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Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate
Published on: April 6, 2022
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Light-based methods for whole blood bacterial inactivation enabled by a recirculating flow system
Gwangseong Kim1,2, Mahsa Karbaschi3, Marcus Cooke3
1Kytaro, Inc., Miami, FL.
Photochemistry and Photobiology
|February 9, 2018
Summary
This study demonstrates effective pathogen inactivation in whole blood using light-based methods like photodynamic therapy (PDT) and UV/violet light. These techniques show promise for treating blood infections with minimal damage to blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photomedicine
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Whole blood's opacity limits light penetration for pathogen inactivation.
- Developing effective light-based antimicrobial strategies for blood is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate light-based techniques for inactivating pathogens in whole blood.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of these methods on blood components and cellular DNA.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a thin transparent tube for 360-degree light illumination of whole blood.
- Tested photodynamic therapy (PDT), ultraviolet (UV), and violet light for pathogen inactivation.
- Assessed effects on Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and genotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Achieved significant reductions in S. aureus (55-71%) and MRSA (88-97%) with light-based methods.
- Combined immunocapture with light further enhanced pathogen reduction (up to 99.9%).
- Minimal changes in blood cell counts; UV/violet light showed low genotoxicity in PBMCs, while PDT induced some DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- Light-based pathogen inactivation in whole blood is feasible using novel illumination techniques.
- PDT, UV, and violet light show potential for bloodborne pathogen treatment with manageable safety profiles.
- Further research is warranted to optimize these methods for clinical application.
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