Dr Adrian Mena - University of New South Wales

Developing spin-bearing molecules as bio-inspired quantum sensors

Quantum effects have been observed in a wide array of biological processes, which is surprising given that these processes occur in warm, wet environments that are typically considered unsuitable for maintaining quantum states. A key example is avian magnetoreception, where magnetically sensitive proteins, such as cryptochromes, are thought to assist migratory birds in navigating using the Earth’s magnetic field. The sensitivity of these proteins is underpinned by the formation and evolution of spin-correlated radical pairs, whose quantum states evolve in a magnetic field dependent way. This project aims to develop model molecular spin systems that mimic the photophysical processes enabling magnetic field detection in proteins. By systematically modifying the structures of these systems, the project will investigate the molecular features that support their high magnetic sensitivity. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could inform the development of new room-temperature sensing technologies and bio-inspired quantum sensors. 

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