About the lab
The Quantum Biology and Bioenergetics Lab, established in 2018, is part of the Research Centre for Optimal Health at the University of Westminster’s School of Life Sciences. The lab arose from and is supported by The Guy Foundation, a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to advancing research on the role of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics in living systems, with the ultimate goal of informing novel approaches to healthcare.
Facilities
With the support of The Guy Foundation, our lab is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation to support advanced research in quantum biology and bioenergetics. Core technologies include custom-designed photonic detectors, developed in collaboration with Dr Alasdair M. Mackenzie and Professor Stanley W. Botchway at the Central Laser Facility (Science and Technology Facilities Council, STFC).
Our analytical capabilities are enhanced by a Seahorse XF Metabolic Analyser for real-time bioenergetic profiling, an EVOS Cell Imaging System for high-resolution fluorescence imaging, and a NanoSight Pro for nanoparticle tracking and biomaterial characterisation.
In addition, we have bespoke Hypomagnetic and Near-infrared (NIR) exposure systems available for both cellular and human studies, enabling the investigation of electromagnetic and photobiomodulation effects under controlled experimental conditions.
People
Find out more about our academic staff and details of our research outputs.
Head of Group:
Ongoing projects
1. Biophotonics
Using ultra-sensitive photonic detectors, we study ultra-weak photon emission from cells to investigate mechanisms of cellular communication and oxidative metabolic processes,
2. Space Health
By applying magnetic shielding technologies, we simulate hypomagnetic environments similar to those in deep space. These models allow us to assess the impact of reduced geomagnetic exposure on cellular function and human physiology.
3. Light and Health
We investigate the biological effects of specific light wavelengths, particularly blue and near-infrared light, on cellular and systemic health. Studies are conducted in both terrestrial and space-analogue conditions to explore potential applications in phototherapy and human performance optimisation.
Publications
- Kalampouka I, Mould RR, Botchway SW, Mackenzie AM, Nunn AV, Thomas EL, Bell JD. Selective induction of senescence in cancer cells through near-infrared light treatment via mitochondrial modulation. J Biophotonics. 2024 Aug;17(8):e202400046. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202400046.
- Smith HE, Mackenzie AM, Seddon C, Mould R, Kalampouka I, Malakar P, Needham SR, Beis K, Bell JD, Nunn A, Botchway SW. The use of NADH anisotropy to investigate mitochondrial cristae alignment. Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 12;14(1):5980. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-55780-5.
- Mould RR, Mackenzie AM, Kalampouka I, Nunn AVW, Thomas EL, Bell JD, Botchway SW. Ultra weak photon emission-a brief review. Front Physiol. 2024 Feb 14;15:1348915. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1348915.
