A SIMPLE MICROBIOLOGICAL METHOD FOR DEMONSTRATING PHOTOTOXIC COMPOUNDS

[摘要] A microbiological system consisting of Candida albicans and long wave ultraviolet light from black-light fluorescent lamps is useful for studying some types of chemicals that photosensitize biological systems. The method is very sensitive to the furocoumarin compounds and to the coal tars used in dermatology to photosensitize the skin. The method can be used for the presumptive identification of plants causing phytophotodermatitis. The method may be useful for screening drugs for phototoxic types of photosensitizing potential. Since a tarry residue collected in an electrostatic precipitation had photosensitizing capacity, the method may be useful in studying hydrocarbon air pollution. The method may offer a simple means for testing perfumes containing oil of Bergamot for their photosensitizing potential.