Researchers at the University of Chicago have also recently opened a novel research project. They have recently shown that they are able to program cells to produce biological qubits, a major breakthrough for the field of quantum sensing. We are so proud that this multidisciplinary effort includes some heavy-hitters in the space. David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, and Peter Maurer, an Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering at UChicago, are principal investigators.
On the research team is quantum Ph.D. candidate Benjamin Soloway, who works in Awschalom’s lab. It features Jacob Feder, who is co-first author on the paper and an alumni of both Awschalom’s and Maurer’s labs. The cumulative outcomes of their efforts stand to transform how scientists are able to detect signals that occur in complex living systems.
The Role of Fluorescent Proteins
Fluorescent proteins, particularly the green variety, have become one the most important tools of cell biology in the last two decades. They enable researchers to get unprecedented looks at biological processes, but up until now, measuring quantum properties inside living cells was still a dream. The exciting new research shows that these genetically encoded proteins can be specifically engineered to act as qubits—units of quantum information.
This research study uncovers the surprising finding that cells can naturally produce freely-moving, protein-based qubits that can be precisely positioned at the atomic level. This latest innovation patent exponentially increases the power of quantum sensors. It provides them the unique ability to detect signals thousands of times fainter than today’s technology enables us to.
“Through [fluorescence microscopy], scientists can see biological processes but must infer what’s happening on the nanoscale. Now, for the first time, we can directly measure quantum properties inside living systems,” said Benjamin Soloway.
Such developments would turn the SEC into a powerful measurement tool across fields—from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring.
A New Approach to Quantum Technology
Awschalom underscored a key philosophical change in approach with this research. For those reasons and many more, the team chose to go big. Rather than adapting existing quantum sensors for biological use, they sought to leverage biological systems in order to create qubits.
“Rather than taking a conventional quantum sensor and trying to camouflage it to enter a biological system, we wanted to explore the idea of using a biological system itself and developing it into a qubit,” said Awschalom.
We have found a particularly innovative direction focused on leveraging nature’s inherent capabilities to develop powerful families of quantum sensors. This new methodology is leading the charge to address the existing challenges facing spin-based quantum technology. Recent developments mark the end of a long-running race between competing quantum materials.
“Harnessing nature to create powerful families of quantum sensors—that’s the new direction here,” Awschalom added.
Navigating Research Challenges
For all the encouraging early results, the path to this novel advance was anything but smooth. Jacob Feder shared some great insights about the myriad complexities that are inherent in undertaking such cutting-edge research demos.
“Research projects often take multiple years, and the outcomes are far from certain. This project was no exception,” Feder noted.
The team overcame many unexpected hurdles during their research, which serves as a reminder of the unpredictability always present in cutting-edge scientific pursuits. Regardless, their findings are set to inspire exciting new paths for quantum sensing of living systems.
Peter Maurer was excited by the far-reaching potential of their research for quantum technology.
“Our findings not only enable new ways for quantum sensing inside living systems but also introduce a radically different approach to designing quantum materials,” Maurer explained.
He described how this experimental yet precise approach allows researchers to tap into nature’s tools of evolution. This innovative approach allows them to avoid the pitfalls suffered by existing technologies.
“Specifically, we can now start using nature’s own tools of evolution and [self-assembly] to overcome some of the roadblocks faced by current spin-based quantum technology,” Maurer stated.
Yet this science is changing quickly. Second, it would catalyze pioneering advances at the intersection of quantum physics and biology.
Looking Ahead
This new research has incredible implications. Most importantly, it signals a transformative change in how scientists should approach, comprehend, and interact with biological systems and living organisms.
“We’re entering an era where the boundary between quantum physics and biology begins to dissolve. That’s where the really transformative science will happen,” said Soloway.
This collaborative research project is a pioneering example of nature-inspired, innovative solution spaces for quantum technology. It highlights the teamwork, diligence, and imagination required to accomplish such revolutionary scientific breakthroughs. The scientific article describing these findings has been released with DOI 10.1038/s41586-025-09417-w for more in-depth reading.