Comparable Effects in the Radiolysis and Ultrasound Sonolysis of Aqueous Solutions of Catalase

Catalase was desactivated in aqueous solution by irradiation with gamma-rays or ultrasound with nearly equal yields, if the applied doses were related to the response of a chemical dosimeter. The decrease of the enzymatic activity proceeded in parallel to the release of 123iodine from 125I-(iodo)-catalase. The same competition kinetics were observed in the radiolytic and sonolytic bleaching of p-nitrosodimethylaniline in the presence of catalase, respectively. It is concluded, that OH-radicals were, responsible for the sonolytic destruction of catalase. Phospholipids exerted a protective effect, which may be useful in the preparation of liposomes as carriers of macromolecules.