photostimulation

Photostimulation is a technique that uses light to activate or modulate biological processes. This method relies on the interaction of photons with specific molecules, often called photosensitizers or photoreceptors, within cells or tissues. When these molecules absorb light of a particular wavelength, they undergo a change in their chemical state or physical properties, leading to a downstream biological effect.

The applications of photostimulation are diverse and span across various scientific and medical fields. In neuroscience, it is used to control the activity of genetically engineered neurons that express light-sensitive proteins called opsins. This technique, known as optogenetics, allows researchers to precisely activate or inhibit neural circuits with light, providing unprecedented insights into brain function and connectivity. In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a photosensitizing drug is administered and accumulates in target cells, such as cancer cells. Upon illumination with a specific wavelength of light, the photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species that can damage and destroy the targeted cells. Photostimulation also finds use in developmental biology, immunology, and materials science, where light is employed to trigger specific cellular responses or alter material properties. The precise control and non-invasive nature of light make photostimulation a powerful tool for research and therapeutic interventions.