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Quantitative analysis of homocysteine in liquid by terahertz spectroscopy
Liping Wang1, Xu Wu1, Yan Peng1,2,3
1Terahertz Technology Innovation Research Institute, Shanghai Key Lab of Modern Optical System, Terahertz Science Cooperative Innovation Center, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Intelligent Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
Insights
This study introduces terahertz spectroscopy for rapid, accurate homocysteine detection in biological samples. The novel method overcomes limitations of conventional techniques, enabling real-time quantitative analysis for disease assessment.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biophysics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Homocysteine is linked to cardiovascular disease and dementia.
- Current detection methods (HPLC, FPIA) are slow and complex.
- A need exists for faster, more accurate homocysteine quantification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel quantitative detection method for homocysteine.
- To utilize terahertz (THz) spectroscopy for biological sample analysis.
- To establish a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for homocysteine levels.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative detection of homocysteine using terahertz spectroscopy.
- Development of a low-temperature sample drying pretreatment method.
- Analysis of the linear relationship between THz spectral intensity and homocysteine concentration.
Main Results:
- Achieved a detection limit of 10 µmol/L for homocysteine.
- Demonstrated quantitative, accurate, and real-time detection capabilities.
- THz spectroscopy showed a significantly higher correlation coefficient (0.99809) compared to Raman spectroscopy (0.80022).
Conclusions:
- Terahertz spectroscopy offers a superior alternative for homocysteine detection.
- The developed method is rapid, accurate, and suitable for real-time analysis.
- This technique aids in the precise evaluation of pathological stages related to homocysteine levels.
Abstract:
Homocysteine (C4H9NO2S) is a variant of the amino acid cysteine, a harmful substance to the human body, which is closely related to cardiovascular disease, senile dementia, fractures, et al. At present, conventional methods for detecting homocysteine in biological samples include high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), and enzymatic cycling methods. These methods have the disadvantages of being time-consuming, sample-losing, chemical reagent-using and operation-cumbersome. Here, we present a method for the quantitative detection of homocysteine in liquid based on terahertz spectroscopy. Considering the strong absorption of water for terahertz beam, we also put forward a pretreatment method for drying samples at low temperature. These methods make the detection limit for homocysteine reach 10 µmol/L (human normal concentration). Based on the linear relationship between the homocysteine concentration and the THz spectral intensity, we can successfully achieve quantitative, accurate and real-time detection of homocysteine. As compared to Raman spectroscopy, the correlation coefficient of THz spectrum ( = 0.99809) is much larger than that of the Raman spectrum ( = 0.80022, = 0.8028). These results are greatly useful for the accurate evaluation of pathological stage.
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