[Phosphorimetric method to determine Zn-porphyrins in microorganisms and biological liquids]

A phosphorimetric technique of direct quantitative determination of Zn-porphyrins in microorganisms and biological liquids is described. The technique is based on the registration of visible light-induced afterglow and phosphorescence of Zn-porphyrins at room temperature under anaerobic conditions. The sensitivity of the technique is not less than 10(-8) M. Certain types of Zn-porphyrins can be identified with respect to the spectra of excitation and radiation of afterglow. The technique has been applied to study the afterglow of microorganisms (E. coli, St. aureus, B. subtilis, B. pioceaneum, M. tuberculosis) and of milk, serum, and urine.