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In this study I hoped to create an attenuated version of Batrochochytrium dendrobatidis, by using a novel laser technology: SEPHODIS. This laser technology disrupts hydrogen bonds between proteins in the lumen of the cell while simultaneously preserving the membrane and associated proteins on the outside of the cell. This process ultimately affects the pathogenicity of the target but leaves identity markers intact so that the host immune system may recognize the pathogen and create antibodies against it. The laser was ultimately effective at killing Bd fungal cells, and I did observe a significant change in the appearance of the cells. However, samples obtained after exposure to the laser were contaminated and more research is needed to determine if SEPHODIS could be a feasible method for vaccine production.
Ultra-short-pulse (USP) lasers in the visible range have been shown to have widespread sterilizing effects on pathogens, which is believed to be caused by mechanical perturbations induced in the pathogen that disrupt essential processes leading to inactivation. This paper demonstrates a complete inactivation of Zika virus, a single-stranded enveloped RNA virus, using USP-laser technology and adds to the growing body of literature on the effectiveness of USP-laser inactivation. The paper also surveys previous inactivation studies to draw inferences about the nature of the Zika virus inactivation. We suggest that the method of inactivation in Zika virus is the selective amalgamation of viral capsid proteins into a nonfunctional mass of proteins because of the laser-induced vibrations, which mechanically prevents the release of viral RNA. The survey of similar inactivation experiments also supports the notion that the viral antigens might be unaffected by USP-laser inactivation, justifying the exploration of vaccine development using USP-laser inactivated Zika virus.