Sensing and manipulating biological systems with quantum photonic technologies.

Project Summary/Abstract From everyday clinical practice to fundamental research, the biomedical field is in constant need of accurate measurement technologies. Moreover, non-destructive manipulation of live biological systems has been the aspiration of biomedical scientists. Recent progress in quantum information science, especially in the development of quantum optics and sensing techniques, provides enticing opportunities for biomedical sciences. When quantum mechanical principles like superposition and entanglement are applied to light-matter interactions at extremely small length scales, on the order of single molecules and atomic bonds, unparalleled precision and accuracy can be introduced to biological systems. However, practical implementations of quantum metrology in the biomedical field are usually hindered by their low efficiency and demanding environmental conditions. Dr. Yesilkoy’s research focuses on the development of nanophotonic devices that can manipulate light at the nanoscale beyond the diffraction limit and enhance light-matter interactions. The lab’s approach is key to satisfying the demanding requirements of quantum metrology and enabling its practical applications in the biomedical field. Specifically, in this research program, Dr. Yesilkoy’s team will work on the following two thrusts: Thrust 1: Quantum biochemistry to manipulate intracellular processes: Noninvasive regulation of intracellular chemical processes, such as gene expression, protein, and metabolic pathway, is critical in biomedical sciences. Here, Dr. Yesilkoy’s lab will implement the powerful photonic cavities generated by our nanophotonic devices to achieve vibrational strong coupling, underpinned by the entanglement of infrared cavity resonance and biomolecules’ quantum stares. Her team will demonstrate regulation over kinase activities in live cells. Thrust 2: Quantum-enhanced nanophotonic biosensors: Biomolecular sensors capable of detecting biomarkers at the single molecule level can provide high accuracy, sensitivity, and real-time detection capabilities, which are urgently needed for early disease diagnosis, personalized medicine, drug development, and fundamental biomedical research. Here, Dr. Yesilkoy and her team will combine the precision of quantum metrology with powerful nanophotonic sensors to reach single molecule detection limits in complex biological samples. The proposed technologies are significant for biomedicine because 1) ultrasensitive label-free biomarker detection beyond the detection limits of commercially available assays (<10-12M) can enable early detection of cancer and make population screening initiatives more effective. 2) non-destructive control over intracellular processes can lead to groundbreaking opportunities in biomanufacturing of biological drugs and cell therapies.