HKU Engineering researchers achieve breakthrough in cellular force imaging using diamond-based quantum sensing microscope.

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have made a breakthrough in cellular force imaging using a diamond-based quantum sensing microscope. Led by Professor Zhiqin Chu from HKU and Professor Qiang Wei from Sichuan University, the team applied label-free quantum sensing technology to measure cellular force on a nanoscale. This new method, called Quantum-Enhanced Diamond Molecular Tension Microscopy (QDMTM), overcomes the limitations of traditional cellular force apparatus and provides new insights into studying cellular mechanics, including the influence of cellular adhesion forces on cancer cell spreading. The findings have been published in Science Advances and have significant implications for biophysics and biomedical engineering. [Extracted from the article]