The Naked Electron - what is it and how does it work
When we talk about the naked electron, it sounds simple, but electrons are hard to pin down. Describing what an electron is can be quite difficult because they are the very definition of ephemeral. Electrons have no volume, and their mass so small it is almost immeasurable. We can only “see” them by their effects upon other things. When they move they create a magnetic field. We can also observe what happens chemically when they are taken away, a process called oxidation. Likewise, we can see the result when they are added, which is known as reduction. Redox (reduction/oxidation) reactions are at the heart of almost every life process. Every reduction reaction is accompanied by an equivalent oxidation reaction; these are two sides of the same coin.
These chemistry terms can be difficult because they can be counterintuitive. For instance, reduction is an odd term; after all, didn’t we add an electron? It is easier when you think of the charge of an electron being negative. In algebra, adding a negative number is the same as subtraction, so the result is essentially subtraction when an electron is added and the overall charge of a molecule goes down. Add an electron to iron (III) (Fe+3) and you get iron (II) (Fe+2); adding an electron reduces the charge but it is interesting to notice that in this case we did not create a negative ion.
When we talk about antioxidants, we are really talking about reducing agents. Reducing agents are chemicals that are good electron donors, and most of the time these are molecules with lengthy electron sharing structures called conjugated systems. Conjugation can be seen in molecules with single and double bonds in alternation and these long conjugation systems are also what create many natural pigments we find in colorful fruits and vegetables.
Figure 1- Betanidin from beets, an example of a conjugated molecule
Understanding Conjugated Systems
Figure 2 highlights Betanidin from beets, tracing its conjugated system in red. This structure is responsible for both the red color and the potent antioxidant effects of betalain. A conjugated system typically consists of connected p-orbitals with delocalized electrons, present in molecules with alternating single and multiple bonds.
The Role of Colorful Molecules in Nutrition
Nutritionists often advise us to "eat the rainbow," and for good reason. These colorful molecules can donate an electron without requiring one in return. Their long conjugation system evenly distributes an oxidation-induced electron deficiency across many connected atoms. While these large molecules are effective, they also pose challenges in bioavailability, solubility, delivery, and disposal of oxidized waste.
The Dynamics of the Naked Electron
The naked electron's journey through tissues allows it to act at a distance. To achieve this, it must forcefully eject from its atom, a process driven by voltage. For example, humans can accumulate up to 10,000 volts of static charge, enough to cause a shock when touching a doorknob. In contrast, Heliopatch's magnesium core generates a maximum of 4.75 volts. Although lower than a typical AA battery's output, this voltage is sufficient for Heliopatch to deliver electrons into the skin. These electrons then neutralize free radicals, transforming into a magnesium ion (Mg2+), a common skin application.
Electron Flow and Body Conductivity
The body, composed of electrically conductive materials like lymph, blood, and tears, facilitates the movement of electrons from Heliopatch. These electrons immediately disperse, gravitating towards inflammation areas and following the most conductive paths. Unlike high voltage shocks, this low-level electron flow supports tissue health by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Solvated Electrons and Their Movement
Discovered by Sir Humphry Davy in 1807, solvated electrons can exist free of any molecular carrier. These electrons, observable in certain solutions, can even crystallize as salts. For instance, sodium metal dissolved in ammonia reveals a brilliant blue color due to these solvated electrons.
Electron Flow in the Body
Once electrons bypass the skin's resistive layer, they move from low potential areas near the Heliopatch to high potential regions in stressed tissues. More patches can increase coverage effectiveness, although there's no known overdose risk for electrons administered this way.
Chemical Limitations and Radical Neutralization
Despite its capabilities, the naked electron's voltage isn't always sufficient to neutralize certain radicals. However, the body's enzymes, like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), efficiently manage these radicals. Our choice of free electron source in Heliopatch specifically targets damaging radicals that the body's natural defenses cannot counteract.
The Impact of Hydroxyl Radicals and Electron Neutralization
Hydroxyl radicals, with high reducing potentials, are ideal targets for Heliopatch's electrons. As there are no natural defenses against these radicals, the electrons from the patch provide an effective neutralization method.
Electrochemical Reactions and Safety Concerns
While some concerns exist about potential chemical reactions with ions like sodium or potassium, such reactions are chemically impossible and don't align with spontaneous reaction criteria. The interaction between magnesium metal and a hydroxyl radical in Heliopatch, for example, demonstrates a total energy of +4.75V.
Figure 3- The reaction of hydroxyl radicals with magnesium metal to form hydroxide and magnesium ions. This reaction does not require direct collisions between the reactants.
This same equation series can be written to propose that magnesium instead will give its electron to a potassium ion. See the series of half-reactions below that add up to a negative voltage.
Figure 4- The non-spontaneous reaction between magnesium metal and potassium ions to form potassium metal and magnesium ions. This reaction cannot occur due to the negative voltage.
When a chemical reaction is proposed and the total of the voltage from the reaction is negative, it means the reaction will not occur. When you see a negative voltage, this indicates that the opposite is more likely to occur and that if all of the reactions were reversed, the reaction would have a chance to occur spontaneously. Here the amount of voltage is very small, so if the situation were reversed to make potassium metal (K) the electron donor and a magnesium ion (Mg2+) the electron acceptor, the reaction could have a chance of occurring, but this would have a very small probability, perhaps only occurring at a very high temperature to increase the energy to make the reaction occur.
At Heliopatch, we have undertaken 3 years of careful study and experimentation to ensure the safety and efficacy of the Heliopatch which supports natural biological function. After many prototypes and rearrangements, we are happy to say that we have maximized the benefits and have minimized the downsides of inconvenience and skin irritation. We hope your experience of using Heliopatch is as elevating as ours.
Works Cited
Leopold, J., & Loscalzo, J. (2010). Oxidative Risk for Atherothrombotic Cardiovascular Disease. U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health .
O'Donnell, V., & Freeman, B. (2001). Interactions Between Nitric Oxide and Lipid Oxidation Pathways. American Heart Association.