The medical application of terahertz technology in non-invasive detection of cells and tissues: opportunities and challenges

Terahertz (THz = 10(12) Hz) spectroscopy has shown great potential in biomedical research due to its unique features, such as the non-invasive and label-free identification of living cells and medical imaging. In this review, we summarized the advantages and progresses achieved in THz spectroscopy technology for blood cell detection, cancer cell characterization, bacterial identification and biological tissue discrimination, further introducing THz imaging systems and its progress in tissue imaging. We also highlighted the biological effects of THz radiation during its biological applications and the existing challenges and strategies to accelerate future clinical applications. The future prospects for THz spectroscopy will focus on developing rapid, label-free, and convenient biosensors for point-of-care tests and THz in vivo imaging.