  Background and controlled electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on biological cells
and tissues induces thermal, non-thermal, and dielectric property change. After
EMR interaction with cells/tissues the resulting signal is used for imaging,
bio-molecular response, and photo-biomodulation studies at infrared regime, and
for therapeutic use. We attempt to present a review of current literature with
a focus to present compilation of published experimental results for each
regime viz. microwave (extremely low frequency, ELF to 3 GHz), to cellular
communication frequencies (100 KHz to 300 GHz), millimeter wave (300 GHz- 1
THz), and the infra-red band extending up to 461 THz. A unique graphical
representation of frequency effects and their relevant significance in
detection of direct biological effects, therapeutic applications and
biophysical interpretation is presented. A total of seventy research papers
from peer-reviewed journals were used to compile a mixture of useful
information, all presented in a narrative style. Out of the Journal articles
used for this paper, 63 journal articles were published between 2000 to 2020.
Physical, biological, and therapeutic mechanisms of thermal, non-thermal and
complex dielectric effects of EMR on cells are all explained in relevant
sections of this paper. A broad up to date review for the EMR range KHz-NIR
(kilohertz to near infra-red) is prepared. Published reports indicate that
number of biological cell irradiation impact studies fall off rapidly beyond a
few THz EMR, leading to relatively a smaller number of studies in FIR and NIR
bands covering most of the thermal effects and microthermal effects, and
rotation-vibration effects.
