The nonlinear effect of the composite influence of red and blue light on Escherichia coli viability

Abstract

A non-linear dependence of the inhibition of E. coli cells is found when irradiated simultaneously with the blue and red regions of the spectrum at a power density of 100 mW/cm2. Such dependence is explained by the assumption of a cascade two-photon absorption of light by DNA molecules with an intermediate resonance at cellular chromophores, causing excitation and subsequent DNA damage similar to damage when exposed to UV radiation.