An investigation of the photo-clastogenic potential of ultrafine titanium dioxide particles

Ultrafine titanium dioxide is widely used in a number of commercial products including sunscreens and cosmetics. There is extensive evidence on the safety of ultrafine titanium dioxide. However, there are some published studies indicating that some forms at least may be photogenotoxic, photocatalytic and/or carcinogenic. In order to clarify the conflicting opinions on the safety of ultrafine titanium dioxide particles, the current studies were performed to investigate the photo-clastogenic potential of eight different classes of ultrafine titanium dioxide particles. The photo-clastogenicity of titanium dioxide was measured in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the absence and presence of UV light at a dose of 750 mJ/cm(2). The treatments were short (3 h) followed by a 17-h recovery and achieved concentrations that either induced approximately 50% cytotoxicity or reached 5000 microg/ml if non-cytotoxic. None of the titanium dioxide particles tested induced any increase in chromosomal aberration frequencies either in the absence or presence of UV. These studies show that ultrafine titanium dioxide particles do not exhibit photochemical genotoxicity in the model system used.     

Copper toxicity and sulfur metabolism in Chinese cabbage are affected by UV radiation

Biomass production, dry matter content, specific leaf area and pigment content of Chinese cabbage were all quite similar, when plants were grown in the absence or presence of UV-A + B (2.2 mW cm⁻²). Elevated Cu²⁺ concentrations (2–10 μM) in the root environment and UV radiation had negative synergistic effects for Chinese cabbage and resulted in a more rapid and stronger decrease in plant biomass production and pigment content. The quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (F_v/F_m) was only decreased at ≥5 μM Cu²⁺ in the presence of UV radiation, when leaf tissue started to become necrotic. The enhanced Cu toxicity in the presence of UV was largely due to a UV-induced enhanced accumulation of Cu in both roots and shoots. An enhanced Cu content strongly affected the uptake and assimilation of sulfur in plants. The total sulfur content of the root increased at ≥2 μM Cu²⁺ in presence of UV and at 10 μM Cu²⁺ in absence of UV and that of the shoot increased at ≥2 μM Cu²⁺ in presence of UV and at ≥5 μM Cu²⁺ in absence of UV. In the shoot it could be attributed mainly to an increase in sulfate content. Moreover, there was a strong increase in the water-soluble non-protein thiol content upon Cu²⁺ exposure in the root and, to a lesser extent in the shoot, both in the presence and absence of UV. The regulation of the uptake of sulfate responded to the occurrence of Cu toxicity directly, since it was more rapidly affected in the presence than in the absence of UV radiation. For instance, the expression and activity of the high affinity sulfate transporter, Sultr1;2, were enhanced at ≥2 μM in the presence of UV, and at ≥5 μM Cu²⁺ in the absence of UV. In the shoot, the expression of the vacuolar sulfate transporter, Sultr4;1, was upregulated at ≥5 μM Cu²⁺ in the presence and absence of UV whilst the expression of a second vacuolar sulfate transporter, Sultr4;2, was upregulated at 10 μM Cu²⁺ in the presence of UV. It is suggested that high Cu tissue levels may interfere/react with the signal compounds involved in the regulation of expression and activity of sulfate transporters. The expression of adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate reductase in the root was hardly affected and was slightly down-regulated at 2 μM in the presence of UV and at 10 μM in the absence of UV. The expression and activity of sulfate transporters were enhanced upon exposure at elevated Cu²⁺ concentrations; this may not be simply due to a greater sulfur demand at higher Cu levels, but more likely is the consequence of Cu toxicity, since it occurred more rapidly in the presence compared to the absence of UV.     

Comparison of inhibitory activities of zinc oxide ultrafine and fine particulates on IgE-induced mast cell activation

The effects of ultrafine and fine particles of zinc oxide (ZnO) on IgE-dependent mast cell activation were investigated. The rat mast cell line RBL2H3 sensitized with monoclonal anti-ovalbumin (OVA) IgE was challenged with OVA in the presence or absence of ZnO particles and zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄). Degranulation of RBL2H3 was examined by the release of β-hexosaminidase. To understand the mechanisms responsible for regulating mast cell functions, the effects of ZnO particles on the levels of intracellular Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, phosphorylated-Akt, and global tyrosine phosphorylation were also measured. IgE-induced release of β-hexosaminidase was obviously attenuated by ultrafine ZnO particles and ZnSO₄, whereas it was very weakly inhibited by fine ZnO particles. The intracellular Zn²⁺ concentration was higher in the cells incubated with ultrafine ZnO particles than in those with fine ZnO particles. Consistent with inhibitory effect on release of β-hexosaminidase, ultrafine ZnO particles and ZnSO₄, but not fine ZnO particle, strongly attenuated the IgE-mediated increase of phosphorylated-Akt and tyrosine phosphorylations of 100 and 70 kDa proteins in RBL2H3 cells. These findings indicate that ultrafine ZnO particles, with a small diameter and a large total surface area/mass, could release Zn²⁺ easily and increase intracellular Zn²⁺ concentration efficiently, thus decreasing FcεRI-mediated mast cell degranulation through inhibitions of PI3K and protein tyrosine kinase activation. Exposure to ZnO particles might affect immune responses, especially in allergic diseases.     

Quantification of titanium from TiO2 particles in biological tissue

This study presents the development of a strategy for the quantification of titanium from titanium dioxide polydisperse particles (TiO₂) in dry biological tissue. Calf liver was chosen as laboratory testing material. The challenge was to (i) obtain a complete mineralization of the solid material (biological tissue and TiO₂) and (ii) ensure the accuracy of the determined concentrations with a sufficient sensitivity. Mineralization was performed using a mixture of concentrated nitric and hydrofluoric acids. Atomic mass spectrometry associated with light-scattering technique was used to control the physical state (dissolved and particle forms) of titanium and reliably estimate the total titanium concentration in calf liver. The monitoring of ⁴⁶Ti and ⁴⁹Ti, operating in helium collision/reaction cell mode, and using external calibration with internal standard addition, allowed the quantification of Ti while removing isobaric interferences. The limit of detection and quantification were 0.7 and 2.3 μg (Ti) g⁻¹ (tissue) respectively. The mean analytical recovery over the whole procedure was (103 ± 6)% in a range of concentrations from LOD to 200 μg(Ti) g⁻¹ (tissue).     

Mechanism of Caffeine Enhancement of Mutations Induced by Sublethal Ultraviolet Dosages

Certain chemical compounds increase mutation frequency of Escherichia coli B/r significantly when used in conjunction with nonlethal ultraviolet (UV) dosages. Studies were done to elucidate the mechanism of this enhancing mutational effect. Dark survival curves showed that 500 μg of caffeine per ml in the postirradiation medium markedly decreased survival to 60 ergs/mm² of UV in strain B/r. Caffeine did not markedly decrease survival to UV in strain B/r WP-2 hcr⁻. At least 90% of the mutations induced to streptomycin resistance by UV and 85% of those induced by UV with caffeine could be photoreversed. Experiments with thymine analogues suggested that thymine dimerization at the streptomycin locus was the primary premutational photoproduct induced by sublethal UV dosages. Caffeine did not interfere with the photoreversal of induced mutants, indicating that it probably does not bind to the photoreactivating enzyme or to a UV-induced lesion in the DNA. Addition of DNA or irradiated DNA with 500 μg of caffeine per ml resulted in no loss of the caffeine activity. The excision of UV-induced thymine-containing dimers from E. coli B/r T⁻ was investigated in the presence and absence of caffeine. Our results indicated that caffeine prevents excision of thymine dimers, presumably by binding to the excising enzyme. This binding results in an impairment of repair, which produces the increase in mutant numbers.     

Visible light accelerates the ultraviolet A‐induced degradation of eumelanin and pheomelanin

Exposure to excess ultraviolet (UV) A radiation induces the degradation/modification of both eumelanin and pheomelanin that may be deleterious to pigmented tissues. Although the spectral distribution of solar energy comprises nearly half of visible light (VL), few studies have been conducted to examine the role of VL in the photodegradation of both types of melanin, either VL alone or in combination with UVA. In this study, we examined the effects of physiological doses of VL (150 to 300 J cm^?2) alone or in combination with a physiological dose of UVA (20 J cm^?2) in normal human epidermal melanocytes. The degradation/modification of melanin structures was evaluated by our chemical degradation—high performance liquid chromatography methods. The results show that VL accelerates UVA‐induced changes in the structural features of both eumelanin and pheomelanin, although VL or UVA alone induced only minor changes in melanin structure. The differential spectral method provides support for the additive effects of VL.     

Partial depolymerization of pectin by a photochemical reaction

Complex heterogeneous polysaccharides that comprise pectin were partially depolymerized by a photochemical reaction using ultraviolet light in the presence of titanium dioxide catalyst. In a period of 6 h at pH 7, this UV/TiO₂ process decreased the average molecular weight of pectin from 400 kDa to 200 kDa. The characterization of the partially depolymerized pectin, which was fractionated by size-exclusion chromatography, was performed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and the spectra obtained showed that the resulting oligosaccharides and polysaccharides maintained the intact core structure of pectin. The monosaccharide content and depolymerization profile were determined by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection. This controlled photochemical depolymerization technique might be useful for preparation of pectin oligosaccharides as an ingredient in food and pharmaceutical products.     

α-Chymotrypsin immobilized on ferromagnetic particles coated with titanium oxide: Production and catalytic characterization

Immobilization of α-chymotrypsin on magnetic particles with stable coat with titanium oxides as a main constituent allowed the biocatalytic system to be quickly and qualitatively separated into the components after completion of the enzymatic reaction. X-ray phase analysis demonstrated that the coat of magnetic particles is composed mainly of titanium dioxide in brookite modification. The maximal capacity of the particles amounted to 0.3 mg protein/mg particles. It was demonstrated that the reaction catalyzed by immobilized α-chymotrypsin proceeds in a kinetic mechanism due to a high dispersion of the ferromagnetic particles. The catalytic constant (25 s⁻¹) andK _M (0.17 mM) for the immobilized enzyme for the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester are comparable to the corresponding characteristics for the free enzyme.     

UV‐irradiation provokes generation of superoxide on cell wall polygalacturonic acid

We examined the redox effects of UV irradiation on cell wall isolates from Pisum sativum leaves, and polygalacturonic and galacturonic acid, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. For this purpose, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and two spin‐traps (DEPMPO and BMPO), capable of differentiating between various free radicals, were applied. Systems were exposed to UV‐B (maximum emission at 312 nm) and UV‐A (352 nm) for 10 min (6 J m^–2 s^–1). Cell wall isolates exposed to UV in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, produced hydroxyl radical, carbon dioxide radical and superoxide. The production of superoxide was observed for cell wall isolates, polygalacturonic acid (in the presence and in the absence of calcium) and galacturonic acid, and it was diminished upon superoxide dismutase supplementation. The production is at least partially based on the reaction of hydroxyl radicals with (poly)galacturonic acid having carbon dioxide radicals as a products. Acting as a strong reducing agent, carbon dioxide radical reacts with molecular oxygen to produce superoxide. The results presented here shed a new light on: (1) the redox‐modulating role of cell wall; (2) the production of superoxide in the extracellular compartment; (3) the mechanisms involved in translating UV stress into molecular signaling and (4) some other UV‐related phenomena in plants, such as CO₂ emission.     

Elucidating the interaction of clofazimine with bovine liver catalase; a comprehensive spectroscopic and molecular docking approach

Nowadays, understanding of interface between protein and drugs has become an active research area of interest. These types of interactions provide structural guidelines in drug design with greater clinical efficacy. Thus, structural changes in catalase induced by clofazimine were monitored by various biophysical techniques including UV‐visible spectrometer, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and dynamic light scattering techniques. Increase in absorption spectra (UV‐visible spectrum) confers the complex formation between drug and protein. Fluorescence quenching with a binding constants of 2.47 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ revealed that clofazimine binds with protein. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the distance (r ) between the protein (donor) and drug (acceptor) was found to be 2.89 nm. Negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG °) revealed that binding process is spontaneous. In addition, an increase in α‐helicity was observed by far‐UV circular dichroism spectra by adding clofazimine to protein. Dynamic light scattering results indicate that topology of bovine liver catalase was slightly altered in the presence of clofazimine. Hydrophobic interactions are the main forces between clofazimine and catalase interaction as depicted by molecular docking studies. Apart from hydrophobic interactions, some hydrogen bonding was also observed during docking method. The results obtained from the present study may establish abundant in optimizing the properties of ligand‐protein mixtures relevant for numerous formulations.     

Exfoliated oral mucosa cells as bioindicators of short- and long-term systemic titanium contamination

BackgroundHumans are exposed to exogenous sources of titanium-containing particles that can enter the body mainly by inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. Given the widespread use of biomaterials in medicine, the surface of a titanium (Ti) biomedical device is a potential endogenous source of Ti ions and/or Ti-containing particles, such as TiO₂ micro-(MPs) and nano-particles (NPs), resulting from biotribocorrosion processes. Ti ions or Ti-containing particles may deposit in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa, and the latter may therefore serve as bioindicators of short and long-term systemic Ti contamination. The aim of the present study was to histologically and quantitatively evaluate the presence of Ti traces in cells exfoliated from the oral mucosa as possible bioindicators of systemic contamination with this metal at short and long-term experimental time pointsMethodsThirty Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with a suspension of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) (0.16 g/100 g body weight of TiO₂ in 5 ml of NaCl 0.9%) using 5 nm NPs (Group: TiO₂-NP5; n = 10), 45 µm MPs (Group: TiO₂-MP45; n = 10), or vehicle alone (Control group; n = 10). At one and six months post-injection, right-cheek mucosa cells were obtained by exfoliative cytology using a cytobrush; they were spray fixed and stained using Safranin or the Papanicolaou technique. The smears were cytologically evaluated (light microscopy) to determine the presence of particulate material, which was also analyzed microchemically (SEM-EDS). Left-cheek mucosa cells were similarly obtained and re-suspended in 5 ml of PBS (pH: 7.2–7.4); the samples corresponding to each group were pooled together and analyzed spectrometrically (ICP-MS) to determine Ti concentration in each of the studied groups. Blood samples were obtained for histological determination of the presence of particulate material on Safranin-stained blood smears and determination of plasma concentration of Ti by ICP-MSResultsDifferent size and shape metal-like particles were observed inside and outside epithelial cells in TiO₂-NP5 and TiO₂-MP45 cytological smears at both one and six months post-injection. EDS analysis showed the presence of Ti in the particles. ICP-MS revealed higher Ti concentrations in both TiO₂ injected groups compared to the control group. In addition, Ti concentration did not vary with time or particle size. Monocytes containing particles were observed in blood smears of TiO₂-exposed animals one- and six-months post-injection. Plasma levels of Ti were significantly higher in TiO₂-NP5- and TiO₂-MP45- exposed animals than in controls (p < 0.05), and Ti concentration was significantly higher at one month than at six months in both TiO₂-exposed groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionsCells exfoliated from the oral mucosa could be used as bioindicators of short- and long-term systemic contamination with Ti. Exfoliative cytology could be used as a simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive diagnostic method for monitoring biotribocorrosion of Ti implants and patient clinical follow-up.     

Review: the potential impact of surface crystalline states of titanium for biomedical applications

In many biomedical applications, titanium forms an interface with tissues, which is crucial to ensure its long-term stability and safety. In order to exert control over this process, titanium implants have been treated with various methods that induce physicochemical changes at nano and microscales. In the past 20?years, most of the studies have been conducted to see the effect of topographical and physicochemical changes of titanium surface after surface treatments on cells behavior and bacteria adhesion. In this review, we will first briefly present some of these surface treatments either chemical or physical and we explain the biological responses to titanium with a specific focus on adverse immune reactions. More recently, a new trend has emerged in titanium surface science with a focus on the crystalline phase of titanium dioxide and the associated biological responses. In these recent studies, rutile and anatase are the major two polymorphs used for biomedical applications. In the second part of this review, we consider this emerging topic of the control of the crystalline phase of titanium and discuss its potential biological impacts. More in-depth analysis of treatment-related surface crystalline changes can significantly improve the control over titanium/host tissue interface and can result in considerable decreases in implant-related complications, which is currently a big burden on the healthcare system.     

Ultraviolet light-induced crosslinking of HnRNA to informofer proteins in vitro

RNA-protein interaction in the 30S subunits of rat liver hnRNP has been studied by crosslinking of informofer proteins to hnRNA induced by UV irradiation.Irradiation of 30S particles with 254 nm UV light in doses of 1×10⁵ erg/mm² leads to the extensive crosslinking hnRNA to informofer proteins. The crosslinked material was analyzed either by resedimentation in a 15–30% sucrose gradient in the presence of 3 M guanidine-HCl and 1 M NaCl or by centrifugation in a Cs₂SO₄ density gradient containing guanidine-HCl and sarkosyl. The crosslinked complexes sedimented at about 25S in the sucrose gradient and proved to be heterogeneous in isopycnic centrifugation experiments. The proteins of the crosslinked complexes were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins with M_r values of 70 000, 58 000, 43 000 and 40 000 appeared to be crosslinked with hnRNAs of the 30S particles.In the unirradiated 30S particles after centrifugation in the Cs₂SO₄ density gradient containing guanidine-HCl and sarkosyl two minor proteins were observed with M_r values of 70 000 and 58 000, banded in density zones characteristic for free RNA.     

The formation of DNA single-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites in human blood lymphocytes exposed to 365-nm UVA radiation

The potency of UVA radiation, representing 90% of solar UV light reaching the earth׳s surface, to induce human skin cancer is the subject of continuing controversy. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species in DNA damage produced by the exposure of human cells to UVA radiation. This knowledge is important for better understanding of UV-induced carcinogenesis. We measured DNA single-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites in human lymphocytes exposed ex vivo to various doses of 365-nm UV photons compared to X-rays and hydrogen peroxide using the comet assay. We demonstrated that the UVA-induced DNA damage increased in a linear dose-dependent manner. The rate of DNA single-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites after exposure to 1 J/cm² was similar to the rate induced by exposure to 1 Gy of X-rays or 25 μM hydrogen peroxide. The presence of either the hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethyl sulfoxide or the singlet oxygen quencher sodium azide resulted in a significant reduction in the UVA-induced DNA damage, suggesting a role for these reactive oxygen species in mediating UVA-induced DNA single-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites. We also showed that chromatin relaxation due to hypertonic conditions resulted in increased damage in both untreated and UVA-treated cells. The effect was the most significant in the presence of 0.5 M Na⁺, implying a role for histone H1. Our data suggest that the majority of DNA single-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites after exposure of human lymphocytes to UVA are produced by reactive oxygen species (the hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen) and that the state of chromatin may substantially contribute to the outcome of such exposures.     

The effect of UV radiation in the presence of TiO2-NPs on Leishmania major promastigotes

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease, which is difficult to treat due to high drug resistance and adverse side effects. Photodynamic therapy by ultraviolet radiation using materials with high photocatalytic features like titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) is an emerging treatment for this disease. In this study, TiO₂-NPs with ultraviolet (UV) radiation were administered as photodynamic therapy against Leishmania Major (LM) promastigotes.Methods: Two forms of TiO₂ viz. including Anatase and Rutile were administered in two UV ranges< UVA and UVB for different time periods (30 and 60 min). Finally, 24 and 48 h after incubation, the MTS test was performed and cell survival percentage was calculated.Results: The mean size of Anatase and Rutile-NPs is approximately 32.5 and 50.9 nm respectively by DLS and FE-SEM, and crystal phase is emphasized by XRD. The combined treatment of LM with TiO₂-NPs and UV has significant effects on LM promastigotes, which vary depending on NP and UV types. The synergistic effect was anticipated in the groups irradiated by UV-B in the presence of Rutile NPs.Conclusion: The combined treatment with UV- radiation and TiO₂-NPs can be effective in killing the promastigotes of Leishmania major. The proper concentration of NPs and the type of UV-radiation must be taken into consideration. The results suggest improved treatment methods, after proper in vivo studies.     

Antimicrobial efficiency of titanium dioxide‐coated surfaces

Aims: Development and evaluation of an antimicrobially active titanium dioxide coating. Methods and results: For this purpose, titanium dioxide coatings were applied to glass slides by using a sol‐gel method and then exposed to a light source. The antimicrobial efficiency was determined by a count reduction test for selected test strains (Aspergillus niger, Bacillus atrophaeus, Kocuria rhizophila), which were homogenously sprayed onto surface. The bacterial count of K. rhizophila was reduced by up to 3·3 log₁₀ on titanium dioxide samples within 4 h of UV‐A light exposure. Experiments with spore formers did not lead to any significant log reduction. A further aspect of this work was to evaluate the effect of selected parameters (relative humidity, inoculation density, radiation intensity) on the antimicrobial efficiency to gain knowledge for further optimization procedures. At a high relative humidity (85% r.h.), increased inactivation was observed for K. rhizophila (up to 5·2 log₁₀). Furthermore, a dependency of the antimicrobial effect on the radiation intensity and the inoculation density was identified. Conclusions: Antimicrobial surfaces and coatings based on titanium dioxide have the potential to effectively inactivate vegetative micro‐organisms. Significance and impact of the study: Knowledge about the antimicrobial efficiency of titanium dioxide was gained. This is a prerequisite for industrial applications to improve hygiene, food quality and safety.     

Biogas production and valorization by means of a two-step biological process

The scope of this research work was to investigate biogas production and purification by a two-step bench-scale biological system, consisting of fed-batch pulse-feeding anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge, followed by methane enrichment of biogas by the use of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis. The composition of biogas was nearly constant, and methane and carbon dioxide percentages ranged between 70.5–76.0% and 13.2–19.5%, respectively. Biogas yield reached a maximum value (about 0.4 m³_biogas/kgCOD_i) at 50 days-retention time and then gradually decreased with a decrease in the retention time. Biogas CO₂ was then used as a carbon source for A. platensis cultivation either under batch or fed-batch conditions. The mean cell productivity of fed-batch cultivation was about 15% higher than that observed during the last batch phase (0.035 ± 0.006 g_DM/L/d), likely due to the occurrence of some shading effect under batch growth conditions. The data of carbon dioxide removal from biogas revealed the existence of a linear relationship between the rates of A. platensis growth and carbon dioxide removal from biogas and allowed calculating carbon utilization efficiency for biomass production of almost 95%.     

Nitric oxide mediates humic acids-induced root development and plasma membrane H+-ATPase activation

It is widely reported that some humic substances behave as exogenous auxins influencing root growth by mechanisms that are not yet completely understood. This study explores the hypothesis that the humic acids’ effects on root development involve a nitric oxide signaling. Maize seedlings were treated with HA 20 mg C L⁻¹, IAA 0.1 nM, and NO donors (SNP or GSNO), in combination with either the auxin-signaling inhibitor PCIB, the auxin efflux inhibitor TIBA, or the NO scavenger PTIO. H⁺-transport-competent plasma membrane vesicles were isolated from roots to investigate a possible link between NO-induced H⁺-pump and HA bioactivity. Plants treated with either HA or SNP stimulated similarly the lateral roots emergence even in the presence of the auxin inhibitors, whereas NO scavenger diminished this effect. These treatments induced H⁺-ATPase stimulation by threefold, which was abolished by PTIO and decreased by auxin inhibitors. HA-induced NO synthesis was also detected in the sites of lateral roots emergence. These data depict a new scenario where the root development stimulation and the H⁺-ATPase activation elicited by either HA or exogenous IAA depend essentially on mechanisms that use NO as a messenger induced site-specifically in the early stages of lateral root development.     

Photobiological implications of melanin photoprotection after UVB‐induced tanning of human skin but not UVA‐induced tanning

Repetitive suberythemal UVA and/or UVB exposures were used to generate comparable UV‐induced tans in human skin over the course of 2 weeks. To evaluate the potential photoprotective values of those UVA‐ and/or UVB‐ induced tans and to avoid the confounding issue of residual UV‐induced DNA damage, we waited 1 week before challenging those areas with a 1.5 MED of UVA+UVB after which we measure DNA damage. The results show that the type of UV used to induce skin pigmentation affects the redistribution of melanin in the skin and/or de novo melanin synthesis. The UVA‐induced tans failed to even provide a minimal SPF of 1.5, which suggests that producing a tan with UVA‐rich sunlamps prior to a holiday or vacation is completely counterproductive.