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: A quality control assay to verify adequate treatment of blood product following decontamination with furocoumarins and light. The methods involve measuring the inhibition of template-dependent enzymatic synthesis of nucleic acid following the addition of compounds that add covalently to nucleic acid.

Abstract: Novel compounds for photodecontaminating biological material 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: 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: 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 and compositions are described for treating contaminants in material intended for in vivo use, and in particular blood and blood products for human use. Compositions of synthetic media are described which optimize conditions for inactivation of contaminants in blood cell preparations, using 8-methoxypsoralen, prior to long term storage and transfusion.

Abstract: Synthetic media formulations are disclosed for use with blood preparations intended for in vivo use, including synthetic media formulations to be employed in conjunction with the photodecontamination of platelets using 8-methoxypsoralen.

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.