Reduction of polymeric azo and nitro dyes by intestinal bacteria.

The O(2)-sensitive reduction of high-molecular-weight aromatic azo and nitro dyes by intestinal bacteria appears to be mediated by low-molecular-weight electron carriers with E(o)' = -200 to -350 mV. This process may allow the design of polymeric azo prodrugs for specific release of certain aromatic amines in the colon.