We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Activation of azo dyes to genotoxic metabolites by skin bacteria and studies for skin penetration
Project
Project code: BfR-PRS-02-1322-237
Contract period: 01.01.2006
- 31.12.2006
Purpose of research: Basic research
Azo dyes are used in consumer products like toys and clothing textiles and also for coloring of cosmetics and in hair dyes. Some of these azo dyes are known as carcinogenic and allergenic. In many cases the available toxicological data is insufficient. Toxicity and metabolic activation of these substances shall be investigated in studies on metabolism on and/or in the skin as well as on skin penetration. With the established in vitro model with human skin bacteria it was investigated if genotoxic metabolites are formed by the metabolic splitting of azo dyes. A test protocol for the incubation of azo dyes with skin bacteria was developed on the basis of investigations with different dyes and bacterial strains. The azo cleaving efficiency of different strains of skin bacteria was characterised molecular-biologically. The enzyme azo reductase of the strain S. epidermidis was sequenced and expressed in an E. coli host, in order to make this enzyme available for future metabolic investigations. This study was done in co-operation with the TU Berlin. A continuation of the work in subsequent projects is foreseen.
Section overview
Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Toxicology
