The Effect Red Light Has on Protein Synthesis and Growth of Human Fibroblast Cells

Background Information

Red Light comes from part of the visible spectrum and more generally, light is a type of electromagnetic wave, similar to the radio waves used in broadcasting. Light characteristics can change depending upon the length of the electromagnetic waves, ranging from radio waves, through visible light to gamma rays. Red light comes from part of the visible spectrum and has been studied by NASA researchers extensively.

Energy carried by certain wavelengths of light, which are approximately 400-700 nm will stimulate the receptors in human fibroblast cells, thus increasing the healing rate. A nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter and is the unit used to measure wavelengths of light. The International Commission on Illumination has defined visible light as, “wavelengths from 380 nm to 780 nm.” Humans perceive the light during noonday sun as "white light," which is simply a mixture of visible light ranging from 400 nm (blue) to 700 nm (red).

*The diagram above shows the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of corresponding energies and wavelengths. The visible region shown above extends from 400 nm to 700 nm (wavelength measured in nanometers) with corresponding energies in range of 3.1 to 1.8 electron volts (eV).

An important field of application for the red laser and infrared light is wound healing. Wounds, as well as diabetic foot ulcers, were shown to heal very efficiently by the use of this red laser technology. The radiance of the red light has stimulated practically all stages of the process of wound healing, including collagen synthesis and fibroblasts proliferation.