Editorial: Quantum biology

Quantum biology is an interdisciplinary field that investigates whether and how principles of quantum mechanics may influence or help explain biological systems. Advances in quantum physics, spectroscopy, computational chemistry, and molecular biology have expanded the tools available to examine phenomena such as coherence, tunneling, and spin dynamics in living organisms. This Research Topic highlights recent developments at the interface between quantum physics and biology, including foundational perspectives, mechanistic studies, systems-level discussions, technological interfaces, and translational applications. The contributions reflect the broad scope of the field and are presented in a conceptual progression intended.

Foundational perspectives on the role of quantum effects in biology are provided by Quantum phenomena in biological systems (Alvarez et al.). This review surveys several biological processes where quantum phenomena may play a role, including photon capture in vision, highly efficient energy transfer in photosynthesis, and vertebrate magnetoreception with emphasis on the radical pair mechanism. By synthesizing these representative cases, the article helps clarify the types of biological systems in which quantum dynamics may become functionally relevant, thereby establishing a conceptual foundation for the diverse studies presented in this Research Topic.

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics for Applications in Quantum Biology: the case of the avian compass provides a pedagogical introduction to quantum-mechanical concepts most relevant to biological systems, using avian magnetoreception as a guiding example (Parisio et al.). By presenting didactically the radical pair mechanism the article clarifies how spin dynamics and quantum coherence can influence biochemical reactions in living organisms. In doing so, it bridges fundamental quantum theory with a biologically motivated model system, helping to situate magnetoreception within the broader context of quantum effects in biology that this Research Topic seeks to explore.

The origin of life is one of the most important themes in quantum biology. Mechanistic and molecular-scale investigations about the origin of life are presented by Chemistry of the origins of life: how prebiotic chemistry can be approached by computational quantum methods, a mini-review highlighting how quantum computational approaches inform diverse prebiotic scenarios (Quilici et al.). It presents how life could emerge from inorganic chemistry. Computational simulations from thermal reactions on early Earth to photochemical processes under astrophysical conditions are addressed.

Neuron ion channels are complex, coupled, many-body quantum systems in which electronic coherence has recently been speculated to persist for relatively long timescales, despite the decohering effects of their environments and maybe noise-assisted. Correlated disorder as a tunable switch between trapping and conduction in quantum ion channels examines the impact of correlated on-site energies in a linear quantum-chain model of an ion channel using a tight-binding Hamiltonian with Lindblad source–drain dynamics (Da Silva Ramos et al.). The understanding of quantum biology in ion transport may open new avenues to neuroscience and medicine.

Chemiexcitation in preventing macular degeneration examines the molecular mechanisms of chemiexcitation and reviews emerging evidence that melanin in the human retina may undergo chemiexcitation as part of a protective response against age-related macular degeneration (Brash and Gaillard). By highlighting how electronically excited states generated through chemical reactions can influence biological function, this contribution situates retinal photochemistry within the broader framework of quantum processes in biological systems, aligning with the Research Topic’s focus on light–matter interactions and quantum effects in living organisms.

Red-light photons on skin cells and the mechanism of photobiomodulation investigates how red-light irradiation influences cellular responses, with particular attention to nitric oxide homeostasis and its implications for phototherapeutic interventions (Herrera et al.). By examining how photon energy interacts with biological chromophores to modulate cellular signaling and metabolic pathways, the article contributes to a growing body of work exploring light–matter interactions in living systems. In this way, it aligns with the Research Topic’s broader aim of understanding how quantum and photophysical processes can influence biological function and therapeutic applications.

Broader biological contexts and integrative perspectives are addressed by Auto-luminescence in seedlings: possible indicators for the gravimetric tide? (Gallep). The study analyzes patterns of ultraweak photon emission in seedlings that appear to follow periodicities resembling local gravimetric tidal cycles across several geographic locations. By examining potential links between environmental physical fluctuations and biological photon emission rhythms, this work situates biophoton dynamics within a chronobiological framework and contributes to the Research Topic’s broader exploration of subtle physical influences on biological systems.

At a conceptual and systems level, Integrating frontiers: a holistic, quantum and evolutionary approach to conquering cancer through systems biology and multidisciplinary synergy presents an integrative perspective on cancer research that combines systems biology, evolutionary thinking, and interdisciplinary approach (Casotti et al.). The article emphasizes the importance of reducing disciplinary silos, encouraging open data sharing, and incorporating patient-centered feedback into therapeutic development. In doing so, it reflects the Research Topic’s broader aim of promoting cross-disciplinary approaches to understanding complex biological phenomena.

Technological and applied dimensions are represented by Quantum-biological interface in biosensor design: detecting proteins with electrochemical aptasensor (Costa et al.). This work reports the development of an electrochemical aptasensor for dengue NS1 detection based on a self-assembled monolayer of DNA aptamers and thiol molecules, characterized through electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy and optimized via aptamer-to-thiol ratio tuning. By integrating molecular recognition with nanoscale electrochemical sensing, the study illustrates how bio-inspired physical principles can be translated into practical diagnostic technologies, aligning with the Research Topic’s interest in applications emerging from the quantum–biological interface.

The promise of quantum computing for population genetics and molecular ecology addresses the potential role of quantum computing and quantum machine learning in the analysis of complex genomic datasets (Davinack). The article outlines how quantum algorithms for classification, clustering, and optimization could support new approaches to population-genetic inference and molecular ecology. By extending the influence of quantum science into computational biology, this contribution broadens the scope of the Research Topic to include emerging technological paradigms that may transform how biological data are analyzed.

Finally, Photobiomodulation therapy in neuropathic pain: mechanisms, evidence, and future directions examines the biological mechanisms and current clinical evidence supporting the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in neuropathic pain management (Martins et al.). The review discusses future directions including multimodal therapeutic strategies, personalized dosimetry, and the development of wearable and transcranial PBMT technologies. By connecting light-based therapeutic interventions with underlying photophysical and biological mechanisms, the article aligns with the Research Topic’s broader interest in how light–matter interactions influence biological function and medical applications.

Together, these contributions reflect diverse approaches to examining quantum phenomena in biological systems using theoretical, computational, experimental and translational frameworks. We hope this Research Topic provides a useful overview of current research activity and supports continued dialogue and collaboration across disciplines.

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Footnotes

Edited and reviewed by: Praveen Arany, University at Buffalo, United States