Blue Light Research Articles

Photodriven Ammonia Synthesis from Manganese Nitrides: Photophysics and Mechanistic Investigations.

Ammonia synthesis from N,N,O,O-supported manganese(V) nitrides and 9,10-dihydroacridine using proton-coupled electron transfer and visible light irradiation in the absence of precious metal photocatalysts is described. While the reactivity of the nitride correlated with increased absorption of blue light, excited-state lifetimes determined by transient absorption were on the order of picoseconds. This eliminated excited-state manganese nitrides as responsible for bimolecular N-H bond formation. Spectroscopic measurements on the hydrogen source, dihydroacridine, demonstrated that photooxidation of 9,10-dihydroacridine was necessary for productive ammonia synthesis. Transient absorption and pulse radiolysis data for dihydroacridine provided evidence for the presence of intermediates with weak E-H bonds, including the dihydroacridinium radical cation and both isomers of the monohydroacridine radical, but notably these intermediates were unreactive toward hydrogen atom transfer and net N-H bond formation. Additional optimization of the reaction conditions using higher photon flux resulted in higher rates of the ammonia production from the manganese(V) nitrides due to increased activation of the dihydroacridine.

Effects of light color on growth, nutrient uptake, and harvesting of the indigenous strain of Chlorococcum sp.

Chlorococcum sp. is robust and has dominant growth in aquatic habitats, making it a promising bioresource. This study investigates the batch-wise cultivation and harvesting of Chlorococcum sp. in a standard medium under various lights, followed by biomass harvesting using FeCl3 as a coagulant. The findings highlight the significant impact of light color on growth and nutrient uptake. Specifically, red and blue light promotes growth, followed by white and violet. Following successful cultivation, the coagulation process underwent optimization, determining the optimal dose for harvesting at different cell concentrations (700 mg/L for 3.6 × 106 cells/mL, 600 mg/L for 3.3 × 106 cells/mL, 500 mg/L for 3.2 × 106 cells/mL, and 400 mg/L for 3.0 × 106 cells/mL), each exhibiting high harvesting efficiency. These findings not only advance microalgae cultivation practices but also provide valuable insights into the effective recovery of biomass, potentially expanding the applications of microalgae in various biotechnological fields.

High power widely tunable frequency-doubled 490 nm blue semiconductor disk laser

This paper presents a high power widely tunable frequency-doubled semiconductor disk laser emitting at 490 nm wavelength. The laser utilizes a specially designed gain chip with widened gain spectrum at the center wavelength of 980 nm, along with an anti-resonant microcavity, to extend the tuning range of the wavelength. A type-I phase-matched 5 mm length LBO crystal is used as the nonlinear crystal, and a fused quartz birefringent filter (BRF) is introduced to polarize the fundamental emission and narrow the linewidth of the laser. When the thickness of the used BRF is 1 mm, 50.7 nm tuning range of the 980 nm infrared laser is performed. A maximum output power of 5.36 W of the frequency-doubled 490 nm blue laser is achieved, and the optical-to-optical conversion efficiency from absorbed pump power to the blue light is about 15.3%. Meanwhile, a record tuning range of 21.5 nm of the blue laser is realized. The measured M2 factors of the blue laser are 1.00 in the x-direction and 1.04 in the y-direction, respectively.

Maintaining KEAP1 levels in retinal pigment epithelial cells preserves their viability during prolonged exposure to artificial blue light

Exposure to artificial blue light, one of the most energetic forms of visible light, can increase oxidative stress in retinal cells, potentially enhancing the risk of macular degeneration. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells play a crucial role in this process; the loss of RPE cells is the primary pathway through which retinal degeneration occurs. In RPE cells, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) is located in both the nucleus and cytosol, where it binds to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and p62 (sequestosome-1), respectively. Blue light exposure activates the NRF2-heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) axis through both canonical and noncanonical p62 pathways thereby reducing oxidative damage, and initiates autophagy, which helps remove damaged proteins. These protective responses may support the survival of RPE cells. However, extended exposure to blue light drastically decreases the viability of RPE cells. This exposure diminishes the ability of KEAP1 to bind to p62 and reduces the level of KEAP1. Inhibition of autophagy does not prevent KEAP1 degradation, the NRF2-HMOX1 axis, or blue-light-induced cytotoxicity. However, proteasome inhibitor along with a transient increase in the amount of KEAP1 in RPE cells, partially restores the p62-KEAP1 complex and reduces blue-light-induced cytotoxicity. In vivo studies confirmed the downregulation of KEAP1 in damaged RPE cells. Mice subjected to periodic blue light exposure exhibited significant atrophy in the outer retina, particularly in the peripheral areas. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in c-wave electroretinography and pupillary light reflex, indicating functional impairments in both visual and nonvisual physiological processes. These data underscore the essential role of KEAP1 in managing oxidative defense and autophagy pathways triggered by blue light exposure in RPE cells.

Quaternized Curcumin Derivative-Synthesis, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Photocytotoxicity, Including Antibacterial Activity after Irradiation with Blue Light.

Over the past few years, numerous bacterial strains have become resistant to selected drugs from various therapeutic groups. A potential tool in the fight against these strains is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT). APDT acts in a non-specific manner by generating reactive oxygen species and radicals, thereby inducing multidimensional intracellular effects. Importantly, the chance that bacteria will develop defense mechanisms against APDT is considered to be low. In our research, we performed the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of curcumin derivatives enriched with morpholine motifs. The obtained compounds were assessed regarding photostability, singlet oxygen generation, aggregation, and acute toxicity toward prokaryotic Aliivibrio fischeri cells in the Microtox® test. The impact of the compounds on the survival of eukaryotic cells in the MTT assay was also tested (WM266-4, WM115-melanoma, MRC-5-lung fibroblasts, and PHDF-primary human dermal fibroblasts). Initial studies determining the photocytotoxicity, and thus the potential APDT usability, were conducted with the following microbial strains: Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was noted that the exposure of bacteria to LED light at 470 nm (fluence: 30 J/cm2) in the presence of quaternized curcumin derivatives at the conc. of 10 µM led to a reduction in Staphylococcus aureus survival of over 5.4 log.

Evaluation of Coloured Sticky Traps for Monitoring the Population of Budfly, Dasyneura lini on Linseed Crop

A field study was conducted at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Raipur, Chhattisgarh Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 to evaluate the use of different coloured sticky traps to assess the colour magnestism of budfly infecting linseed. The attractiveness of nine colour yellow, light yellow, blue, light blue, white, green, grey, pink, orange, brown, black and transparent (check) were evaluated during 2022-23 and 2023-24. Among the colour sticky traps average budfly attracted were maximum in the yellow coloured sticky traps during both the seasons with the cumulative value of 14.62 budfly/trap. The highest number of budfly trapped in yellow-coloured sticky trap over the crop growth period than other sticky traps. Lowest number of budfly catches were recorded in black traps in this experiment.

Correspondence on “Visible‐Light‐Switchable Chalcone‐Flavylium Photochromic Systems in Aqueous Media”

AbstractIn a recent Communication in this journal, Bandyopadhyay and co‐workers proposed a rational design of chalcone photoswitches that are claimed to convert into the respective flavylium cations upon irradiation with blue, green, and red light in aqueous media. Here we argue that the reported improvements on the optical/photochemical properties of the new chalcone photoswitches are not substantiated and that the proposed design and data interpretation rely on assumptions that have yet to be validated. We also identify a series of control experiments that can be performed to verify the hypotheses and better support the conclusions presented by the authors.

Roles of temperature, materials, and domain inversion in high-performance, low-bias-drift thin film lithium niobate blue light modulators

We demonstrate a thin film lithium niobate electro-optic modulator operating at 456 nm with an RF voltage-length product of 0.38 V-cm and a bandwidth of 6.9 GHz. We test the dielectric relaxation of the modulator with sweeps of temperature and optical input power, and compare equivalent modulators with electrode materials of Cr-Au, Ti-Au and Al in terms of bias stability and current-voltage characteristics. We demonstrate bias stability over at least 8 hours with Al devices, and show relationships between drift, I-V characteristics and ferroelectric domain switching.

Assessment of root foraging behaviour in Aralia elata subjected to drought stress under different light spectra

Drought may be more frequent in foreseen decades that will threat non-wood forest products (NWFP) in temperate forests. Plants cope with drought by increasing root foraging ability, which may be also impacted by exposure to light spectra (components of wavelengths in three colours of monochronic lights). In this study, three hybrid light spectra were provided by light-emitting diode (LED) in red (wavelength: 13.6% blue, 60.0% green, 26.4% red), green (2.9% blue, 84.6% green, 2.5% red), and blue (5.4% blue, 77.8% green, 16.9% red) lights for culturing potted Aralia elata seedlings in homogeneous (67.5 mg nitrogen [N] to both halves of pot) and heterogeneous (135 mg N to left half of pot) under drought and well-watered conditions. The red light spectrum was the unique illumination environment where height growth was promoted under well-watered condition and root biomass in fertilized patch was enhanced under drought. Compared to blue light spectrum, red light spectrum increased root foraging scale and precision and placement ratio. Red light spectrum also promoted aboveground biomass, but reduced root collar diameter. No interaction was detected between any pairs of factors among drought, light, and soil nutrient pattern. The heterogeneous pattern increased root to shoot biomass ratio with decreased shoot biomass and increased root foraging sensitivity and precision and fine root placement ratio. Drought enlarged the overall foraging scale with no effects on foraging sensitivity or precision. Overall, exposure to red light spectrum had the potential to promote fine root foraging behaviour under drought, but more trails deserve being tested in the future on a wider range of wavelengths.

In Vivo Optogenetics Based on Heavy Metal-Free Photon Upconversion Nanoparticles.

Photon upconversion (UC) from red or near-infrared (NIR) light to blue light is promising for in vivo optogenetics. However, the examples of in vivo optogenetics have been limited to lanthanide inorganic UC nanoparticles, and there have been no examples of optogenetics without using heavy metals. Here the first example of in vivo optogenetics using biocompatible heavy metal-free TTA-UC nanoemulsions is shown. A new organic TADF sensitizer, a boron difluoride curcuminoid derivative modified with a bromo group, can promote intersystem crossing to the excited triplet state, significantly improving TTA-UC efficiency. The TTA-UC nanoparticles formed from biocompatible surfactants and methyl oleate acquire water dispersibility and remarkable oxygen tolerance. By combining with genome engineering technology using the blue light-responding photoactivatable Cre-recombinase (PA-Cre), TTA-UC nanoparticles promote Cre-reporter EGFP expression in neurons in vitro and in vivo. The results open new opportunities toward deep-tissue control of neural activities based on heavy metal-free fully organic UC systems.

A Correlational Study Between Quality of Sleep and the Smartphone Usage among the Students of Dy Patil College of Nursing and Dy Patil College of Physiotherapy Kolhapur

Introduction: Introduction: As multipurpose gadgets that offer information, entertainment, and communication, cellphones have become an essential part of daily life in the current digital era. But their widespread presence, particularly at night, raises serious questions about how they affect the quality of sleep. A burgeoning public health concern is the rising incidence of sleep disorders. Sleep is essential for good health since it affects mental clarity, emotional control, and physical well-being. Because blue light from screens suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles, it can throw off the circadian rhythm. Moreover, engaging with stimulating content might postpone the start of sleep, such as social media or work-related activities. Sleep is aggravated by psychological reliance on smartphones, which is typified by obsessive notification monitoring and fear of missing out (FOMO). Methodology: Using a non-experimental, descriptive methodology, the study used a correlational survey approach. 500 students from D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy and D.Y. Patil College of Nursing, who were chosen by non-probability convenience sampling, were among the participants. The Smartphone Addiction Short Version Scale (SAS-SV) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were employed. The Karl Pearson correlation coefficient test was administered through an online Google Forms questionnaire. The investigation was carried out on April 16, 2024. Findings: The participants' average age was 21.43 ± 2.91 years. Due to their use of smartphones at night, the majority of participants (55.00%, or 345 students) reported having severe sleep difficulties. With a median score of 11 and a mode of 10, the PSQI score was 11.18 on average. 3.22 was the standard deviation, and the range was16. The majority of pupils showed a solid understanding of sleep disorders. At the P < 0.05 level, the estimated t-value (tcal = 1.9564) was found to be more than the crucial value (ttab = 1.9432), suggesting a moderately positive association that is statistically significant between smartphone usage and sleep quality. In summary, the results indicate that most participants had a moderate understanding of sleep disorders, and there was a moderately positive link between smartphone usage and sleep quality.

Effects of turfgrass canopy shade levels and quantum spectrum on the germination and development of smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum)

AbstractSmooth crabgrass [Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl.] is one of the most troublesome summer annual weeds in cool‐season turfgrass. Field experiments demonstrated a strong relationship between spring photosynthetic active radiation reaching the soil surface and the resulting smooth crabgrass cover in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) 2/3 months later in summer. Both smooth crabgrass and canopy penetrating light were consistently reduced by higher mowing heights. Follow‐up experiments in controlled environments were initiated to improve our understanding of how light quality and quantity influence smooth crabgrass germination and growth. Smooth crabgrass germination was ≥99% following exposure to blue, red (R), far red (FR), both R and FR light pulses, or complete darkness treatments. A second germination experiment examined six levels of turfgrass canopy shade (0%, 24%, 44%, 77%, 90%, and 100% photosynthetic photon flux density [PPFD] reduction) and found that smooth crabgrass germination was ≥99% for all treatments. These experiments indicate that light quality and quantity do not affect smooth crabgrass germination. A greenhouse experiment examined five levels of turfgrass canopy shade (0%, 44%, 59%, 81%, and 91% PPFD reduction). Smooth crabgrass quantum and PSII (Photosystem II) operating efficiency increased in response to shade, while leaf number and thickness, specific leaf weight, tillering, mass, electron transport rate, and stomatal conductance decreased with increasing shade. Overall, the results demonstrate that smooth crabgrass is able to germinate regardless of canopy density, but seedling growth, development, and plant function are diminished in a dense turfgrass canopy shade.

Functional light diffusers based on hybrid CsPbBr3/SiO2 aero-framework structures for laser light illumination and conversion

The new generation of laser-based solid-state lighting (SSL) white light sources requires new material systems capable of withstanding, diffusing, and converting high intensity laser light. State-of-the-art systems use a blue light emitting diode or laser diode in combination with color conversion materials, such as yellow emitting Ce-doped phosphors or red and green emitting quantum dots (QD), to produce white light. However, for laser-based high-brightness illumination thermal management and uniform light diffusion are still major challenges in the quest to convert a highly focused laser beam into an efficient lighting solution. Here, we present a material system consisting of a highly open porous (> 99%) framework structure of hollow SiO2 microtubes. This framework structure enables efficient and uniform light distribution as well as ensuring good thermal management even at high laser powers of up to 5 W, while drastically reducing the speckle contrast. By further functionalizing the microtubes with halide perovskite QDs (SiO2@CsPbBr3 as model system) color conversion from UV to visible light is achieved. By depositing an ultrathin (~ 5.5 nm) film of poly(ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate) (pEGDMA) via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), the luminescent stability of the QDs against moisture is enhanced. The demonstrated hybrid material system paves the way for the design of advanced and functional laser light diffusers and converters that can meet the challenges associated with laser-based SSL applications.Graphical

NIR responsive nanosystem based on upconversion nanoparticle-engineered bacteria for immune/photodynamic combined therapy with bacteria self-clearing capability

Biological engineering bacteria hold great promise in tumor therapy due to their targeted delivery, tumor penetration, and tumor-specific activation capabilities. However, the use of live bacteria raises safety concerns, as they can potentially cause infections or adverse immune responses in patients. Additionally, most biological engineering bacteria are only responsive to blue light, which has limited penetration depth within biological tissues. To address these limitations, we have developed a nanoplatform that combines dual-emission upconversion nanoparticles (referred to as DDUCNPs), which can realize dual-wavelength emission under dual-wavelength excitation, with biological engineering bacteria for tumor treatment and the self-clearance of biological engineering bacteria after therapy in the near-infrared (NIR) window. This design allows us to utilize 980 nm light, which is converted to blue light by the DDUCNPs, to activate the bacteria and promote the controlled release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) for precise tumor ablation. Subsequently, we employ 808 nm excitation to achieve light conversion into the red light, thereby activating photosensitizer molecules and generating singlet oxygen (ROS) for in vivo clearance of the bacteria involved in the treatment. Simultaneously, the generated ROS also undergoes photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the tumor to enhance the therapeutic effect. By combining these elements on a single platform, our system achieves the activation and self-clearance of biological engineering bacteria in the NIR window, effectively enabling tumor treatment. This approach overcomes the limitations of blue light penetration and addresses safety concerns associated with live bacteria, offering a promising strategy for precise and controlled tumor therapy.

Nvestigating How Blue Light Exposure Affects the Health of the Cornea

nvestigating How Blue Light Exposure Affects the Health of the Cornea

Blue Light-Induced Accelerated Formation of Melanolipofuscin-Like Organelles in Japanese Quail RPE Cells: An Electron Microscopic Study.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of epithelial cells essential for photoreceptor function and viability. Quail Coturnix japonica is a convenient experimental animal model for the study of age and pathological retina processes to an accelerated time regime. The three main types of pigment granules present in the RPE are melanin-containing melanosomes, lipofuscin-containing lipofuscin granules, and mixed melanolipofuscin granules containing both melanin and lipofuscin. The purpose of this work was to study the process of melanolipofuscinogenesis during aging and under light exposure. We examined melanolipofuscin granules in "macular" areas, the area of the retina containing oxycarotenoids, as a function of the macula in humans, of the quail retina by transmission electron microscopy in young, middle-aged, and old birds, and in middle-aged birds irradiated with blue LED light (450 nm, 4 J/cm2). It has been shown that during photo-oxidative stress caused by the action of blue light on the quail eye, active fusion of melanosomes and lipofuscin granules occurs with formation of various types, including giant, mixed melanolipofuscin-like granules. Increased accumulation of melanolipofuscin-like granules was also observed in non-irradiated old birds. It is assumed that the decrease in the number of melanosomes in the RPE during aging and photo-oxidative stress is associated with their fusion with lipofuscin granules and subsequent degradation of melanin by reactive oxygen species formed in melanolipofuscin-like granules. The disappearance of melanin deprives the RPE cells of light-filtering and antioxidant protection, and significantly increases the risk of their oxidative stress.

Three-dimensional evaluation of the responses of two species of flies (Diptera) to an indoor light trap

Abstract We used the Photonic Fence Monitoring Device (PFMD) to evaluate orientation by Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), and Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) to the Zevo Flying Insect Trap Model 3. The PFMD’s dual cameras record infrared light (IR) reflected from a wavelength-specific fabric; insects do not reflect IR at the same wavelength and are tracked in 3 dimensions as moving objects. The plug-in trap emits ultraviolet and blue light from behind an opaque shield; attracted insects enter the space between the shield and the wall and are trapped on a sticky cartridge facing the wall. An experiment (N = 10) with replicates of approximately 40, 1- to 7-day-old mixed-sex flies of each species was conducted in a 6.1 m3 arena. Prior to turning the trap on, the fly movement was not directed toward the trap on the back wall of the arena, regardless of whether the overhead light was on or off. When the overhead light was off, the mean first catch of both species occurred within 5 min after the trap was turned on, and 33.1% and 41.8% of M. domestica and C. vicina, respectively, were caught. House flies flew toward the trap, many approaching from below, while C. vicina apparently walked or flew outside the field of view of the PFMD until they appeared on the vertical reflective surface, and then walked toward the trap from all directions. Our results show that the Zevo Trap attracts and catches flies, and that the PFMD can be used to track flying and walking flies.

A Cr3+-Yb3+ co-doped high-efficiency near-infrared luminescent phosphor for NIR-II light source applications

Phosphor conversion light-emitting diode (PC-LED) technology has become a focal point of research for portable near-infrared light sources in recent years. One of the crucial aspects is to develop phosphor materials that can be effectively stimulated by commercial available blue light. Unfortunately, efficient phosphors in the NIR-II that can be excited by commercial blue light are particularly scarce. In this study, Mg4Ta2O9:0.04Cr3+,0.03Yb3+,0.07Li+ (MTO:0.04Cr3+,0.03Yb3+,0.07Li+) phosphor was synthesized using the high temperature solid phase method, and its emission spectrum covered the first and second near-infrared windows (700–1200 nm). The internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) are 88.7 % and 45.6 %, respectively, due to the synergistic effect of energy transfer and Li-ion modification. Additionally, the doping of Yb3+ ions and Li+ ions enhances the thermal stability of luminescence. The thermal stability of MTO:0.04Cr3+,0.03Yb3+,0.07Li+ and MTO:0.04Cr3+,0.03Yb3+ is 9.81 % and 14.43 % higher, respectively, than that of MTO:0.04Cr3+,0.03Yb3+ and MTO:0.04Cr3+. To evaluate its potential applications, we developed a prototype PC-LED utilizing MTO:0.04Cr3+,0.03Yb3+,0.07Li+ phosphor as an emission emitter which demonstrated advantages in biomedical imaging, night vision, and non-destructive testing.

Pressure Visualization and Quantification Photonic Skin Based on Flexible Optical Fiber Combiner

AbstractThe integration of pressure quantification and visualization enhances pressure perception, accuracy, and efficiency. Current solutions require improvements in quantization accuracy, structural simplicity, and integration. We proposed a novel photonic skin comprising a 3 × 1 flexible optical fiber combiner, integrating red, green, and blue light emitting diode (LED) chips through three flexible optical fibers. Under pressure, changes in the optical fibers' transmission loss alter the output light intensity ratio, thus inducing a color shift at the combiner's output. This visible change can be precisely quantified using a color sensor chip. Performance metrics include sensing range up to 33N, sensitivity between 0.04 and 0.24 dB N−1, detection limit below 0.08 N, response time of 500 ms, recovery time of 400 ms, and durability exceeding 2000 cycles. A compact flexible circuit board manages light source driving, data acquisition, and wireless communication, forming a wearable photonic skin system. This system enables visual recognition and quantitative measurement of pressure across diverse scenarios, including different tactile modes, multi‐position pressure, finger bending, and neck movement. For oral occlusion force detection, the spatial separation of the sensing and visualization areas enables the system to simultaneously provide accurate measurements and intuitive visual assessment.

Yellow-transmissive blue electrochromic polymers based on triphenylamine and ProDOT derivatives

Electrochromic polymer with yellow hue is few relative to those with other two primary colors due to its optical absorption at short wavelength of ≈ 450 nm. Triphenylamine (TPA) and its derivatives (TPAs) as chromogenic groups are frequently used to construct neutral yellow electrochromic polymers, however, those polymers based on TPAs usually exhibit low transmittance at oxidation state due to the residual absorption at short wavelength. Here, three neutral yellow electrochromic polymers (PBBE-1, PBBE-2 and PBBE-3) with different content ratios of ProDOT-10, TPA-4 and benzene were synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction. With ProDOT-10 content in polymeric chain increasing, the oxidation potentials of polymers decrease gradually. Due to the twisted molecular structure, the absorption peaks of polymers almost remain unchanged when ProDOT-10 content in polymer reaches critical value, which provide an effective method for preparing neutral yellow electrochromic polymers. During oxidation process, PBBE-1 turns to black; PBBE-2 turns to dark blue; PBBE-3 turns to light grey, further to light blue. Through optimizing TBA-4/ProDOT-10 ratio, the electrochromic properties of polymers have been improved, such as optical contrast, response time and coloration efficiency. Especially, PBBE-3 possesses 40 % optical contrast at 435 nm, which is higher than reported TPAs based polymers at short wavelengths.