Photodynamic inactivation of influenza virus with fullerene C60 suspension in allantoic fluid

Background: Viruses are the most dangerous infectious contaminants of human donor blood and blood products. The purpose of the study was to investigate the virus-inactivating properties of fullerene suspension regarding influenza virus in allantoic fluid of chicken embryos. Methods: Influenza virus was propagated in chicken embryos, water suspension of C-60 fullerene was added to the allantoic fluid. The fluid was light-irradiated at constant oxygen flow through the specimen, and the dynamics of virus titer was studied by virus titration in MDCK cells. The morphology of virions was studied by electron microscopy (EM). Results: Dramatic drop of infectious titer (8 to 1 log 10 EID50) of the virus was observed within 2 h after start of irradiation. No change of the titers was observed in control specimens without fullerene, or light, or oxygen. EM study revealed numerous defects of virions' morphology (destruction of outer membrane) leading to the Loss of infectious properties of the virus. Conclusions: Water-insoluble fullerenes may be considered as a prospective way for inactivation of enveloped viruses in biological materials including blood products. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.