Solvent Effects on Action Spectra for The Photodecomposition of N-Acetylphenylalanyl-L-Tryptophan and 3-Methyl Indole

The UV action spectra and quantum yields for photodestruction of tryptophan (Trp) in peptide such as N-acetylphenylalanyl-L-tryptophan (NAPT) and 3-methyl indole (scatole) were determined in aerated aqueous and organic solvents. The photodestruction of aqueous NAPT was shown to be initiated by photoionization without requirement of threshold energy, as demonstrated by the similarity of fluence effect curves obtained for the action at various wavelengths and the wavelength dependence of quantum yield comparable to that reported for the photoionization of L-Trp. N-formylkynurenine (NFK)-type photoproduct, which is a photodynamic sensitizer, was not found to be involved in the photodestruction of Trp in NAPT in aqueous solution. In contrast, the action spectra of NAPT and scatole in organic solvents have revealed evidences for the significant role of internal photosensitization by NFK-type photoproduct in photolysis of Trp in peptide.