Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating fungal infections, particularly onychomycosis. The method includes: applying a composition includes a photosensitizer, an effective amount of antifungal agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system to a locus and irradiating the locus with a light source at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to destroy microbes at the locus. The present invention also includes a light delivery device for use in photodynamic treatment of onychomycosis comprising (i) a housing adapted to cover a nail beneath which a locus is situated; (ii) a light source; (iii) an energy source in power communication to the light source; and a controller that controls amount of light to be applied to the locus by the light source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for treating fungal infections, particularly onychomycosis. The composition includes a photosensitizer, an effective amount of antifungal agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method of preventing vertical transmission of an infectious disease comprising: (a) applying a photosensitizing composition to host tissues of birth canal of a mother during the intrapartum period; and (b) applying light to the host tissues after the step (a) at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to inhibit or eliminate infectious disease microorganisms that come into contact with the host tissues. The infectious disease may be caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Group B Streptococcus, cytomegalovirus, Listeria monocytogenes, Chiamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Toxoplasma gondii, human papilloma virus, and Candida.

Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used to otitis externa. For example, a method of present invention includes applying a photosensitizing composition to treatment site within ear cavity where microbes causing otitis externa are located; inserting at least a portion of a light delivery device into the cavity; and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to inhibit or eliminate the microbes and/or to reduce inflammation at the treatment site but without causing physiological damage to host tissue within the ear cavity; wherein the light is delivered by the light delivery device to the treatment site and the light delivery device is in light communication with a light source via a waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used for nasal decolonization of microbes and treatment of MRSA, E. coli, and E. fecalis. For example, it includes a method for nasal decolonization of microbes comprising: applying a photosensitizing composition comprising methylene blue to anterior nares; inserting at least a portion of a light delivery device into the nasal cavity; and applying light to the anterior nares at a wavelength ranges from about 650 nm to 680 nm; wherein the light is delivered by the light delivery device to the anterior nares; the light delivery device is in light communication with a light source via a waveguide; and over 90% of the microbes at the anterior nares is eliminated by the nasal decolonization.

Abstract: A method of reducing the formation of hexanal by plant parts comprises breaking the plant parts, adding thereto an agent comprising lipoxygenase 3 enzyme and allowing the plant parts to remain in contact with the enzyme under conditions effective to attain the desired effect. A method of producing a low odor plant part meal or flour comprises breaking up the plant parts, adding an agent with lipoxygenase 3 enzyme and allowing the plant parts to remain in contact with the enzyme under conditions effective to attain the desired effect. An improved composition comprises a hexanal producing plant part meal or flour and an agent with lipoxygenase 3 enzyme which is substantially devoid of lipoxygenase enzyme 1 and 2 activities, optionally with other edible ingredients such as other low-hexanal producing flours. Improved edible products are produced using the invention which have less objectionable odor and flavor.