Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic disinfection against Gram-negative organism that is receptive to paraben potentiation using a composition comprising a photosensitizer and at least one paraben. The present invention also includes a method for photodynamic disinfection comprising applying the composition to a desired treatment area and applying light to the desired treatment area at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to inhibit Gram-negative organism located within the treatment area wherein the Gram-negative organism is receptive to paraben potentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitizing composition for treatment of MRSA comprising a photosensitizer and chlorhexidine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides a method for reducing disease causing microbes comprising: applying the composition comprising a photosensitizer, chlorhexidine at a concentration of more than about 0.01% and less than about 2% v/v, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a treatment site; and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to reduce the microbes at the treatment site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitizing composition for treatment of MRSA comprising a photosensitizer and chlorhexidine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides a method for reducing disease causing microbes comprising: applying the composition comprising a photosensitizer, chlorhexidine at a concentration of more than about 0.01% and less than about 2% v/v, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a treatment site; and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to reduce the microbes at the treatment site.

Abstract: The invention described here is an improved fiber optic probe. The tip of the probe is made from a transparent fill material that is connected to the end of a conventional optical fiber. The optical fiber is tapered, the fill material is connected thereto, and typically extends outwardly from the fiber as though it is a continuous part of the fiber. The outer diameter of the fill material is preferably essentially the same as the optical fiber. The fill material may contain light-scattering elements that disperse light as it exits the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alignment system comprising a base having a feature that accepts a first optical element, a first eccentric element having a through hole that accepts an eccentric assembly comprising a second eccentric element having a feature that accepts a second optical element and is attached to the second optical element via second attachment means, wherein the first eccentric element is engaged with the base via first attachment means and axial alignment between optical axis of the first optical element and optical axis of the second optical element is achieved by rotationally adjusting at least one of the eccentric elements relative to the base. The present invention also provides methods to make and use this alignment system.