Photodynamic inactivation of enveloped virus in protein plasma preparations by solid-phase fullerene-based photosensitizer

Summary Background The problem of transfution-transmitted infections still remains serious and actual for health care despite the detailed testing of donors. Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses and human cytomegalovirus are among the most dangerous pathogens that can be transmitted with blood. Previously, a composition consisting of fullerene layer applied on silica gel particles was shown to inactivate influenza virus up to complete loss of infectivity. Methods In the present study the unit has been developed with source of irradiation whose spectrum is appropriate for solid-phase fullerene. The ability of the unit to inactivate the enveloped influenza virus in protein fraction of donor blood has been studied. Results It was shown that at optimized conditions complete inactivation of enveloped virus of extremely high initial titer (7.0–9.5 log10 EID50 /0.2 mL) in the solution of albumin was achieved after as short time as 30 min of irradiation. This process did not affect the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils and membranes of erythrocytes evaluated by NBT reduction test and morphological analysis of erythrocytes, respectively. Conclusion The data obtained suggests that the method described can be recommended for further development and optimization of the procedure of inactivation of viruses in the preparations of the plasma of donor blood.