Nature Studies Reveal Fluorescent Proteins as Quantum Sensors in Living Cells

Two major studies published in Nature (February 2026) suggest that fluorescent proteins can detect magnetic fields and radio waves from inside living cells, acting as quantum sensors.

• Scientists successfully modified proteins such as Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein (EYFP) and developed a new magneto-sensitive protein called MagLOV.

Key Highlights of Study

• The new results open a path towards genetically encoded quantum sensors and a new class of hybrid quantum-biological technologies.

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• Scientists found that engineered proteins could be sensors in Escherichia coli bacteria even at room temperature, showing that their quantum behaviour could survive a noisy environment.
• Such sensors might track protein shape changes, monitor biochemical reactions in real time, or reveal how drugs bind to their targets with unprecedented precision.

About Fluorescent Proteins

• Fluorescent proteins are light-emitting proteins that absorb light at one wavelength and emit it at another (longer) wavelength.
  • Example: Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) was first discovered in jellyfish and is widely used in biological research.

• Applications:
• • Cell Biology: Fluorescent proteins are used to track protein movement inside cells, study the process of cell division, and visualise cancer progression in living tissues.
  • Neuroscience: These are used to map neural circuits and study synaptic connections within the brain.
  • Medical research: These are used in drug discovery and for developing disease models to understand the progression and treatment of various disorders.
  • Plant Sciences: In plant sciences, fluorescent proteins are used to study stress responses, pathogen interactions, and photosynthetic processes.
  • Synthetic Biology: Fluorescent proteins play a key role in synthetic biology for designing and monitoring engineered gene circuits.
• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2008) for its development and application in biology

How do Fluorescent Proteins Work?

• Fluorescent proteins contain a special light-sensitive part called a chromophore.
• When light (usually blue or UV) hits the protein, it absorbs the energy.
• This energy excites an electron inside the chromophore.
• The excited electron quickly returns to its normal state.
• While returning, it releases energy as visible light (green, yellow, red, etc.).
• This emitted light is called fluorescence.

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Limitations of Fluorescent Proteins

• Photostability Issues: Fluorescent proteins are prone to photobleaching, resulting in gradual loss of fluorescence during prolonged illumination.
• Biological Interference: Fusion of fluorescent proteins to target proteins may interfere with proper folding, localisation, or biological function.
• Environmental Dependence: Fluorescence intensity and stability can be influenced by intracellular conditions such as pH, temperature, and ionic concentration.
• Limited Quantum Efficiency for Advanced Applications:
  • Traditional  Fluorescent Proteins are not inherently optimized for quantum sensing applications.
  • Engineered variants (e.g., MagLOV-type proteins) attempt to overcome some of these constraints.

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