[Progress in application of THz-TDS to protein study]

Area of Science:

• Biophysics and Spectroscopy
• Utilizes terahertz electromagnetic waves for molecular analysis.
• Leverages ultra-fast laser technology for high-resolution measurements.

Context:

• Terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves offer unique probing capabilities for biological and medical applications.
• Absorption spectra in the THz range provide detailed information on molecular structure and weak interactions.
• THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is emerging as a powerful tool in life sciences and pharmaceuticals.

Purpose:

• To review the achievements and latest progress of THz-TDS in studying molecular structure, dynamics, and label-free detection.
• To explore the application of THz waves in probing interactions between biomolecules like antibodies and antigens, and drugs with organisms.
• To consolidate and present absorption coefficients and refractive indices of amino acids and peptides.

Summary:

• THz-TDS enables the study of molecular structure and dynamics of amino acids, polypeptides, and proteins in the low-frequency range.
• Analysis of absorption coefficients and refractive indices allows rigorous discussion of protein system dynamics.
• THz-TDS facilitates rapid, label-free characterization of dynamical transitions in biological polymers, including hydrated, dehydrated, and solvated proteins.

Impact:

• Provides a fundamental understanding of protein function through low-frequency spectral analysis.
• Advances label-free detection methods in biomolecular spectroscopy.
• Highlights the potential of THz-TDS for future applications in drug discovery and diagnostics, despite being an emerging technology.