurements, opening up a new avenue for accessing cellular function with unprecedented capabilities.