Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate
Published on: April 6, 2022
The action spectrum for folic acid photodegradation in aqueous solutions
Asta Juzeniene1, Tran Thi Thu Tam, Vladimir Iani
1Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0310 Oslo, Norway. asta.juzeniene@rr-reearch.no
Abstract:
Folate is essential for cell division and growth. Deficiency is linked to birth defects, magaloblastic anaemia, cardiovascular disease, etc. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate and is used to fortify food and in supplements. In aqueous solutions, in blood and even in human skin, folic acid may be degraded by ultraviolet radiation. Consequently, photodegradation of folic acid in human blood may lead to folate deficiency. However, the degree and the health consequences of such photodegradation are unknown. It is not clear which spectral region plays the most important role in the photodegradation of folic acid. In this study the photodegradation of folic acid in aqueous solution under different wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation (260-400nm) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The photodegradation rate of folic acid was dependent on wavelength. Action spectrum for 1μM folic acid photodegradation was determined. Its action spectrum is not identical to its absorption or fluorescence excitation spectra. The action spectrum demonstrated that UVB and UVA degrade folic acid. Protecting skin against UVB and UVA radiation by sunscreens may help to protect folic acid in human blood under intense solar radiation.
Related Concept Videos
UV–Vis Spectrum
The UV–Vis spectrum of a molecule is the plot of its absorbance versus wavelength. The plot is drawn by taking molar absorptivity (ε) or log ε on the y-axis (ordinate)...
Spectrophotometry: Introduction
The essential components of a spectrophotometer include a source of electromagnetic radiation, a slot for placing a material to be analyzed, and a...
Variables Affecting Phosphorescence and Fluorescence
Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence

