Reduction in the amount of glutathione (GSH) in cells can lead to increased sensitivity to physical and chemical agents. Methacrylate monomers (MM) are precursors of polymethacrylates which are used in dental and medical biomaterials and in a wide variety of other products. MM can increase cell sensitivity to long wavelength ultraviolet and visible radiation. The aim of this study is to elucidate if MM can induce sensitivity also to shorter wavelength radiation.

To compare a new turquoise (“green”) fluorescent phototherapy lamp (490 nm) with a conventional blue phototherapy lamp (450 nm) with respect to cytotoxicity and photochemical effects of bilirubin.
Conclusion: The two lamps were similar in the formation of therapeutically relevant photoproducts, but the blue lamp showed potential in forming more photo-oxidation products and in causing more severe cellular damage in the presence of bilirubin.