Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and treatment systems for inactivation of microbes and/or nucleic acids in biological fluids, especially platelet compositions without completely damaging antigens, enzymes and membrane functions. In accordance with the method of the invention, a biological fluid is illuminated with a light source having at least one wavelength within a range of 170 to 2600 nm to inactivate microbes in the composition and inactivate nucleic acids inside cells without destroying proteins (enzymes) and membrane functions.

Abstract: A method of protecting a biomolecule from substantial degradation while reducing the content of a pathogen or chemical toxin contained by a biologically derived composition is described. The method involves first providing a biologically derived composition containing a pathogen or chemical toxin and at least one biologically active molecule. Then, adding albumin to the composition to create a supplemented composition. Next, subjecting the supplemented composition to polychromatic pulsed light to degrade the pathogen or toxin. The polychromatic light includes at least one high-intensity, short duration pulse of incoherent polychromatic light in a broad spectrum. The light intensity is at least about 0.01 J/cm2, the pulse duration is 10 ns to 100 ms and the light wavelengths are between about 170 nm and about 2600 nm.

Abstract: Novel strains of Aspergillus terreus have been discovered which provide fermentation production of at least 5.2 g/L of 7-[1,2,6,7,8,8a(R)-hexahydro-2(S),6(R)-dimethyl-8(S)-hydroxy-1(S)-naphthyl ]-3(R),5(R)-dihydroxyheptanoic acid (triol acid, I), but with production of not more than 0.85 g/L of (triol acid)-related side products and specifically less than 0.10 mg/liter of lovastatin. The predominant fermentation product triol acid, may be converted in a straightforward manner to its lactone form, in which it is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase and thus useful as an antihypercholesterolemic agent, and in which it may also serve as an intermediate for preparation of other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: Biosynthetic production of 7-[1',2',6',-7',8',8a'(R)-hexahydro-2'(S),6'(R)-dimethyl-8'(S)-hydroxy-1'( S)-naphthyl]-3(R),5(R)-dihydroxyheptanoic acid, "triol acid", is accomplished by enzymatic hydrolysis of lovastatin acid or a salt thereof, by treating it with Clonostachys compactiuscula ATCC 38009 or ATCC 74178, or mutants thereof, or a cell-free extract derived therefrom, or a hydrolase derived therefrom. The triol acid and its lactone form are both inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase and thus useful as anti-hypercholesterolemic agents, and may also serve as intermediates for preparation of other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Also, in the synthesis of simvastatin by direct methylation of lovastatin, selective hydrolysis of residual lovastatin salt by treatment with Clonostachys compactiuscula ATCC 38009 or ATCC 74178 or mutants thereof or a cell-free extract derived therefrom, or a hydrolase derived therefrom yields the "triol" salt which can be easily separated from simvastatin.