Structural manipulation of actin proteins by terahertz waves

Abstract

We demonstrate that THz wave irradiation enhances the formation of actin filaments. A significant increase in the number of actin filaments was observed in the cytoplasm of living cells when irradiated with a THz continuous wave (0.4 THz). On the other hand, we also found that shockwaves were generated by irradiation of intense THz pulses (4 THz). The intense THz pulses are absorbed at the water surface and the energy concentration results in shockwave generation. Interestingly, the shockwaves disrupt actin filaments in living cells. Our finding of the diametrically opposite effects of THz wave irradiation on actin filament suggests a novel possibility of artificial manipulation of biomolecules and living cells using THz waves.