What is the difference between 1070 nm vs 810 nm wavelengths?

Why the 1070 nm Wavelength is Superior to the 810 nm in Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an emerging non-invasive technique that uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with biological tissues, promoting beneficial effects such as enhanced cellular energy production, reduced inflammation, and improved blood flow. Within the spectrum of light used in PBM, wavelengths like 810 nm and 1070 nm are commonly studied, but the 1070 nm wavelength has been shown to offer distinct advantages over 810 nm. Below, we explore why 1070 nm may be the superior choice for therapeutic applications. We are often asked why the 1070 nm is better than the 810 or what’s the difference.

1. Deeper Penetration and Optimal Tissue Interaction

The 1070 nm wavelength provides deeper tissue penetration compared to 810 nm, allowing it to reach areas like the brain more effectively. Light penetration depth is critical for neurological applications, as it determines how effectively the light can reach deeper structures such as the prefrontal cortex and other regions associated with cognitive and emotional regulation​​.

Studies show that near-infrared light between 900-1100 nm, particularly at 1070 nm, has a high transmission rate through biological tissues with minimal scattering. This means it can pass through the scalp and skull with greater efficiency, providing a more targeted impact on deeper brain tissues compared to shorter wavelengths like 810 nm​.

2. Enhanced Mitochondrial Activation and ATP Production

The primary mechanism of PBM involves the stimulation of mitochondrial function, increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production—essential for cellular energy. Research indicates that the 1070 nm wavelength optimally activates cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), a key enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, more effectively than the 810 nm wavelength​. This heightened activation translates to increased ATP production, leading to enhanced cellular repair, reduced inflammation, and neuroprotection.

A study focusing on cognitive improvement with 1070 nm PBM highlighted significant gains in brain function, memory, and overall cognitive clarity, especially in individuals experiencing brain fog or long-COVID symptoms​. These outcomes are partly due to the improved metabolic support provided by 1070 nm light in neuronal tissues.

3. Targeted Cognitive and Neurological Benefits

Another critical advantage of 1070 nm light over 810 nm is its impact on cognitive functions. Research has demonstrated that 1070 nm PBM specifically enhances memory and executive function. For example, the study highlights that short-term memory could be increased by up to 25% using 1064 (in the 1070 range) on the human forehead. Studies using 1070 nm PBM have shown a reversal of memory deficits in animal models, aligning the cognitive performance of older subjects with that of younger counterparts​​.

Additionally, the application of 1070 nm PBM in clinical studies has led to improvements in cognitive tasks related to memory, attention, and processing speed in human subjects. Such targeted neurological benefits make the 1070 nm wavelength especially useful for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, brain injuries, and cognitive decline associated with aging​.

4. Safety and Efficacy Profile

Both 810 nm and 1070 nm PBM are considered safe and non-invasive. However, the broader applications and superior tissue interaction provided by the 1070 nm wavelength often result in more significant clinical outcomes. Moreover, the reduced scattering and deeper penetration associated with 1070 nm light ensure that the energy delivered is more efficiently utilized, enhancing its therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining safety​​.

Conclusion

While both the 810 nm and 1070 nm wavelengths offer benefits in PBM, the 1070 nm wavelength provides deeper penetration, superior mitochondrial activation, and enhanced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. These advantages make it a more effective option for addressing complex neurological conditions, promoting cognitive health, and managing inflammation. As the understanding of wavelength-specific photobiological mechanisms grows, the 1070 nm wavelength is emerging as a preferred choice for advanced PBM therapy applications.

Sources:

[1] Pruitt, T. et al. (2022) Photobiomodulation at different wavelengths boosts mitochondrial redox metabolism and hemoglobin oxygenation: Lasers vs. light-emitting diodes in vivo, MDPI. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/12/2/103 (Accessed: 19 October 2024). 

[2] Bowen, R.B. and Arany, P.R. (2023) Use of either transcranial or whole‐body photobiomodulation ... Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbio.202200391 (Accessed: 19 October 2024). 

[3] Chenguang Zhao et al. (2022) Transcranial photobiomodulation enhances visual working ... Available at: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abq3211 (Accessed: 19 October 2024).