Figure 3.

Self-explanatory illustration of the dynamic balance between exogenous ATP synthesis during exposure of a cell to red to NIR light, and endogenous ATP consumption (motility). The effect of the light is to reduce the viscous friction within and around the mitochondrial rotary motor thereby facilitating its normal function. By optimizing the irradiation parameters including the duration of light exposure for maximal ATP production and minimal ROS generation as well as minimal thermal damage, the combination with biomimetic nanodiamond surfaces (involved in minimizing contributions from exogenous/endogenous ROS) promises to improve outcomes in IVF. The scanning electron microscope image in the center shows a human sperm cell. The mitochondria in its mid piece are clearly visible. NIR, near-infrared; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; ROS, reactive oxygen species; IVF, in vitro fertilization.