A Biofilm Used as Ultraviolet‐dosimeter

A UV‐dosimeter has been developed for routine measurements which mainly weights the various components of the spectrum in relation to their damaging effects on a microorganism. For this purpose a biofilm was constructed, comprising dried spores of Bacillus subtilis (wild‐type or DNA repair defective strain), immobilized on transparent polyester plastic sheets. After irradiation, the biofilm was incubated in a growth medium. The proteins, synthesized by the immobilized microorganisms after spore germination and several cell divisions, were stained and determined by photometry, giving a measure of the biological activity. The ”biologically effective dose“ was determined from a calibration curve. It reflects the dose equivalent to that of the calibration source producing the same effect. The UV‐response of the biofilm is additive and follows the reciprocity law in the range of fluence rates investigated. The response is nearly independent of temperature within the range of ‐20°C to +70°C as well as of humidity between about 37 and 80% relative humidity. Storage for up to 9 months at <70% relative humidity and room temperature does not significantly influence the viability of the spores.