Application of terahertz spectroscopy in biomolecule detection

Abstract

Terahertz (THz = 10¹² Hz) radiation has caused enormous widespread attention due to its use in biomedical sciences. The tremendous advances in THz instruments have made an impressive breakthrough in biomedical research. The absorption of THz radiation in molecular and bimolecular systems is primarily stimulated by intramolecular and intermolecular vibrations because it is situated between infrared light and microwave radiation. In this paper, we summarized recent research achievements in THz spectroscopy in detecting biological macromolecules such as amino acids, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. And the biosafety of this technique has also been discussed. In the end, we discussed the potential biological effects of THz radiation in the biological application and depicted the prospects of this cutting-edge technology.