Field- and frequency-dependent disassembly of polymerized and chemically stabilized microtubules by intense THz pulses

Non-thermal biological effects of terahertz (THz) radiation have been reported in cellular- and tissue-level systems, however the fundamental interactions with biomolecular structures underlying these effects remains unclear. Microtubules (MTs) are cytoskeletal protein complexes that regulate the mitotic and morphologic characteristics of cells, and are a promising potential target underlying THz-induced functional changes observed at higher levels of biological organization. It is shown that extended exposure to intense THz pulses induces significant structural modifications to polymerized MTs in vitro. Results suggest potential therapeutic applications of THz radiation by inhibiting mitotic activity of diseased tissue.