At Qubits 2024, POLARISqb’s CTO Bill Shipman and Principal Engineer, B. Maurice Benson, presented how they were using D-Wave’s quantum annealing computer to power drug discovery. Science fiction? Not according to the Polarisqb team.
But let’s take a look at the field in general first.
Image source: Brian Lenahan/Midjourney
The intersection between quantum technologies and life sciences is a burgeoning field that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to enhance our understanding and capabilities in biological research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Here are several key areas where these two fields converge:
1. Quantum Computing for Biological Simulations
Quantum computers have the potential to simulate complex biological systems at a molecular level more efficiently than classical computers. This can lead to:
Drug Discovery: By accurately simulating molecular interactions, quantum computers promise to expedite the process of identifying and optimizing new drugs.
Protein Folding: Understanding protein folding is crucial for many biological functions and diseases. “Protein folding is the physical process by which a linear polypeptide folds into its characteristic and functional three-dimensional structure” according to the University of Vermont. Quantum computers are beginning to tackle the vast complexity of protein folding problems.
2. Quantum Sensing and Imaging
Quantum sensors exploit quantum entanglement and superposition to achieve high precision and sensitivity. Life science applications include:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Quantum-enhanced MRI can provide higher resolution images, enabling better diagnosis of diseases. According to the Centre for Quantum Technology at the University of Glasgow “Although light can be transmitted through thick layers of tissue, scattering of photons makes it impossible to recover an image. However, through the combination of various technologies ranging from structured illumination to single photon detection and precise time for flight measurement, approaches based upon machine learning have opened up previously unexplored means of reconstructing images from what superficially appears as random noise.”
Biomolecular Imaging: Quantum dots and other quantum imaging techniques can be used for detailed imaging of cells and tissues at the nanoscale. Germany’s NVision has made substantial progress in the field. “Rather than enhancing MRI machines’ power or sensitivity, NVision’s quantum approach strengthens the signal of specific metabolites, making them easier to read for existing machines. The start-up targets a metabolite called pyruvate, a sugar cancer cells tend to favor. They manipulate the nuclear spins on the carbon atoms of pyruvate molecules. Thus, NVision enhances its magnetic signal by a staggering 100,000 times on a standard MRI.”
3. Quantum Communication for Secure Medical Data
Quantum communication methods, such as quantum key distribution (QKD), provide ultra-secure ways to transmit sensitive medical data. This ensures patient privacy and data integrity in healthcare systems. ID Quantique promotes their “Quantum-Safe Security Solutions for Protecting Healthcare Data Networks” in the form of the ‘Centauris’ and ‘Cerberus’ solutions.
4. Quantum Biology
This emerging field studies quantum phenomena within biological systems. Some areas of interest include:
Photosynthesis: Research suggests that quantum coherence plays a role in the efficiency of energy transfer in photosynthesis. One such example is the whotepaper “22nd Solvay Conference on Chemistry Quantum coherence in photosynthesis” by Gregory S. Engel.
Olfaction: Quantum tunneling may explain the mechanisms behind the sense of smell. According to Anasha Bandari, “Human smell perception is governed by quantum spin-residual information”.
Enzyme Catalysis: Quantum effects might influence the rate at which enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions.
5. Quantum-enhanced Diagnostics
Quantum technologies can lead to the development of highly sensitive diagnostic tools:
Quantum Biosensors: These can detect minute amounts of biological markers, enabling early detection of diseases such as cancer.
Quantum Dot-Based Assays: Used in medical diagnostics for their bright and stable fluorescence, improving the detection of pathogens and biomarkers.
Challenges and Future Directions
Scalability: Developing scalable quantum technologies for practical applications in life sciences remains a significant challenge as it does for most quantum computing solutions.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Success in this field requires collaboration between quantum physicists, biologists, chemists, and engineers.
Ethical and Regulatory Considerations: As with any advanced technology, ethical implications and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed, especially concerning data privacy and security in healthcare.
Offerings
Image source: Polarisqb
The video of the Polarisqb teams’ presentation at Qubits2024 is available here.
Other vendors in this space include Algorithmiq whose Aurora platform, which is powered by IBM’s quantum hardware, collaborates with Cleveland Clinic’s “drug application expertise to showcase quantum advantage in creating photon-activated cancer drugs.”
Summary
The intersection of quantum technologies and life sciences holds promise for advancing various aspects of biological research, diagnostics, and treatment, though it is still in its nascent stages and faces several technical and interdisciplinary challenges.
Resource recommendations:
Consider the 2022 book by Alain Chance and Keeper Layne Sharkey, Quantum Chemistry and Computing for the Curious: Illustrated with Python and Qiskit(R) code”. Available on Amazon.
The “Where Tech Meets Bio” weekly newsletter by Andrii Buvailo describes numerous updates in the space.
Brian Lenahan is founder and chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute, author of seven Amazon published books on quantum technologies and artificial intelligence. Brian’s focus on the practical side of technology ensures you will get the guidance and inspiration you need to gain value from quantum now and into the future. Brian does not purport to be an expert in each field or subfield for which he provides science communication.
Brian’s books are available on Amazon. Quantum Strategy for Business course is available on the QURECA platform.
Content is copyright 2024 Aquitaine Innovation Advisors.