A preliminary investigation into light-modulated replication of nanobacteria and heart disease.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the effect of various wavelengths of light on nanobacteria (NB).


BACKGROUND
NB and mitochondria use light for biological processes. NB have been described as multifunctional primordial nanovesicles with the potential to utilize solar energy for replication. NB produce slime, a process common to living bacteria. Slime release is an evolutionary important stress-dependent phenomenon increasing the survival chance of individual bacteria in a colony. In the cardiovascular system, stress-induced bacterial colony formation may lead to a deposition of plaque.


METHODS
Cultured NB were irradiated with NASA-LEDs at different wavelengths of light: 670, 728 and 880 nm. Light intensities were about 500k Wm(-2), and energy density was 1 x 10(4) J m(-2).


RESULTS
Monochromatic light clearly affected replication of NB. Maximum replication was achieved at 670 nm.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that suitable wavelengths of light could be instrumental in elevating the vitality level of NB, preventing the production of NB-mediated slime, and simultaneously increasing the vitality level of mitochondria. The finding could stimulate the design of cooperative therapy concepts that could reduce death caused by myocardial infarcts.
D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008027:Light; D008929:Mitochondria, Heart / Q000528:radiation effects; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control
Non-programmatic