Photodynamic Action of Food Dye on Bacteria

The photosensitizing action of food dye on biological system has been examined using various kinds of bacteria. Flavobacterium aquatile IAM 1310 was the most suitable bacteria for the detection of photodynamic action of dye. Using this system, it was found that among 22 dyes including food dyes and other synthetic dyes, Erythrosine, Eosine, Phloxine, Rose bengal, Methylene blue and Rhodamine B have strong lethal effects on Flavobacterium aquatile in the presence of visible light.