Date added: 2025-12-30
Diamond-based sensors – technology with a European patent that could revolutionise medical diagnostics
The patent protects a solution that scientists at the Gdańsk University of Technology have been working on for three years – a double-layer electrode, which combines a 3D-printed graphene-polymer matrix composite with an ultra-thin nanodiamond film. Why is it so important?
“Traditional biological sensors have a serious problem: after a short period of use in body fluids, they become covered with a layer of proteins and lose their sensitivity. The diamond surface is resistant to this, and at the same time conducts electricity and reacts to the presence of bacteria, viruses or tumour markers,” said Prof. Robert Bogdanowicz, who heads the research team.
Prof. Robert Bogdanowicz at the Laboratory for Synthesis of Innovative Materials and Elements. Photo Krzysztof Krzempek / Gdańsk University of Technology
A glowing nanodiamond and a measurement so sensitive that it detects even tiny proteins
The second solution goes one step further.
“We have developed a method for modifying fibre optic probes with diamond particles containing nitrogen-vacancy centres, i.e. crystal defects that have unique properties in that they fluoresce when exposed to light and respond to magnetic fields at the single-molecule level. The system combines the fluorescence in nanodiamonds with fibre optic interferometry, enabling the detection of tiny proteins with a molecular weight of less than 30 kDa. This paves the way for ultra-sensitive diagnostics, theoretically down to the level of individual biomolecules," emphasised Prof. Bogdanowicz.
The Gdańsk University of Technology scientists owe their success to nearly two decades of systematic research. The team has developed the technology of controlled synthesis of diamond particles via CVD, experimenting with innovative nitrogen precursors and surface functionalisation techniques. The researchers also collaborated with leading institutions in Poland and abroad – from Caltech in the USA, through the University of Warsaw and the Jagiellonian University, to laboratories across Europe. Key funding was provided by the Qunna project under the TEAM-NET programme organised by the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP).
The first production of quantum nanodiamonds in Poland
The technology, however, is not confined to the university’s walls. As part of the Core-Facility SUSDIAM, low-volume production of functionalised quantum nanodiamonds has already been launched, being the first of its kind in Poland. The products are delivered to customers in the biotechnology and medical sectors throughout Europe via the nanodiamonds.eu platform.
Obtaining European patent protection was financed under the Titanium programme as part of the IDUB initiative of the Gdańsk University of Technology.