Open AccessQuantum magnetic imaging of iron organelles within the pigeon cochlea
Author(s) -
Robert W. de Gille,
Julia M. McCoey,
Liam T. Hall,
David A. Broadway,
E. Pascal Malkemper,
David A. Keays,
Lloyd C. L. Hollenberg,
David A. Simpson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2112749118
Subject(s) - magnetoreception , superparamagnetism , ferrimagnetism , biomagnetism , magnetic field , physics , nuclear magnetic resonance , earth's magnetic field , nanotechnology , materials science , magnetization , quantum mechanics
Significance Cuticulosomes are subcellular structures located within the inner ear hair cells of a variety of avian species with potential relevance to magnetoreception. Here we apply quantum magnetic microscopy to image the magnetic properties of individual iron cuticulosomes within tissue samples. The magnetic susceptibility of the cuticulosomes was determined by characterizing the stray magnetic field strength as a function of applied magnetic field in two distinct locations of the pigeon inner ear. The measured susceptibilities do not support the particle model of magnetoreception, suggesting the physiological relevance of cuticulosomes lies in iron storage or stabilization of stereocilia. The quantum magnetic imaging method can be applied across a variety of biological systems providing an effective tool to screen for magnetic particle–based magnetoreceptors.