OPTICAL MODULATION OF CELL REDOX STATE

Abstract

Short pulses of infrared laser light provide a label-free, non-contact method to induce or inhibit action potentials in neurons. However, these opposing effects cannot yet be fully explained mechanistically. Electrical activity of neurons is closely linked with cellular metabolism and the redox state (ratio of reduced and oxidized species) of the cell as energy is required for channel activation to pump ions across concentration and voltage gradients. Furthermore, NAD(P)H, a metabolic coenzyme and electron donor, regulates ion channel activity directly through interactions with voltage gated sodium and potassium channels. Therefore, this proposal will test the hypothesis that pulsed infrared light modulates the electrical activity of cells by altering the redox state of the cell.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 12, 2021
Source ID
FA95502010078

Entities

People

  • Alexandra Walsh

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Texas A&M University
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Neuroscience

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Directed Energy - Lasers
  • Microelectronics