Photobiomodulation: Cellular, Molecular, and Clinical Efficacy
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Biophotonics and Biomedical Optics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 May 2026 | Viewed by 24
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Photobiomodulation (PBM), formerly known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), is an emerging therapeutic approach that utilizes non-invasive and non-ionizing photostimulation to modulate cellular functions and promote tissue healing and regeneration. The efficacy of PBM depends on the coupling mechanisms used to stimulate cellular processes, including metabolism, and is thought to be mediated by photon absorption at specific wavelengths. At the cellular level, PBM is known to activate cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, resulting in increased energy metabolism and improved cellular function, likely modulating transcription factors related to inflammation, tissue repair, and anti-apoptotic pathways.
Clinically, PBM has shown promising results across a range of medical specialties including dermatology, neurology, musculoskeletal medicine, and wound healing. Its potential in treatments for chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, and degenerative neurological conditions has been assessed. Despite its growing clinical potential, therapeutic parameters (such as wavelength, dose, and treatment duration) remain a critical focus of ongoing research in the optimization of outcomes and standardization of protocols. Such research underscores the importance of dose–response relationships (e.g., biphasic dose responses) and tissue-specific optimization.
This Photonics Special Issue therefore aims to address important challenges in the field that have not yet been overcome. Original research articles that address the cellular and clinical efficacy of photobiomodulation are highly encouraged. The goal of this issue is to advance and highlight the potential of photobiomodulation to complement regenerative and personalized medicine.
Prof. Dr. Michael Cho
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- photobiomodulation
- cellular mechanisms
- dose–response relationship
- tissue repair and regeneration
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