An Action Spectrum of the Riboflavin-photosensitized Inactivation of Lambda Phage

The Action Spectrum of riboflavin (RB) sensitized inactivation of lambda phage was determined between 266 and 575 nm. Below 304 nm, RB depresses the phage reduction by screening phage from radiation that it would otherwise absorb directly. Between 308 and 525 nm, RB sensitizes the inactivation of phage. Enhanced phage reduction is observed at 320 and 500 nm because of binding of RB to the phage and the shifting of the absorption curve of the phage-bound flavin relative to free flavin in phosphate-buffered saline. Enhanced inactivation at 320 and 500 nm and depressed phage inactivation between 360 and 410 nm is also influenced by the inner filter effect.