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Updated: Dec 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy Through Photobiomodulation
Published on: April 5, 2024
Beyond 2D: effects of photobiomodulation in 3D tissue-like systems
Polina Y Bikmulina1, Nastasia V Kosheleva2,3,4, Anastasia I Shpichka1,5
1Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Moscow, Russia.
Significance:
Currently, various scaffolds with immobilized cells are widely used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the physiological activity and cell viability in such constructs might be impaired due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising method of preconditioning cells to increase their metabolic activity and to activate proliferation or differentiation.
Aim:
Investigation of the potential of PBM for stimulation of cell activities in hydrogels.
Approach:
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from human gingival mucosa were encapsulated in modified fibrin hydrogels with different thicknesses and concentrations. Constructs with cells were subjected to a single-time exposure to red (630 nm) and near-infrared (IR) (840 nm) low-intensity irradiation. After 3 days of cultivation, the viability and physiological activity of the cells were analyzed using confocal microscopy and a set of classical tests for cytotoxicity.
Results:
The cell viability in fibrin hydrogels depended both on the thickness of the hydrogels and the concentration of gel-forming proteins. The PBM was able to improve cell viability in hydrogels. The most pronounced effect was achieved with near-IR irradiation at the 840-nm wavelength.
Conclusions:
PBM using near-IR light can be applied for stimulation of MSCs metabolism and proliferation in hydrogel-based constructs with thicknesses up to 3 mm.
