Ultra-weak photon emission: from oxidative metabolism to DNA-based communication: a review of biochemical, biophysical and quantum biological perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) from living systems has been reported and linked to oxidative reactions. Whether photons mediate communication-particularly at the level of DNA-remains unresolved. Rather than interpreting UPE solely as a metabolic byproduct, increasing evidence suggests that it represents a structured, state-dependent optical correlate of cellular organization. To review biochemical and quantum-biological bases of UPE, summarize measurement approaches, and evaluate whether DNA-related emission could support signalling, and critically evaluate whether DNA-related emission may have functional relevance for biological signalling. METHODS: We synthesised literature on sources (reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, protein/DNA oxidation) and detectors (photomultiplier tubes, cooled CCD cameras, Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor CMOS). We measured UPE from mouse embryos in a dark incubator using an ORCA-Quest CMOS system. RESULTS: UPE is modulated by cellular state; mitochondria, membranes and peroxisomes are key contributors. Models posit DNA as a storage/emitter and potential resonator. Several theoretical models suggest that DNA may contribute to photon emission dynamics and resonance-like behaviour under specific conditions, although functional interpretations remain under investigation. DISCUSSION: Ultra-weak cellular photon emission-especially the proposed DNA-linked mechanisms-remains a challenging yet promising field. Evidence does not convincingly show DNA acts as a biophoton communication system. Current evidence does not conclusively demonstrate that DNA functions as a dedicated biophoton communication system but the hypotheses suggest new ways to view biological information processing and cellular function. Importantly, structured emission patterns and their dependence on cellular state suggest that UPE may represent an optical correlate of higher-order biological organization. Importantly, integrating UPE measurements into embryology may provide novel insights into reproductive biology and assisted reproduction, offering a potential non-invasive biomarker for embryo selection and developmental potential.