Detecting radiation from its effect on microbial protein synthesis - by exposing microorganisms coated on flat substrate to radiation, then incubating in culture medium and photometric evaluation of proteins

摘要

Biological detection of radiation comprises (1) coating microorganisms on to a flat substrate; (2) opt. applying to first selected regions of the coated substrate a defined dose of radiation; (3) opt. protecting the exposed regions before applying any further radiation; (4) exposing second selected regions to the radiation which is to be detected; (5) when exposure is complete, initiating biosynthesis of microorganisms in the exposed areas and (6) photometric determination of formation of biosynthetic products (esp. cell activation and/or growth inhibition) by the microorganisms in these areas. Also new is a device consisting of a flat substrate (esp. a plastic film) coated with microorganisms. USE/ADVANTAGE - The method is used to detect X-rays and UV light in the A, B and C ranges, and to assess its damaging effects on humans and the biosphere. The detection system used has a sensitivity curve very similar to that of erythemia induction in humans. The method is simple to use and less expensive than known processes and it related directly to damage to genetic material caused by the radiation. The coated substrates are stable for many months in the dark.