Optically detected and radio wave-controlled spin chemistry in flavoproteins.

Meng, Kun; Nie, Linyan; Berger, Johannes; von Grafenstein, Nick R; Weber, Stefan; Essen, Lars-Oliver; Rizzato, Roberto; Einholz, Christopher et al. · Nat Biotechnol · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Optically addressable spin systems have been widely studied for quantum-sensing applications. In this work, we demonstrate that photogenerated spin-correlated radical pairs in certain flavoproteins, cryptochrome and improved light-oxygen-voltage protein, can be manipulated by radio waves. This capability enables magnetic field sensing and spatial modulation of photoluminescence using radiofrequency pulses and magnetic field gradients, establishing proteins as a platform for optically addressable spin systems and radiofrequency-based control of biological processes.