Photometabolism: The Unified Biophysical Model of Human Energy

This paper proposes a novel theoretical framework termed ''photometabolism'' to describe a hypothesized light-responsive, collagen-mediated bioenergetic system in human physiology. Integrating findings from disparate fields, including collagen biophysics, water chemistry, photobiology, and bioelectricity, evidence is synthesized suggesting that collagen-rich connective tissue may function as a distributed photoresponsive matrix capable of influencing cellular energy production. The proposed mechanism centers on three key elements: (1) collagen's established piezoelectric and proton-conductive properties, which enable charge transport along hydrated fibrils; (2) the unique behavior of interfacial water surrounding collagen, which facilitates proton relay via the Grotthuss mechanism; and (3) the demonstrated capacity of red and near-infrared light to penetrate tissue and modify both mitochondrial function and interfacial water properties. The hypothesis presented here is that when light interacts with the collagen-water matrix, it biases proton distributions and charge separation in ways that reduce the energetic burden on mitochondria, effectively supplementing conventional food-based metabolism. This framework does not claim that humans photosynthesize; rather, it proposes that light energy converts into favorable bioelectric conditions supporting ATP synthesis. The mechanism is distinguished from established photobiomodulation pathways while noting their complementary nature. The hypothesis generates specific testable predictions regarding illumination-dependent changes in tissue electrical properties, metabolic efficiency of cells adjacent to illuminated collagen, and dose-dependent effects on bioelectric-dependent processes. If validated, this framework has implications for understanding chronic fatigue, indoor lifestyle-related metabolic dysfunction, and potential therapeutic applications of light exposure.