Photobiomodulation a Probable Forth Angle of Tissue Engineering

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a mechanism in which a nonionizing visible or near-infrared light form is absorbed by endogenous chromophores causing photochemical and photophysical reactions on different levels of biological scales without causing any thermal damage. PBM therapy is a photon-based therapy based on the fundamentals of PBM. Various light sources such as lasers, broadband light, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the near-infrared and visible spectrum can be used for this matter. Living organisms’ cells need to communicate with each other to thrive. Different pathways are used through direct contact, the nervous system, and secretions (paracrine, autocrine, juxtracrine, and endocrine signaling). The nature of these messages is considered chemical or molecular by conventional medical scientists. We can find different pathways of message transition between cells, such as electrical signaling, bio-resonance signals, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and ultra-weak photon emission. A variety of effects of PBM therapy have been discovered, such as inflammation reduction, stifling of pain, downregulation of aberrant immune responses, and diverse metabolic effects. On the other hand, the impact of PBM therapy on tissue regeneration and healing process improvement has been proven. Regenerative medicine has revolutionary potential by combining novel therapies such as PBMT and stem cell therapy, resulting in prompt and complete recovery and decreasing the risk of organ transplantation rejection due to autologous grafts. From my point of view, the triangle of tissue engineering consisting of a cell, scaffold, and chemical growth factors will change to foursquare, adding a side of physical signals from biophotons shortly. As scientists interested in PBM, we should continue to enhance our understanding of basic and complex mechanisms on subcellular and organismal levels. Much has been done, but there is a lot left to achieve.