Photobiomodulation with Blue Light on Wound Healing: A Scoping Review

Background: Photobiomodulation consists of inducing healing by irradiating light. This scoping review investigates the effect of blue light on the healing process. Methods: The MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched. Two reviewers independently examined the search results and extracted data from the included studies. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-two articles were included. Studies were categorized as in vitro/mixed, preclinical, and clinical. The power density used was 10-680 mW/cm(2) in most of the in vitro/preclinical studies, the irradiation time ranged from 5 s to 10 min, and different wavelengths and energy densities were used. In clinical studies, the wavelength ranged from 405 to 470 nm, and the energy density varied from 1.5 to 30 J/cm(2). Conclusions: A low energy density (<20 J/cm(2)) was able to stimulate the different cell types and proteins involved in healing, while a high energy density, 20.6-50 J/cm(2), significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and metabolism. There is a great variety of device parameters among studies, and this makes it difficult to conclude what the best technical specifications are. Thus, further studies should be performed in order to define the appropriate parameters of light to be used.

Automated summary

Photobiomodulation is a healing technique that uses light irradiation. This review investigates the effect of blue light on the healing process. The analysis of 22 articles shows that low energy density (<20 J/cm(2)) stimulates cell types and proteins involved in healing, while high energy density (20.6-50 J/cm(2)) significantly reduces cell proliferation, migration, and metabolism. The variety of device parameters makes it difficult to determine the optimal technical specifications, suggesting the need for further studies.