Shining Light on Healing: Photobiomodulation Therapy

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Biophotonics and Biomedical Optics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 107

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
Interests: low-level laser therapy (LLLT); photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT); transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM); myonecrosis; gait biomechanics; spectroscopy of biomolecules (Raman and FT-IR); molecular biology; diabetic neuropathic pain; neurophysiology; mitochondrial metabolism; affective components of chronic pain; anxiety; major depressive disorder (MDD)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), has gained significant attention over the past decades for its non-invasive approach to modulating biological processes using low-intensity light in the red to near-infrared spectrum. This therapy has demonstrated promising outcomes in promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and modulating immune and neurological functions. As our understanding of light–tissue interactions deepens, new applications and mechanisms of action continue to emerge, expanding the therapeutic potential of PBMT across diverse medical fields.

This Special Issue of Photonics aims to showcase recent advances in the science and clinical application of photobiomodulation therapy. We invite contributions that explore novel light sources, dosimetry protocols, molecular and cellular mechanisms, translational research, and clinical outcomes. Studies addressing interdisciplinary approaches, such as the integration of PBMT with neurorehabilitation, neuropsychiatry, immunomodulation, and regenerative medicine, are especially encouraged.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case reports from both academic and clinical researchers aiming to advance the field and foster dialogue across disciplines.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Mechanisms of action of PBMT at the cellular and molecular levels;
  • PBMT in neuroprotection and neuromodulation;
  • Applications in musculoskeletal and joint disorders;
  • Immune and anti-inflammatory effects of PBMT;
  • PBMT in wound healing and tissue regeneration;
  • Advances in light source technology and dosimetry;
  • PBMT in dentistry, dermatology, and oncology;
  • Combined therapies and integrative approaches involving PBMT.

Dr. Willians Fernando Vieira
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT)
  • low-level light therapy (LLLT)
  • transcranial PBMT
  • light–tissue interaction
  • red light therapy
  • anti-inflammatory effects
  • tissue regeneration
  • neuromodulation
  • mitochondrial photostimulation
  • clinical applications of PBMT

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 923 KB  
Article
Photobiomodulation in Complex Female Infertility Profile: A Case Report with 12-Month Follow-Up and Review of Current Mechanism in Reproductive Photomedicine
by Ruth Phypers and Reem Hanna
Photonics 2025, 12(10), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12101021 - 16 Oct 2025
Abstract
Female infertility from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis poses a challenge for both clinicians and women who are trying to conceive. The present clinical single case report aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser photobiomodulation [...] Read more.
Female infertility from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis poses a challenge for both clinicians and women who are trying to conceive. The present clinical single case report aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser photobiomodulation (PBM) for increasing the potential of fertility in a woman with PCOS, endometriosis and low ovarian reserve. The observations helped to inform and establish the following: (1) any adverse effects; (2) the possibility of producing an effective PBM protocol; and (3) a healthy live birth. The case report concerns a female who failed to conceive naturally beyond five years and had experienced one unsuccessful IVF cycle. Methods: Case report of one female subject with infertility issues, which included failure to conceive naturally beyond five years. Previous conditions were recorded and then compared with outcomes from after the patient received a course of PBM treatments. PBM treatments were given at weekly and/or at two-week intervals over a 5-month period during the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle, using IR and NIR wavelengths between 600 and 1000 nm. Results: After five months a spontaneous conception was achieved. The case resulted in a full-term pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. Improvements in reproductive health outcomes in this case give reason to suggest that PBM helped to alleviate PCOS and endometriosis which could have been associated with a low ovarian reserve. Conclusions: The case report indicates that a multiwavelength of red and NIR-PBM laser therapy could have positively contributed to a healthy live birth in a female diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis and a low ovarian reserve. Extensive studies with large data are warranted to validate our PBM dosimetry and treatment protocols to assess the potential impact of PBM for treating endometriosis and PCOS. Subsequently, to understand the genetic and phenotype biomarkers would be an important step further to standardise a range of PBM light dosimetry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shining Light on Healing: Photobiomodulation Therapy)
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