Date of Publication

Spring 4-8-2014

Document Type

Undergraduate Project

First Supervisor

Dr. Daryl Hurd

Second Supervisor

Dr. Max Rempel

Abstract

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a developing therapeutic technique that has been gaining recognition in the scientific community in recent years. Previous experiments performed in LLLT research projects have been primarily mammalian and cell culture based. These experiments have produced results showing accelerated tissue repair. In this experiment, we introduce a new model, Caenorhabitidis elegans, a free-living soil nematode, to be used in LLLT research by testing the effects of exposure of the organism to various wavelengths and intensities of light commonly used in LLLT. C. elegans was shown to respond to photobiostimulation when exposed to specific wavelengths of Infrared light, 920nm-980nm, at an intensity of 5J/cm2. These responses include an 18-20% increase in growth rate and overall length and width of each organism. The cellular mechanism behind this acceleration of growth is unclear and as an excellent model for examining the interactions of cells and tissues on a molecular level; the introduction of C. elegans into the field of LLLT research will provide valuable insight into the cellular processes that produce this significant change in biochemistry resulting in accelerated tissue repair and growth induced by LLLT.

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