Scientists at the University of Nottingham have received funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to develop quantum sensing technology that will accurately predict the severity of liver disease in patients.
The funding will enable the researchers to develop the new technology that will mean patients will have more personalised care after being diagnosed with liver disease.
The team at Nottingham, led by Professor Lisa Chakrabarti in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, has received the funding through the NIHR Invention for Innovation Funding At Speed of Translation (FAST) opportunity. The project is one of 17 quantum healthcare innovations funded through the programme.
The project team also includes Professor Melissa Mather from the School of Engineering, Professor Mark Fromhold from the School of Physics and Dr Aloysious Aravinthan from the School of Medicine.
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a growing cause of serious illness and death in the UK. Over time, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis). While many people remain stable for years, a significant minority progress to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.
A major challenge is identifying which patients will deteriorate. Current tests estimate the amount of liver scarring, but cannot reliably predict who will develop serious complications, creating uncertainty for patients while placing increasing pressure on NHS services.
Research shows that damaged liver cells can enter a state called "senescence", which contributes to ongoing scarring and worse outcomes. Senescent cells have abnormal mitochondria – the energy producing structures inside cells. Dysfunctional mitochondria produce increased levels of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals. High ROS levels are linked to disease progression and cancer risk.
The team will aim to use advanced quantum sensing technology to measure ROS directly in routine liver biopsy samples. The technology uses microscopic diamond particles containing nitrogen-vacancy centres, which act as highly sensitive quantum sensors capable of detecting the tiny magnetic signals produced by harmful free radicals in liver tissue.
We are delighted with the funding from the NIHR to help support this important research. This project will test whether quantum technology can address a real and urgent clinical need in liver disease. If successful, it could identify high-risk patients much earlier, reduce unnecessary monitoring for those at lower risk, and help clinicians deliver more personalised care."
Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation said: "This funding is a major step forward in bringing quantum technology to patients, cementing the UK as Europe's leader in quantum health innovation. By investing in these 17 projects, we are fast-tracking tools that can diagnose illness earlier and provide life-changing breakthroughs.
"These innovations will transform our health system and improve patients' lives in the future, building on the momentum of two decades of NIHR-funded research."
Health and Social Care Minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, said: "Quantum technology has the potential to transform the way we prevent, diagnose and treat disease, helping patients receive faster, better care while supporting our mission to build an NHS fit for the future.
"Through this £1.65 million investment, we're backing some of the UK's brightest researchers to turn cutting-edge science into practical innovations that could help detect cancer earlier, support people to monitor long-term conditions from home, and give clinicians better tools to make life-saving decisions.
"This will also strengthen the UK's position as a global leader in quantum technologies, creating high-skilled jobs and supporting economic growth."
