ON

Background: Electromagnetic frequencies up to a few terahertz (THz) can yield real-time and noninvasive mea-surements on biological matter. Unfortunately, strong absorption in aqueous solutions and low spatial resolution return diffi cult free-space investigations. A new approach based on integrated THz circuits was used. The authors designed and fabricated a BioMEMS (Biological MicroElectro-Mechanical System) compatible with microfl uidic circulation and electromagnetic propagation. It is dedicated to the ex vivo detection of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, which is involved in neurodegenerative phenomena. Material/Methods: The biological model was a leech’s central nervous system. After its injury, the production of NO was observed and measured in the far-THz spectral domain. The nerve cord was put inside a BioMEMS realized in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sealed on a glass wafer. Glass is a good material for sup-porting high-frequency integrated waveguides such as coplanar waveguides (CPWs). Measurements were performed with vectorial network analyser (VNA). Results: The transmission parameter in the frequency range of 0.14–0.22 THz was measured through CPWs located just below the microchannel containing the injured leech nerve cord. The lesion caused a decreased transmission coeffi cient due to the NOS activity. L-NAME was injected inside the mi