Light Effect on Water Viscosity: Implication for ATP Biosynthesis

Abstract

Previous work assumed that ATP synthase, the smallest known rotary motor in nature, operates at 100% efficiency. Calculations which arrive to this result assume that the water viscosity inside mitochondria is constant and corresponds to that of bulk water. In our opinion this assumption is not satisfactory for two reasons: (1) There is evidence that the water in mitochondria prevails to 100% as interfacial water. (2) Laboratory experiments which explore the properties of interfacial water suggest viscosities which exceed those of bulk water, specifically at hydrophilic interfaces. Here, we wish to suggest a physicochemical mechanism which assumes intramitochondrial water viscosity gradients and consistently explains two cellular responses: The decrease and increase in ATP synthesis in response to reactive oxygen species and non-destructive levels of near-infrared (NIR) laser light, respectively. The mechanism is derived from the results of a new experimental method, which combines the technique of nanoindentation with the modulation of interfacial water layers by laser irradiation. Results, including the elucidation of the principle of light-induced ATP production, are expected to have broad implications in all fields of medicine.

Genesis on diamonds II: contact with diamond enhances human sperm performance by 300%

“…The amply documented increase in ATP synthesis in vitro in response to biostimulatory levels of red to NIR light, which is the predominant mechanism in low level laser therapy (LLLT), is in agreement with the following observation "Weaker initial ATP synthesis results in a higher positive laser effect" (17). These results can be derived from laboratory experiments (12,18) showing that the same light which increased ATP levels in cells is instrumental in reducing the viscosity of interfacial water. The interplay of light with nanoscopic interfacial water layers on diamond surfaces seems to play a fundamental role in nature: Together with diurnal light variations it explains the emergence of bioorganic molecules under primitive Earth conditions, which is one of the major unsolved origin of life questions.…”

Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation

“…without causing any measurable rise in temperature) [127]. Intramitochondrial water viscosity gradients have been identified by the technique of nano-indentation [128]. ATP synthesis can be decreased and increased in response to modulation of reactive oxygen species levels caused by non-thermal levels of NIR.…”

Photobiomodulation of human adipose-derived stem cells using 810 nm and 980 nm lasers operates via different mechanisms of action

“…The possibility of water acting as a chromophore in PBM studies has previously been discussed by Santana-Blank [36, 37] and Sommer [38, 39] (among others). Further studies will be necessary to confirm or refute this hypothesis.…”