Selective Inactivation Of Microorganisms With A Femtosecond Laser

Abstract

A method is provided for selectively inactivating microorganisms with femtosecond pulsed lasers. Under proper laser conditions, irradiation of the femtosecond pulsed laser causes inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, for example, viruses, bacteria and protozoa, without causing cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. Pathogenic microorganism activity is diminished through an impulsive stimulated Raman scattering process, that is, through the excitation of the low-energy vibrational state on the outer structure of a microorganism with femtosecond pulsed lasers. The wavelength of the laser pulses is in a range of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, visible and near-infrared where water is substantially transparent. The method is utilized for cleansing blood components, disinfecting drinking water, treating viral and bacterial diseases, extracting nucleic acid from microorganisms, and for manufacturing vaccines.

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