Abstract: Psoralen compounds are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4,4',5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which permit enhanced binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity are described, resulting in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens in blood products. The invention contemplates inactivation methods using the new psoralens which do not compromise the function of blood products for transfusion. Also disclosed are compositions comprising 4' or 5'-primary amino substituted psoralens in a synthetic media.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for photodecontamination to inactivate microorganisms in platelet preparations and for removal of psoralen after photodecontamination. Removal is achieved by contacting the psoralen with a psoralen-binding polymer.

Abstract: A device comprising a light source, a sample holder and a temperature control chamber. The sample holder supports the vessels in a fixed relationship relative to the light source. The temperature control chamber surrounds the sample holder and vessels, so that a temperature control fluid may be passed around the sample vessels effectively maintaining the temperature of the sample vessels within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates methods of decontaminating human fluids prior to processing in the clinical laboratory. The techniques handle large volumes of human serum without impairing the testing results. Novel compounds for photodecontaminating biological material are also contemplated which are compatible with clinical testing, in that they do not interfere with serum analytes.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates methods of decontaminating human fluids prior to processing in the clinical laboratory. The techniques handle large volumes of human serum without impairing the testing results. Novel compounds for photodecontaminating biological material are also contemplated which are compatible with clinical testing, in that they do not interfere with serum analytes.

Abstract: Psoralen compound compositions are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4, 4', 5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which yet permit their binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Reaction conditions that photoactivate these bound psoralens result in covalent crosslinking to nucleic acid, thereby inactivating the pathogen. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity results in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens. In addition to the psoralen compositions, the invention contemplates inactivating methods using the new psoralens.

Abstract: Synthesis of 4,8-dialkyl-4'-bromomethyl-5'-methylpsoralen and 4,8-dialkyl-5'-bromomethyl-4'-methylpsoralen compounds useful as intermediates.

Abstract: Psoralen compounds are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4, 4', 5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which permit enhanced binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity are described, resulting in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens in blood products. The invention contemplates inactivation methods using the new psoralens which do not compromise the function of blood products for transfusion.

Abstract: Psoralen compound compositions are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4, 4', 5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which yet permit their binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Reaction conditions that photoactivate these bound psoralens result in covalent crosslinking to nucleic acid, thereby inactivating the pathogen. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity results in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens. In addition to the psoralen compositions, the invention contemplates inactivating methods using the new psoralens.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates methods of decontaminating human fluids prior to processing in the clinical laboratory. The techniques handle large volumes of human serum without impairing the testing results. Novel compounds for photodecontaminating biological material are also contemplated which are compatible with clinical testing, in that they do not interfere with serum analytes.

Abstract: Psoralen compound compositions are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4, 4', 5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which yet permit their binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Reaction conditions that photoactivate these bound psoralens result in covalent crosslinking to nucleic acid, thereby inactivating the pathogen. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity results in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens. In addition to the psoralen compositions, the invention contemplates inactivating methods using the new psoralens.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates methods of decontaminating human fluids prior to processing in the clinical laboratory. The techniques handle large volumes of human serum without impairing the testing results. Novel compounds for photodecontaminating biological material are also contemplated which are compatible with clinical testing, in that they do not interfere with serum analytes.

Abstract: Psoralen compounds are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4,4', 5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which permit enhanced binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity are described, resulting in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens in blood products. The invention contemplates inactivation methods using the new psoralens which do not compromise the function of blood products for transfusion.

Abstract: Method useful for solving the problem of contamination of protein with nucleic acid. Rendering amplifiable contaminating nucleic acid in enzyme preparations substantially unamplifiable prior to use of the enzyme.

Abstract: Methods for sterilization of ligase-based amplification products, including products of the Ligation Amplification Reaction (LAR), involving treatment of nucleic acid after amplification to render such nucleic acid incapable of serving as a template for further amplification. Both random and site-specific addition of sterilizing compounds, and more specifically, photoactivation compounds, render amplification product subsequently unamplifiable. Self-sterilizing primers are also employed allowing for a homogenous detection of ligase-based amplification product.

Abstract: A method for activating photoreactive compounds by supporting sample vessels containing a photoreactive compound at a selected temperature and irradiating the sample vessels while holding the sample vessels at a fixed relationship with the irradiating source so as to uniformly irradiate the compound.

Abstract: Psoralen compound compositions are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4, 4', 5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which yet permit their binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Reaction conditions that photoactivate these bound psoralens result in covalent crosslinking to nucleic acid, thereby inactivating the pathogen. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity results in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens. In addition to the psoralen compositions, the invention contemplates inactivating methods using the new psoralens.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for treating contaminants in material intended for in vivo use, and in particular blood and blood products for human use. Contaminants in blood cell preparations are inactivated using 8-methoxypsoralen prior to long term storage and transfusion.

Abstract: Methods and compounds for the preparation of nucleic acid samples. Polymerase inhibitors are treated so as to allow for amplification of nucleic acid from biological sources, including whole blood.

Abstract: Method for treating nucleic acid that is to be amplified such that the nucleic acid is, after amplification, subsequently unamplifiable. Nucleic acid amplification is performed in a reaction containing means in the presence of an isopsoralen. The reaction is thereafter irradiated to render the amplified nucleic acid substantially unamplifiable.