Cell Membrane Permeability Under the Influence of Terahertz (Submillimeter) Laser Radiation

Within the framework of the task of revealing the mechanisms of the action of terahertz (submillimeter) radiation on biological objects, the influence of terahertz (submillimeter) radiation on the processes of transmembrane transport in cell systems was experimentally analyzed. Complex research using dyes which do not penetrate through intact membranes (Trypan Blue) and reveal viable cells (BCECF-AM) together with electrophysiological analysis has shown that radiation with a 130-micron wavelength creates conditions for penetration of compounds that usually do not go through the membrane of living cells. The penetration of dye may be conditioned by reversible disturbance in the barrier properties of neuron membranes under the action of 130-micron waves. Radiation with a wavelength of 150 microns does not show such properties. The received results may offer the challenge of developing methods of directed transport of biologically active compounds into cells