Inactivation of lambda phage with 658 nm light using a DNA binding porphyrin sensitizer.

Exposure of lambda phage to 658 nm light in the presence of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)-21H,23H-porphine, tetra-p-tosylate leads to complete (greater than 7 logs) inactivation as measured by the plaque assay. The sensitizer without light and 658 nm photolysis of lambda phage in the absence of sensitizer do not lead to a measurable decrease in viral inactivity. Viral inactivation is not dependent upon the presence of oxygen.