[Detection of amino acids based on terahertz spectroscopy].
Terahertz (THz) is the frequency region ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 THz, which lies in the far-infrared region. Compared to Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), terahertz time-domain spectra (THz-TDS) has low energy, high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and is non-ionizing radiation. Low-frequency vibrational modes of some amino acids, such as torsional and collective vibrational modes and hydrogen-bond modes, exist in the THz region. Amino acids are important organic compounds and are the fundamental components of proteins. Amino acids can exist with a highly ordered crystal structure linked by hydrogen intermolecular bonds in the solid phase. The absorption spectra of amino acids in the THz region show marked differences while mid-infrared absorption spectra usually show very little difference. Up to now, absorption spectra of twenty kinds of amino acids have been studied by many researchers using THz technique; the quantitative analysis of amino acids by THZ-TDS is also included. Investigation of THz spectra of amino acids are of fundamental interests, and will lead to further understanding of low-frequency vibrations of protein/DNA and relevant biological reactions and activities. In the present paper, the latest progress in absorption spectra of amino acids determined by THz spectroscopy is reviewed and a database is built. Some brief remarks on future developments in and prospects for THz application in amino acids are also provided.
Tang
Zhong-feng
ZF
Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University of Technology, Liuzhou 545006, China. zftang2005@163.com
Lin
Hai-tao
HT
Chen
Xiao-wei
XW
Zhang
Zeng-fang
ZF
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio; D055068:Terahertz Spectroscopy; D014732:Vibration
D000596:Amino Acids