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Schreiner OD, Socotar D, Ciobanu RC, Schreiner TG, Tamba BI. Statistical Analysis of Gastric Cancer Cells Response to Broadband Terahertz Radiation with and without Contrast Nanoparticles. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2454. [PMID: 39001516 PMCID: PMC11240478 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The paper describes the statistical analysis of the response of gastric cancer cells and normal cells to broadband terahertz radiation up to 4 THz, both with and without the use of nanostructured contrast agents. The THz spectroscopy analysis was comparatively performed under the ATR procedure and transmission measurement procedure. The statistical analysis was conducted towards multiple pairwise comparisons, including a support medium (without cells) versus a support medium with nanoparticles, normal cells versus normal cells with nanoparticles, and, respectively, tumor cells versus tumor cells with nanoparticles. When generally comparing the ATR procedure and transmission measurement procedure for a broader frequency domain, the differentiation between normal and tumor cells in the presence of contrast agents is superior when using the ATR procedure. THz contrast enhancement by using contrast agents derived from MRI-related contrast agents leads to only limited benefits and only for narrow THz frequency ranges, a disadvantage for THz medical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Daniel Schreiner
- Department of Electrical Measurements and Materials, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (O.D.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Diana Socotar
- Department of Electrical Measurements and Materials, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (O.D.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Romeo Cristian Ciobanu
- Department of Electrical Measurements and Materials, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (O.D.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Thomas Gabriel Schreiner
- CEMEX-Center for Experimental Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700259 Iasi, Romania (B.I.T.)
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- CEMEX-Center for Experimental Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700259 Iasi, Romania (B.I.T.)
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2
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Chen B, Zhang P, Tan K, Zhu H, Li Z, Li C, Wang Z. Characterization of human skin under tension using terahertz time domain spectroscopy. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2024; 17:e202400003. [PMID: 38651304 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202400003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
This paper introduces a spectral analysis method for monitoring the human skin in vivo based on a combination of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The method can quantitatively measure the refractive index, thickness and transmission coefficient of epidermis, and the refractive index of dermis in natural, as well as the tension condition of the skin. An optically reflective model for the multilayer structure of the skin is first established. The initial thickness of the epidermis is then measured by OCT as a known quantity for the established model. By fitting the established model to the experimentally obtained THz-TDS signals, the above parameters of the skin can be calibrated. Furthermore, the dependence of these skin parameters on the tension status are investigated. This study provides a means for terahertz technology to measure the skin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baitong Chen
- Department of Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengyan Zhang
- Department of Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Keyu Tan
- Department of Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hengxin Zhu
- Department of Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zixuan Li
- Department of Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuanwei Li
- Department of Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Department of Mechanics, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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3
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Zhan X, Liu Y, Chen Z, Luo J, Yang S, Yang X. Revolutionary approaches for cancer diagnosis by terahertz-based spectroscopy and imaging. Talanta 2023; 259:124483. [PMID: 37019007 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Most tumors are easily missed and misdiagnosed due to the lack of specific clinical signs and symptoms in the early stage. Thus, an accurate, rapid and reliable early tumor detection method is highly desirable. The application of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging in biomedicine has made remarkable progress in the past two decades, which addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies and provides an alternative for early tumor diagnosis. Although issues such as size mismatch and strong absorption of THz waves by water have set hurdles for cancer diagnosis by THz technology, innovative materials and biosensors in recent years have led to possibilities for new THz biosensing and imaging methods. In this article, we reviewed the issues that need to be solved before THz technology is used for tumor-related biological sample detection and clinical auxiliary diagnosis. We focused on the recent research progress of THz technology, with an emphasis on biosensing and imaging. Finally, the application of THz spectroscopy and imaging for tumor diagnosis in clinical practice and the main challenges in this process were also mentioned. Collectively, THz-based spectroscopy and imaging reviewed here is envisioned as a cutting-edge approach for cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Gastroenterology Department, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Sha Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Xiang Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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4
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Han C, Qu F, Wang X, Zhai X, Li J, Yu K, Zhao Y. Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging Techniques for Herbal Medicinal Plants Detection: A Comprehensive Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36856792 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2023.2183077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Herbal medicine (HM), derived from various therapeutic plants, has garnered considerable attention for its remarkable effectiveness in treating diseases. However, numerous issues including improved varieties selection, hazardous residue detection, and concoction management affect herb quality throughout the manufacturing process. Therefore, a practical, rapid, nondestructive detection technology is necessary. Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, with low energy, penetration, and fingerprint features, becomes preferable method for herb quality appraisal. There are three parts in our review. THz techniques, data processing, and modeling methods were introduced in Part I. Three primary applications (authenticity, composition and active ingredients, and origin detection) of THz in medicinal plants quality detection in industrial processing and marketing were detailed in Part II. A thorough investigation and outlook on the well-known applications and advancements of this field were presented in Part III. This review aims to bring new enlightenment to the in-depth THz application research in herbal medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyue Han
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Fangfang Qu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350000, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuedong Zhai
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Junmeng Li
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Keqiang Yu
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Internet of Things, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Perception and Intelligent Service, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yanru Zhao
- College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Internet of Things, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Perception and Intelligent Service, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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5
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Sadeghi A, Naghavi SMH, Mozafari M, Afshari E. Nanoscale biomaterials for terahertz imaging: A non-invasive approach for early cancer detection. Transl Oncol 2022; 27:101565. [PMID: 36343417 PMCID: PMC9643578 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) technology is developing a non-invasive imaging system for biosensing and clinical diagnosis. THz medical imaging mainly benefits from great sensitivity in detecting changes in water content and structural variations in diseased cells versus normal tissues. Compared to healthy tissues, cancerous tumors contain a higher level of water molecules and show structural changes, resulting in different THz absorption. Here we described the principle of THz imaging and advancement in the field of translational biomedicine and early detection of pathologic tissue, with a particular focus on oncology. In addition, although the main forte of THz imaging relies on detecting differences in water content to distinguish the exact margin of tumor, THz displays limited contrast in living tissue for in-vivo clinical imaging. In the last few years, nanotechnology has attracted attention to aid THz medical imaging and various nanoparticles have been investigated as contrast enhancements to improve the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of THz images. Most of these multimodal contrast agents take advantage of the temperature-dependent of THz spectrum to the conformational variation of the water molecule. We discuss advances in developing THz contrast agents to accelerate the advancement of non-invasive THz imaging with improved sensitivity and specificity for translational clinical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sadeghi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - S M Hossein Naghavi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Masoud Mozafari
- Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ehsan Afshari
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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6
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Li Y, Wang X, Liu Y, Jin W, Tian H, Xie F, Xia K, Zhang X, Fu W, Zhang Y. Flexible Terahertz Metamaterial Biosensor for Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Hepatitis B Viral DNA Based on the Metal-Enhanced Sandwich Assay. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:930800. [PMID: 35992361 PMCID: PMC9388765 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.930800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The high sensitivity and specificity of terahertz (THz) biosensing are both promising and challenging in DNA sample detection. This study produced and refined a flexible THz MM biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of HBV in clinical serum samples based on a gold magnetic nanoparticle-mediated rolling circle amplification (GMNPs@RCA) sandwich assay under isothermal conditions. Typically, solid-phase RCA reactions mediated by circular padlock probes (PLPs) are triggered under isothermal conditions in the presence of HBV DNA, resulting in long single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with high fidelity and specificity. Then, the resultant ssDNA was conjugated with detection probes (DPs) immobilized on gold nanoparticles (DP@AuNPs) to form GMNPs-RCA-AuNPs sandwich complexes. The HBV DNA concentrations were quantified by introducing GMNPs-RCA-AuNPs complexes into the metasurface of a flexible THz metamaterial-based biosensor chip and resulting in a red shift of the resonance peak of the THz metamaterials. This biosensor can lead to highly specific and sensitive detection with one-base mismatch discrimination and a limit of detection (LOD) down to 1.27E + 02 IU/ml of HBV DNA from clinical serum samples. The HBV DNA concentration was linearly correlated with the frequency shift of the THz metamaterials within the range of 1.27E + 02∼1.27E + 07 IU/ml, illustrating the applicability and accuracy of our assay in real clinical samples. This strategy constitutes a promising THz sensing method to identify virus DNA. In the future, it is hoped it can assist with pathogen identification and clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Li
- Medical Laboratory of the Third affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Weidong Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Huiyan Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fengxin Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiuming Zhang
- Medical Laboratory of the Third affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuming Zhang, ; Weiling Fu, ; Yang Zhang,
| | - Weiling Fu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuming Zhang, ; Weiling Fu, ; Yang Zhang,
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiuming Zhang, ; Weiling Fu, ; Yang Zhang,
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7
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Terahertz Imaging for Formalin Fixed Malignant Liver Tumors Using Two-Band Beamline at the Accelerator Facility of Nihon University. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12042229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the transmission characteristics of formalin fixed human liver samples in which normal liver tissue and malignant liver tumor were mixed using terahertz (THz) coherent synchrotron radiation at an infrared free-electron laser (FEL) facility at Nihon University. Infrared-FEL imaging has indicated that the amount of water molecules in the tumor tissue is not different from that in the normal tissue. However, the transmission of the incipient tumor tissue was lower than that of the normal tissue in THz imaging because the tumor tissue contained more water molecular clusters than the normal tissue. The tumor tissue became more permeable owing to the development of fibrous tissue around it. THz imaging will be more useful for discriminating liver tissues by increasing the spatial resolution.
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8
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Terahertz radiation in ophthalmology (review). ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2021. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2021-6.6-1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) radiation is one of the new, intensively studied interdisciplinary fi elds of scientifi c knowledge, including medicine, in the fi rst decades of the 21st century. At the beginning of this article (review), in a brief form, the basic statements on THz radiation, the main parameters and properties are presented; the modern THz biophtonics technologies used in biology and medicine are considered – THz refl ectometry, THz spectroscopy methods. Then a number of directions and examples of possible use of THz technologies in biology and medicine, including pharmaceuticals, are given. The main part of the review presents the progress of experimental research and the prospects for the clinical application of medical technologies of THz spectroscopy, THz imaging, in ophthalmology in the study of the morphological and functional state of the ocular surface structures, diagnosis, medical testing, and treatment of ophthalmopathology of the ocular surface. The article concludes with a review of experimental studies on the safety of using THz waves for medical diagnostics and treatment of ophthalmopathology. In the fi nal part, the main problems and prospects of introducing medical THz technologies into the clinical practice of an ophthalmologist are considered.
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9
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Danciu M, Alexa-Stratulat T, Stefanescu C, Dodi G, Tamba BI, Mihai CT, Stanciu GD, Luca A, Spiridon IA, Ungureanu LB, Ianole V, Ciortescu I, Mihai C, Stefanescu G, Chirilă I, Ciobanu R, Drug VL. Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging: A Cutting-Edge Method for Diagnosing Digestive Cancers. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E1519. [PMID: 31075912 PMCID: PMC6539301 DOI: 10.3390/ma12091519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Terahertz's wavelength is located between the microwave and the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because it is non-ionizing and non-invasive, Terahertz (THz)-based detection represents a very attractive tool for repeated assessments, patient monitoring, and follow-up. Cancer acts as the second leading cause of death in many regions, and current predictions estimate a continuous increasing trend. Of all types of tumors, digestive cancers represent an important percentage and their incidence is expected to increase more rapidly than other tumor types due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Because it can precisely differentiate between different types of molecules, depending on water content, the information obtained through THz-based scanning could have several uses in the management of cancer patients and, more importantly, in the early detection of different solid tumors. The purpose of this manuscript is to offer a comprehensive overview of current data available on THz-based detection for digestive cancers. It summarizes the characteristics of THz waves and their interaction with tissues and subsequently presents available THz-based technologies (THz spectroscopy, THz-tomography, and THZ-endoscope) and their potential for future clinical use. The third part of the review is focused on highlighting current in vitro and in vivo research progress in the field, for identifying specific digestive cancers known as oral, esophageal, gastric, colonic, hepatic, and pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Danciu
- Pathology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Teodora Alexa-Stratulat
- Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Cipriana Stefanescu
- Department of Biophysics and Medical Physics-Nuclear Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Gianina Dodi
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Cosmin Teodor Mihai
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Andrei Luca
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Irene Alexandra Spiridon
- Pathology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | | | - Victor Ianole
- Pathology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Irina Ciortescu
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Catalina Mihai
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Gabriela Stefanescu
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Ioan Chirilă
- Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Romeo Ciobanu
- Electrical Engineering Faculty, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania.
| | - Vasile Liviu Drug
- Gastroenterology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700051 Iasi, Romania.
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10
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Wei L, Yu L, Jiaoqi H, Guorong H, Yang Z, Weiling F. Application of terahertz spectroscopy in biomolecule detection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.flm.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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11
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Biomedical Applications of Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 34:810-824. [PMID: 27207226 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Terahertz (THz=10(12)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.
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12
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Lopez-Dominguez V, Boix-Montañes A, Redo-Sanchez A, Tejada-Palacios J. Direct estimation of the permeation of topical excipients through artificial membranes and human skin with non-invasive Terahertz time-domain techniques. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 68:873-82. [PMID: 27138975 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug permeation through skin, or a synthetic membrane, from locally acting pharmaceutical products can be influenced by the permeation behaviour of pharmaceutical excipients. OBJECTIVE Terahertz time-domain technology is investigated as a non-invasive method for a direct and accurate measurement of excipients permeation through synthetic membranes or human skin. METHODS A series of in-vitro release and skin permeation experiments of liquid excipients (e.g. propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 400) has been conducted with vertical diffusion cells. The permeation profiles of excipients through different synthetic membranes or skin were obtained using Terahertz pulses providing a direct measurement. Corresponding permeation flux and permeability coefficient values were calculated based on temporal changes of the terahertz pulses. RESULTS The influence of different experimental conditions, such as the polarity of the membrane and the viscosity of the permeant, was assessed in release experiments. Specific transmembrane flux values of those excipients were directly calculated with statistical differences between cases. Finally, an attempt to estimate the skin permeation of propylene glycol with this technique was also achieved. All these permeation results were likely comparable to those obtained by other authors with usual analytical techniques. CONCLUSION Terahertz time-domain technology is shown to be a suitable technique for an accurate and non-destructive measurement of the permeation of liquid substances through different synthetic membranes or even human skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Lopez-Dominguez
- Departamento de Física fundamental, Grupo de Magnetismo y Microondas, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Boix-Montañes
- Unidad de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética, Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología farmacéutica, Universitat de Barcelona, East Greenbush, NY, USA
| | | | - Javier Tejada-Palacios
- Departamento de Física fundamental, Grupo de Magnetismo y Microondas, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Cataldo F, Angelini G, García-Hernández DA, Manchado A. Far infrared (terahertz) spectroscopy of a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and application to structure interpretation of asphaltenes and related compounds. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2013; 111:68-79. [PMID: 23603577 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2013.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A series of 33 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied by far infrared spectroscopy (terahertz spectroscopy) in the spectral range comprised between 600 and 50 cm(-1). In addition to common PAHs like naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, picene, pyrene, benzo[α]pyrene, and perylene, also quite unusual PAHs were studied like tetracene, pentacene, acenaphtene, acenaphtylene, triphenylene, and decacyclene. A series of alkylated naphthalenes and anthracenes were studied as well as methypyrene. Partially or totally hydrogenated PAHs were also object of the present investigation, ranging from tetrahydronaphthalene (tetralin) to decahydronaphthalene (decalin), 9,10-dihydroanthracene, 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene, hexahydropyrene, and dodecahydrotriphenylene. Finally, the large and quite rare PAHs coronene, quaterrylene, hexabenzocoronene, and dicoronylene were studied by far infrared spectroscopy. The resulting reference spectra were used in the interpretation of the chemical structure of asphaltenes (as extracted from a heavy petroleum fraction and from bitumen), the chemical structures of other petroleum fractions known as DAE (distillate aromatic extract) and RAE (residual aromatic extract), and a possible interpretation of components of the chemical structure of anthracite coal. Asphaltenes, heavy petroleum fractions, and coal were proposed as model compounds for the interpretation of the emission spectra of certain proto-planetary nebulae (PPNe) with a good matching in the mid infrared between the band pattern of the PPNe emission spectra and the spectra of these oil fractions or coal. Although this study was finalized in an astrochemical context, it may find application also in the petroleum and coal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cataldo
- Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania, via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; Actinium Chemical Research srl, via Casilina 1626A, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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14
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Terahertz pulsed imaging as an advanced characterisation tool for film coatings--a review. Int J Pharm 2013; 457:510-20. [PMID: 23570960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Solid dosage forms are the pharmaceutical drug delivery systems of choice for oral drug delivery. These solid dosage forms are often coated to modify the physico-chemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), in particular to alter release kinetics. Since the product performance of coated dosage forms is a function of their critical coating attributes, including coating thickness, uniformity, and density, more advanced quality control techniques than weight gain are required. A recently introduced non-destructive method to quantitatively characterise coating quality is terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI). The ability of terahertz radiation to penetrate many pharmaceutical materials enables structural features of coated solid dosage forms to be probed at depth, which is not readily achievable with other established imaging techniques, e.g. near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy. In this review TPI is introduced and various applications of the technique in pharmaceutical coating analysis are discussed. These include evaluation of coating thickness, uniformity, surface morphology, density, defects and buried structures as well as correlation between TPI measurements and drug release performance, coating process monitoring and scale up. Furthermore, challenges and limitations of the technique are discussed.
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15
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Yu C, Fan S, Sun Y, Pickwell-Macpherson E. The potential of terahertz imaging for cancer diagnosis: A review of investigations to date. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2012; 2:33-45. [PMID: 23256057 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4292.2012.01.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The terahertz region lies between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum such that it is strongly attenuated by water and very sensitive to water content. Terahertz radiation has very low photon energy and thus it does not pose any ionization hazard for biological tissues. Because of these characteristic properties, there has been an increasing interest in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for biological applications within the last few years and more and more terahertz spectra are being reported, including spectroscopic studies of cancer. The presence of cancer often causes increased blood supply to affected tissues and a local increase in tissue water content may be observed: this acts as a natural contrast mechanism for terahertz imaging of cancer. Furthermore the structural changes that occur in affected tissues have also been shown to contribute to terahertz image contrast. This paper introduces terahertz technology and provides a short review of recent advances in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy techniques. In particular investigations relating to the potential of terahertz imaging and spectroscopy for cancer diagnosis will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Yu
- Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
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16
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Weightman P. Prospects for the study of biological systems with high power sources of terahertz radiation. Phys Biol 2012; 9:053001. [PMID: 22931749 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/9/5/053001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of intense sources of terahertz radiation based on lasers and electron accelerators has considerable potential for research on biological systems. This perspective gives a brief survey of theoretical work and the results of experiments on biological molecules and more complex biological systems. Evidence is accumulating that terahertz radiation influences biological systems and this needs to be clarified in order to establish safe levels of human exposure to this radiation. The use of strong sources of terahertz radiation may contribute to the resolution of controversies over the mechanism of biological organization. However the potential of these sources will only be realized if they are accompanied by the development of sophisticated pump-probe and multidimensional experimental techniques and by the study of biological systems in the controlled environments necessary for their maintenance and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Weightman
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 7ZE UK.
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17
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Wu H, Khan M. THz spectroscopy: An emerging technology for pharmaceutical development and pharmaceutical Process Analytical Technology (PAT) applications. J Mol Struct 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2012.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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18
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Taylor ZD, Singh RS, Bennett DB, Tewari P, Kealey CP, Bajwa N, Culjat MO, Stojadinovic A, Lee H, Hubschman JP, Brown ER, Grundfest WS. THz Medical Imaging: in vivo Hydration Sensing. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON TERAHERTZ SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2011; 1:201-219. [PMID: 26085958 PMCID: PMC4467694 DOI: 10.1109/tthz.2011.2159551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The application of THz to medical imaging is experiencing a surge in both interest and federal funding. A brief overview of the field is provided along with promising and emerging applications and ongoing research. THz imaging phenomenology is discussed and tradeoffs are identified. A THz medical imaging system, operating at ~525 GHz center frequency with ~125 GHz of response normalized bandwidth is introduced and details regarding principles of operation are provided. Two promising medical applications of THz imaging are presented: skin burns and cornea. For burns, images of second degree, partial thickness burns were obtained in rat models in vivo over an 8 hour period. These images clearly show the formation and progression of edema in and around the burn wound area. For cornea, experimental data measuring the hydration of ex vivo porcine cornea under drying is presented demonstrating utility in ophthalmologic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary D Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ( )
| | - Rahul S Singh
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - David B Bennett
- Department of Electrical Engineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Priyamvada Tewari
- Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Colin P Kealey
- Department of Surgery and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Neha Bajwa
- Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Martin O Culjat
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Alexander Stojadinovic
- Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Combat Wound Initiative Program, Washington, DC 20307 USA
| | - Hua Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Hubschman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Elliott R Brown
- Department of Physics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435 USA
| | - Warren S Grundfest
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason B. Baxter
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
| | - Glenn W. Guglietta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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20
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Wilmink GJ, Ibey BL, Tongue T, Schulkin B, Laman N, Peralta XG, Roth CC, Cerna CZ, Rivest BD, Grundt JE, Roach WP. Development of a compact terahertz time-domain spectrometer for the measurement of the optical properties of biological tissues. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2011; 16:047006. [PMID: 21529096 DOI: 10.1117/1.3570648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Terahertz spectrometers and imaging systems are currently being evaluated as biomedical tools for skin burn assessment. These systems show promise, but due to their size and weight, they have restricted portability, and are impractical for military and battlefield settings where space is limited. In this study, we developed and tested the performance of a compact, light, and portable THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) device. Optical properties were collected with this system from 0.1 to 1.6 THz for water, ethanol, and several ex vivo porcine tissues (muscle, adipose, skin). For all samples tested, we found that the index of refraction (n) decreases with frequency, while the absorption coefficient (μ(a)) increases with frequency. Muscle, adipose, and frozen/thawed skin samples exhibited comparable n values ranging between 2.5 and 2.0, whereas the n values for freshly harvested skin were roughly 40% lower. Additionally, we found that the freshly harvested samples exhibited higher μ(a) values than the frozen/thawed skin samples. Overall, for all liquids and tissues tested, we found that our system measured optical property values that were consistent with those reported in the literature. These results suggest that our compact THz spectrometer performed comparable to its larger counterparts, and therefore may be a useful and practical tool for skin health assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Wilmink
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Radio Frequency Radiation Branch, 8262 Hawks Road, Brooks City-Base, Texas 78235, USA.
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21
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Reid CB, Pickwell-MacPherson E, Laufer JG, Gibson AP, Hebden JC, Wallace VP. Accuracy and resolution of THz reflection spectroscopy for medical imaging. Phys Med Biol 2010; 55:4825-38. [DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/55/16/013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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