Determination of the damaging effect of IR radiation on DNA by electrochemical methods and investigation of this effect in the presence of chitosan.

Abstract

Infrared (IR) rays released from natural and artificial sources reach the layers of the skin and cause different effects. The most important effects of IR rays are the deterioration of the structure of proteins in the skin and the inadequacy of the skin's defense system. Early diagnosis of DNA damage caused by IR rays and discovery of products with antioxidant properties that will reduce the effects of damage are important in the prevention and treatment of possible diseases. This study aimed to determine the harmful effects of IR rays on DNA by measuring the guanine oxidation signal. Within the scope of the study, electrodes with DNA immobilized on their surfaces were exposed to IR irradiation and the change in guanine oxidation was detected electrochemically. A 57% decrease in guanine oxidation signal was observed as a result of IR exposure, and this rate decreased in the presence of chitosan. The results obtained show that chitosan is effective in preventing DNA damage caused by IR rays and suggest that chitosan-supported products can be used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sun rays. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses indicated no interaction between chitosan and collagen protein. This suggests that the addition of chitosan to any cosmetic product applied to the skin is unlikely to induce DNA damage attributable to chitosan.