Nanoscale Room-Temperature Superconductivity in Biological Systems

Superconductivity is a quantum-mechanical phenomenon with multiple technological applications among which is quantum computing. It is usually associated with metals and low temperatures, but theoretically was extended to room temperature, organic, and biological matter. To achieve room-temperature superconductivity, an unconventional mechanism in a system with reduced dimensionality is likely to be necessary. Experimental attempts in search for it are under the way. Here the experiments with microtubules, nanometerscale quasi one-dimensional structures abundant in the brain and nerve system are presented arguing that they are superconducting at the room temperature. Complementing data on electrical transport and magnetic measurements, the paper focuses on the magnetic flux quantization and Josephson effect revealed by the electromagnetic radiation coming from the connections of microtubules during the propagation of action potential in the axons of the nerve cells. A mechanism for such generation is suggested. It is argued that nanoscale superconductivity is responsible for the quantum processing of information in the living organisms, and the coherent Josephson radiation helps synchronizing their functions. The values of main parameters for the room-temperature superconductor are estimated and given in the paper. The interpretation of the behavior of microtubules in terms of room-temperature superconductivity could strengthen understanding of the quantum nature of biological systems.