University of Chicago Engineers Protein to Function as Qubit in Living Cells

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature on August 20, 2025, researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have successfully engineered a fluorescent protein to function as a quantum bit (qubit) within living cells. By modifying the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), commonly used as a biological marker, they achieved coherent quantum control, enabling the protein to retain and manipulate quantum information. This development allows for quantum sensing inside living cells, potentially revolutionizing our ability to monitor cellular processes at the quantum level.

Qubits are the fundamental units of quantum information, analogous to classical bits in traditional computing but capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition. This property enables quantum computers to perform complex calculations more efficiently than classical computers. Fluorescent proteins, such as EYFP, are widely used in biological research as markers to visualize and track cellular components. The ability to engineer these proteins to function as qubits opens new avenues for quantum sensing and imaging within living organisms.

The research team, led by Professors David Awschalom and Peter Maurer, focused on the metastable triplet state of EYFP. By utilizing a custom confocal microscope and laser pulses, they were able to initialize and read the spin states of these proteins, maintaining qubit behavior for approximately 16 microseconds. This approach allowed the proteins to act as quantum sensors, detecting minute magnetic and electrical changes within cells.

Despite the promising results, the biological qubits currently require low temperatures (175 K) for stable operation in mammalian cells, and their sensitivity does not yet match that of solid-state devices like those based on diamond. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the practical application of biological qubits in medical imaging and disease detection.

The integration of quantum technology with biological systems has profound implications for medicine and biology. Quantum sensors within living cells could lead to breakthroughs in understanding cellular processes at the nanoscale, potentially transforming diagnostics, drug development, and our comprehension of diseases. This advancement also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research, combining expertise in quantum physics, molecular engineering, and biology.

David Awschalom, co-principal investigator and Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering at UChicago PME, stated, "Harnessing nature to create powerful families of quantum sensors—that’s the new direction here."

Peter Maurer, co-principal investigator and assistant professor of molecular engineering at UChicago, emphasized, "Our findings not only enable new ways for quantum sensing inside living systems but also introduce a radically different approach to designing quantum materials."

This development marks a significant milestone in the field of quantum biology. While previous research has explored quantum effects in biological systems, this is the first instance of engineering a protein to function as a qubit within living cells. This achievement builds upon earlier work in quantum sensing and represents a convergence of quantum physics and molecular biology.

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) at the University of Chicago is a leading institution in the field of molecular engineering, focusing on addressing complex technological challenges through interdisciplinary research. PME has been at the forefront of quantum research, contributing significantly to the development of quantum technologies and their applications in various fields.