The Selective Processing of Biomolecules by Infrared Free Electron Lasers

Infrared Free Electron Lasers (FEL) application for selectively removal of targeted biomolecules is described. In advanced atherom atherosclerosis, a large amount of lipids, particularly cholesterol esters, accumulates on the arterial wall. The selective removal of cholesterol esters has clinical significance. In the present work we investigate the removal of cholesterol esters by using FELs in an arteriosclerotic region. Thin films of cholesteryl oleate and albumin, and the cross section of a rabbit artery were placed on a microscope and the changes caused by the FEL irradiation of 5.75μm and 6.1μm with 1.5-3 mW were monitored. FEL irradiation at a wavelength of 5.75μm, which is a stretching bibrational mode of the ester, was able to ablate cholesterol esters without affecting albumin and that it can also remove cholesterol esters from rabbits' arterial walls.