Protecting molecules in biologically derived compositions while treating with broad-spectrum pulsed light

A method of protecting a biomolecule from substantial degradation while reducing the content of a pathogen or chemical toxin contained by a biologically derived composition is described. The method involves first providing a biologically derived composition containing a pathogen or chemical toxin and at least one biologically active molecule. Then, adding albumin to the composition to create a supplemented composition. Next, subjecting the supplemented composition to polychromatic pulsed light to degrade the pathogen or toxin. The polychromatic light includes at least one high-intensity, short duration pulse of incoherent polychromatic light in a broad spectrum. The light intensity is at least about 0.01 J/cm2, the pulse duration is 10 ns to 100 ms and the light wavelengths are between about 170 nm and about 2600 nm. The content of the albumin in the supplemented composition is such that the subjecting step reduces the content of the pathogen or chemical toxin by at least a factor of 10 without degrading the biological activity of the biomolecule to an unacceptable level. Finally, the biomolecule is recovered in a biologically active state.