Biomedical Applications of Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging

• Published in: Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) Vol. 34; no. 10; pp. 810 - 824
• Main Authors: Yang, Xiang, Zhao, Xiang, Yang, Ke, Liu, Yueping, Liu, Yu, Fu, Weiling, Luo, Yang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2016; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Amino acids; Amino Acids - analysis; Amino Acids - chemistry; Animals; Bacteria; biological effect; Biological effects; Biomedical research; Carbohydrates; Carbohydrates - analysis; Carbohydrates - chemistry; Cytological Techniques; Deoxyribonucleic acid; Diagnostic Imaging; DNA; DNA - analysis; DNA - chemistry; Genetic testing; Humans; Hydration; imaging; Instrumentation; Internal Medicine; Medical imaging; Mice; Peptides; Proteins - analysis; Proteins - chemistry; Science; Skin; Skin - diagnostic imaging; Spectroscopy; Spectrum analysis; Studies; terahertz; Terahertz Spectroscopy; THz; Tumors; terahertz; spectroscopy; imaging; THz; biological effect; biomedical research
• ISSN: 0167-7799; 1879-3096
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.04.008

Terahertz (THz = 1012 Hz) radiation has attracted wide attention for its unprecedented sensing ability and its noninvasive and nonionizing properties. Tremendous strides in THz instrumentation have prompted impressive breakthroughs in THz biomedical research. Here, we review the current state of THz spectroscopy and imaging in various biomedical applications ranging from biomolecules, including DNA/RNA, amino acids/peptides, proteins, and carbohydrates, to cells and tissues. We also address the potential biological effects of THz radiation during its biological applications and propose future prospects for this cutting-edge technology.