| Title: |
Near-infrared photobiomodulation stimulates viability and cartilage matrix synthesis in human chondrocytes |
| Authors: |
Oliveira, Sofia; Ferreira, Débora Carina Gonçalves Abreu; Padrão, Jorge; Catarino, Susana Oliveira; Monteiro, Francisca Andreia Azevedo; Zille, Andrea; Rodrigues, L. R.; Silva, Filipe Samuel; Hinckel, Betina B.; Carvalho, Óscar Samuel Novais; Leal, Ana Isabel Neto Cardoso |
| Publisher Information: |
Springer Nature |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Collection: |
Universidade of Minho: RepositóriUM |
| Subject Terms: |
Articular cartilage; Chondrocyte; Light-emitting diode; Near infrared; Photobiomodulation |
| Description: |
Photobiomodulation (PBM) within red to near-infrared spectrum has been proposed as a method to restore articular cartilage injuries, due to its ability to modulate effectively chondrocyte activity, namely viability, proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. This in vitro study aimed to determine the most appropriate PBM dosage on human chondrocytes. Firstly, human chondrocytes were stimulated daily or every other day with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at wavelengths of 600940 nm and power densities of 417 mW/cm2, in continuous or pulsed mode for up to 4 min with temperature monitored during stimulation. After 3 days, the PBM most effective protocols enhancing metabolic activity and proliferation were further applied for seven days to assess their effect on cartilage protein production using immunocytochemistry, western blot, and alcian blue staining. Near-infrared LEDs (850 and 940 nm) at power densities of 417 mW/cm2, in continuous or pulsed mode, significantly increased normalized chondrocyte metabolic activity, regardless of the periodicity or operation mode applied. A dose-dependent response was demonstrated, with variations among the PBM parameters. Particularly, PBM with 17 mW/cm2 at 940 nm consistently promoted collagen type II, aggrecan, and glycosaminoglycans deposition in the chondrocyte matrix, while preserving their normal phenotype in monolayer cultures. Stimulation with LEDs did not cause a significant temperature increase. Herein, stimulation with near-infrared LEDs effectively increased the viability and secretion of cartilage proteins in human chondrocytes. This approach holds promise as a non-invasive therapeutic modality for articular cartilage repair in future preclinical and clinical research. ; This research was supported by the national funds of Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the UID/4436/2025 project; by LABBELS–Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, LA/P/0029/2020; by the research ... |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
application/pdf |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
Associate Laboratory on Biotechnology, Bioengineering and microELectromechanical Systems (LA/P/0029/2020); Centre for Textile Science and Technology (UIDB/00264/2020); Centre for Textile Science and Technology (UIDP/00264/2020); Mechanobiological device to stimulate cartilage regeneration (PTDC/EME-EME/4520/2021); UI/BD/150951/2021; Mapping and modelling the transmission profile of optomechanical waves in the brain to optimize transcranial stimulation against brain disorders (PTDC/EME-EME/1681/2021); Development of an electro-mechanical stimuli device to regenerate knee cartilage (UI/BD/150951/2021); UI/BD/09375/2020; 2022.01681.CEECIND/CP1718/CT0013; UID/4436/2025; PTDC/EME-EME/4520/2021; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-28792-y; https://hdl.handle.net/1822/99313; 44885 |
| DOI: |
10.1038/s41598-025-28792-y |
| Availability: |
https://hdl.handle.net/1822/99313; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-28792-y |
| Rights: |
openAccess |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.28AC94 |
| Database: |
BASE |