THz spectroscopy of proteins in aqueous media

This project aims to achieve a world first: to experimentally demonstrate—using an interdisciplinary approach involving biologists, physicists, and electronics engineers specializing in terahertz instrumentation (1 THz =^{10¹² Hz})—the mechanisms by which biomolecules communicate with one another over long distances under normal physiological conditions.

A scientific breakthrough related to this project therefore lies in the demonstration of the activation (under physicochemical conditions typical of the cellular cytoplasm) of long-range, high-frequency electromagnetic interactions within a living cell. By selectively attracting the various molecular partners involved in specific biochemical reactions, these interactions would govern the “molecular machinery.” The demonstration of these interactions would represent a revolution in our understanding of how living matter evolves.

These long-range interactions between biomolecules (where “long-range” refers to distances of up to a few hundred nanometers) will be demonstrated primarily by measuring the emitted electromagnetic field using a biocompatible THz near-field experiment. The development of such instrumentation in itself promises technological advances.

In terms of applications, this project paves the way for non-chemical, external control of basic cellular functions (gene expression, metabolism, mitosis, etc.) through entirely new non-pharmacological medical interventions. It may help explain the therapeutic effects widely observed when electromagnetic fields—applied externally—are used on cancer cells.