Is 830nm or 850nm the best near infrared wavelength for Red Light Therapy?
The world of red and near-infrared light therapy is evolving, and with it, the debate over optimal wavelengths continues. One common question we receive is ‘Why does Maysama use the 850nm wavelength for near-infrared light rather than the more commonly promoted 830nm?’ The answer lies in the science we align with. At Maysama, we regularly review the latest scientific literature and engage in ongoing discussions with experts in the field. Our perspective is more aligned with the research of leading photobiomodulation scientist Dr. Andrei Sommer. Sommer is well known for his pioneering work, including the seminal paper 'Green Tea and Red Light Therapy, a Powerful Duo in Skin Rejuvenation', which has influenced the use of antioxidants in red light therapy. Sommer’s research challenges the conventional belief over a certain chromophore as the primary receptor for light absorption.
The Science Behind Near-Infrared Wavelengths
Before we debate the best wavelength, let’s review the science. The light spectrum shows us that red light falls between 600 and 660nm and numerous science studies support wavelengths between 630 and 660nm for biostimulation. Near infrared starts at 800nm and extends to 1400nm, with most research studies interrogating wavelengths between 830 and 1072nm.
The most widely accepted idea is that red light therapy increases energy (ATP) production in cells by stimulating Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO). Cytochrome C Oxidase is a key enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and is said to play a crucial role in cellular energy production.
Back in 2005, researcher Tiina Karu produced action spectral readings and concluded that the oxidized form of CCO has a broad absorption band above 800nm, that is centered at 830nm. And in 2014, Mason et al studied how Cytochrome C Oxidase absorbs near-infrared (NIR) light in the 700-980nm range. These studies separated CCO’s different components and determined that the main centre responsible for absorbing light is a copper-containing structure called CuA, reported to peak at 835nm. Since then, scientists have cited this limited research many times and this evidence has led to the adoption of 830nm in many LED devices.
German scientist, Andrei Sommer, however, challenges the CCO theory and purports that the theory does not stack up on many levels. In his paper 'Death of a Dogma', Sommer disputes the idea that Cytochrome C Oxidase is the main photoreceptor for red and near-infrared light and states that scientists have been barking up the wrong proverbial tree for more than 20 years! Instead, Sommer argues that red and near infrared light changes the properties of water inside cells, making it easier for mitochondria to produce energy. In short, Sommer concludes mitochondrial-bound water is the primary acceptor for infrared light.
Why CCO is not the main receptor
According to Sommer, the model used to explain the photon-cell interaction is fundamentally flawed. Not only do the studies use incorrect or exaggerated data on CCO absorption but the key research used to support the CCO theory cites sources that don’t contain the data!
As Sommer also points out, green and blue light are absorbed more greatly by CCO than red and near infrared light, and yet we see a reduction in ATP production with these wavelengths. So, the mechanism of absorption of red and near infrared light by CCO to drive ATP production doesn’t fully stack up.
In his 2017 paper, Hamblin also advises that as many near infrared wavelengths extend beyond 1000nm, they are beyond those known to be absorbed by CCO. Therefore CCO cannot be the main photoreceptor for near infrared.
The New Explanation: Water’s Role in LLLT
The obvious candidate for this alternative chromophore is water molecules. Water is by the far the most prevalent molecule in biological tissue.
Inside cells, water exists in very thin structured layers, also known as interfacial water layers (IWLs), which surround cell structures. Absorption of NIR photons by structured water layers leads to a small increase in vibrational energy, which opens heat-gated ion channels, allowing for changes in intracellular calcium levels. These changes trigger various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, and can also affect signaling pathways.
Also discussed is the theory that photobiomodulation reduces the viscosity of interfacial water within the mitochondria, and allows the enzyme, ATP synthase, to work faster. Sommer explains how water layers are constantly bombarded with reactive oxygen species (also known as free radicals), which gradually increases the viscosity of the water making it ‘sticky’, like molasses. The enzyme in the mitochondria which makes ATP is like a tiny nanomotor. When the water becomes sticky, there is more resistance and the motor starts to turn more slowly, reducing the amount of ATP produced.
When cells are exposed to R-NIR light, the light energy expands the water layers making them less dense and less sticky. This means that there is less resistance, and the ATP enzyme can turn faster, which boosts ATP production.
The absorption peak of water occurs at 970nm. If water is the main photoreceptor for near infrared, as Sommer proposes, then the 850nm wavelength, which is closer to the absorption peak of water, would be more effective than 830nm in influencing interfacial water layers and subsequent ATP production.
Pulsed light disproves the CCO theory
Sommer goes on to explain that the CCO theory does not account for the effects we see when using pulsed light and therefore is unlikely to be the primary receptor for light energy. Ueda and Shimizu show that pulsed light leads to rapid cell multiplication, and Keshri’s studies showed that pulsed light significantly accelerates ATP production.
The impact of pulsing the light causes the cell to swell and contract repeatedly as the intracellular water expands and contracts. This causes the cell to ‘suck’ in micronutrients leading to accelerated cell reproduction.
In short, Sommer argues that the superior effects we see with pulsed light cannot be explained by the absorption of red and near infrared photons by the Cytochrome C Oxidase but instead are due to the influence of R-NIR on interfacial water layers and modulating light-gated ion channels. So why is the CCO theory still discussed? Quite possibly, we are so far down in the weeds that we can’t get out! It will take time for the tide to change when the CCO theory has been around for more than two decades.
In Conclusion
While many brands advocate the 830nm near infrared wavelength based on the proposed absorption by Cytochrome C Oxidase, Maysama take a different approach, more aligned with Sommer’s research. Supported by the compelling research around water as the primary photoreceptor and its superior ability to enhance biological function, longer wavelengths of near infrared, like 850nm, would offer an advantage based on their proximity to the absorption peak for water.
If a longer wavelength of near infrared support better biological response based on greater absorption, then it follows that shorter wavelengths of near infrared, like 810nm, would have less absorption by water allowing them to penetrate more deeply into skin.
Whilst Maysama currently employ 850nm wavelengths in our LED devices, we also advocate the use of other near infrared wavelengths in LED devices, including 810nm, 830nm wavelength and longer wavelengths for effective biostimulation. Whilst there is much discussion about the need for ‘precise’ wavelengths for optimal results, we believe this is less critical than optimising biostimulation by using pulsed light.
Firstly, the very nature of non-coherent light produced by LED means that wavelengths are not precise, so 833nm would give you not just 833nm but potentially 830 and 835nm, for example. Secondly, in the numerous research studies and clinical trials there is no reported difference in end results when using different wavelengths of red or near infrared light. There is only a reported improvement in results when combining red with near infrared, rather than using red or near infrared in isolation.
Research scientists from Florence demonstrated that red and near infrared have distinct but complementary action, with red light promoting cell proliferation and near infrared driving cell maturation. Understanding this, it makes sense to seek out R-NIR combined light therapy, irrespective of specific wavelengths used.
For best efficacy though, we encourage you to consider the advantages offered by pulsed LED for speeding up cell turnover, and upregulating ATP production for enhanced production of collagen, as supported by Barolet’s studies and many more.
Maysama are committed to future product development incorporating pulsed LED technology. We strive to offer the most effective LED therapy solutions for our customers.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our approach to LED therapy, feel free to reach out—we love discussing the science behind Light Therapy!
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