A comparative study on the effect of gamma and UV irradiation on the optical properties of chlorophyll and carotene

The optical characterization of chlorophyll and carotene, both dissolved in acetone-ethanol, embedded into an amorphous silicon oxide gel matrix (prepared by the Sol-gel method) and irradiated with UV and gamma radiation, is presented. First, the basic physical-chemical processes involved in the degradation of these organic compounds are reviewed. The extraction procedure of these natural dyes, as well as the gel preparation, are described. Then the irradiation methodology and optical characterization are depicted. A simple electronic device was specifically designed to be used as a UV or gamma radiation dosimeter based on absorption changes of both chlorophyll or carotene