中国物理B ›› 2025, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (11): 118702-118702.doi: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade06a

• • 上一篇    下一篇

Effect of 3.1-THz radiation on pathological progression in Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer's disease model

Lei Wang(王磊)1,2,†, Meng Wang(王萌)3,†, Xumei Zhang(张绪梅)3,‡, and Mingxia He(何明霞)1,2,§   

  1. 1 The Center for Terahertz Waves, School of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China;
    2 State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China;
    3 School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
  • 收稿日期:2025-03-29 修回日期:2025-05-19 接受日期:2025-06-04 出版日期:2025-10-30 发布日期:2025-11-13
  • 通讯作者: Xumei Zhang, Mingxia He E-mail:zhangxumei@tmu.edu.cn;hhmmxx@tju.edu.cn

Effect of 3.1-THz radiation on pathological progression in Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer's disease model

Lei Wang(王磊)1,2,†, Meng Wang(王萌)3,†, Xumei Zhang(张绪梅)3,‡, and Mingxia He(何明霞)1,2,§   

  1. 1 The Center for Terahertz Waves, School of Precision Instrument and Opto-electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China;
    2 State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China;
    3 School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300203, China
  • Received:2025-03-29 Revised:2025-05-19 Accepted:2025-06-04 Online:2025-10-30 Published:2025-11-13
  • Contact: Xumei Zhang, Mingxia He E-mail:zhangxumei@tmu.edu.cn;hhmmxx@tju.edu.cn

摘要: Terahertz (THz) radiation, an emerging frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum, has been widely applied across various fields. However, its ability to resonate with the energy levels of biomolecules has raised significant concerns regarding its biosafety. A growing body of research indicates that THz radiation can markedly influence the structure and function of proteins. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the abnormal aggregation of amyloid proteins, has been shown in prior studies to be modulated by THz radiation in terms of amyloid aggregation. Building on this, the present study utilized the CL4176 strain of Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model for AD. Using a self-designed and constructed radiation system based on quantum cascade lasers, the study investigated changes in the pathological progression of AD under 3.1-THz electromagnetic radiation exposure. By evaluating lifespan, motility, feeding behavior, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and aging markers in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, the study highlights the potential biological risks of 3.1-THz radiation for individuals with AD. These findings provide crucial experimental evidence to support the promotion and standardization of THz technology applications.

关键词: terahertz biological effects, Alzheimer's disease, vibrational analysis, biosafety

Abstract: Terahertz (THz) radiation, an emerging frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum, has been widely applied across various fields. However, its ability to resonate with the energy levels of biomolecules has raised significant concerns regarding its biosafety. A growing body of research indicates that THz radiation can markedly influence the structure and function of proteins. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the abnormal aggregation of amyloid proteins, has been shown in prior studies to be modulated by THz radiation in terms of amyloid aggregation. Building on this, the present study utilized the CL4176 strain of Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model for AD. Using a self-designed and constructed radiation system based on quantum cascade lasers, the study investigated changes in the pathological progression of AD under 3.1-THz electromagnetic radiation exposure. By evaluating lifespan, motility, feeding behavior, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and aging markers in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, the study highlights the potential biological risks of 3.1-THz radiation for individuals with AD. These findings provide crucial experimental evidence to support the promotion and standardization of THz technology applications.

Key words: terahertz biological effects, Alzheimer's disease, vibrational analysis, biosafety

中图分类号:  (Effects of electromagnetic and acoustic fields on biological systems)

  • 87.50.-a
87.19.xr (Degenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, ALS, etc)) 33.20.Tp (Vibrational analysis) 28.52.Nh (Safety)