Pathogen Reduction in Human Plasma Using an Ultrashort Pulsed Laser
Pathogen reduction is a viable approach to ensure the continued safety of the blood supply against emerging pathogens. However, the currently licensed pathogen reduction techniques are ineffective against non-enveloped viruses such as hepatitis A virus, and they introduce chemicals with concerns of side effects which prevent their widespread use. In this report, we demonstrate the inactivation of both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in human plasma using a novel chemical-free method, a visible ultrashort pulsed laser. We found that laser treatment resulted in 2-log, 1-log, and 3-log reductions in human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis A virus, and murine cytomegalovirus in human plasma, respectively. Laser-treated plasma showed ≥70% retention for most coagulation factors tested. Furthermore, laser treatment did not alter the structure of a model coagulation factor, fibrinogen. Ultrashort pulsed lasers are a promising new method for chemical-free, broad-spectrum pathogen reduction in human plasma.
- Author (aut): Tsen, Shaw-Wei D.
- Author (aut): Kingsley, David H.
- Author (aut): Kibler, Karen
- Author (aut): Jacobs, Bertram
- Author (aut): Sizemore, Sara
- Author (aut): Vaiana, Sara
- Author (aut): Anderson, Jeanne
- Author (aut): Tsen, Kong-Thon
- Author (aut): Achilefu, Samuel
- Contributor (ctb): Biodesign Institute