Action spectra for bilirubin photodisappearance.

The excitation wavelength dependence of bilirubin photodestruction, as measured by quantum yields, has been determined in benzene, chloroform-1% ethanol, chloroform-1% hexane, methanol-1% concentrated ammonia, pH 8.5 aqueous buffer and pH 7.4 aqueous buffer with added albumin. The results show that in the visible spectrum the 370-490 nm excitation wavelength region is very effective in the photodestruction, but excitation in the UV-region (lambda less than 320 nm) is even more effective.