Researchers in Germany are pioneering the integration of portable quantum sensors into neurosurgery, with a significant EU grant of nearly five million euros supporting their innovative project. This initiative, based in Dresden, aims to enhance real-time tissue analysis during tumor removal procedures.
The project, named 'PoQus', involves a collaboration between experts from the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC) in Dresden and two companies specializing in quantum technology and cryogenics from the Netherlands and France. The goal is to adapt sensor technology, traditionally used in quantum computing and communication, for surgical applications.
Utilizing superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) integrated into time-resolved fluorescence microscopy, the researchers aim to improve the precision of cancer surgeries. This advanced sensor technology promises to identify malignant cells more reliably while preserving healthy tissue, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
Professors Oliver Bruns, Tareq Juratli, and Dr. Andriy Chmyrov, leading the project, emphasize the transformative potential of this technology. They believe that the integration of quantum sensors will significantly advance imaging capabilities in neurosurgery, allowing for more effective tumor resections.
The project will also leverage existing imaging techniques, such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, which distinguishes tumor tissue from healthy tissue based on the lifespan of excited fluorescent molecules. However, current systems are too bulky for clinical use, prompting the development of a compact, portable quantum sensor that includes a cryogenic cooling system and optimized detectors.
Funded under the EU's 'Horizon Europe' program, the project is part of a broader initiative to tackle global challenges and enhance industrial competitiveness. This funding will facilitate the development of novel products aimed at improving cancer treatment methodologies.
The collaboration represents a significant step forward in merging scientific research with clinical application, promising advancements in both imaging technology and patient care.