This Research Topic seeks to illuminate the critical roles that bio-photon emissions and endogenous light signaling play in the regulation of development and morphogenesis across a diversity of biological systems. Situated at the intersection of theoretical physics, biology, and developmental science, this topic aims to deepen our understanding of how ultralow-level light emissions (biophotons) may modulate cellular communication, pattern formation, and differentiation processes.
A central theme of this Research Topic is the prospect that bio-photon emissions are not merely metabolic byproducts but may actively convey information crucial for communication between complex biological systems during development and morphogenesis. We encourage submissions that explore how these ultra-weak photon emissions facilitate non-chemical signaling, orchestrate cell coordination, and relay patterning cues essential for the emergence of organized structure and function in multicellular organisms. This includes both theoretical models and experimental approaches that shed light on the informational content and transmission mechanisms of bio-photons in developmental contexts.
In addition to foundational and mechanistic studies, we also welcome research exploring the potential translational and medical applications of biophotonics. This includes investigations into how modulating biophoton emissions or applying external light signals could introduce targeted information to support healing, regeneration, and tissue repair. Studies at the interface of developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and biophotonics, particularly those aiming to harness endogenous or engineered light-based signals to restore function or improve health outcomes, are of special interest.
Key areas of interest for this Research Topic include:
Bio-photonic Emissions in Developmental Processes: Investigations into the presence and potential signaling functions of biophotons during cell differentiation, tissue morphogenesis, and organ development in both plants and animals.
Resonance Phenomena as Coordinators of Morphogenesis: How resonance effects and photon-mediated interactions could influence cellular organization and the spatiotemporal dynamics of development.
Modulated Light as a Tool to Influence Growth and Patterning: Studies exploring external application or modulation of light to drive or alter developmental pathways, pattern formation, regeneration, or healing processes.
Emerging Technologies in Developmental Biophotonics: Novel imaging, detection, and quantification strategies for visualizing and manipulating biophoton emissions during morphogenic and regenerative events.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Theoretical models and experimental data that bridge the gap between physics, developmental biology, biomedicine, and biophotonics to provide a systems-level understanding of morphogenesis and its modulation.
Case Studies: Empirical research demonstrating how biophoton emissions and light signaling contribute to development, regeneration, tissue engineering, or therapeutic applications, including comparative studies across different organisms.
To foster a cross-disciplinary dialogue on the importance of light, both emitted and applied, as a developmental regulator and signaling modality. By advancing our knowledge of biophotonics in morphogenesis and healing, we aim to inspire innovative applications in developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and the design of therapeutic and bio-inspired technologies.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Systematic Review
Keywords: biophotons, photomorphogenesis, regenerative medicine
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
