A ground-breaking first-of-its-kind study conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University has found that coronaviruses can be killed efficiently, quickly and cheaply using ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs).

In the study, which was published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, researchers tested the optimal wavelength for killing coronaviruses, and found that a length of 285 nanometres was almost as effective at destroying the virus as a wavelength of 265 nanometres, requiring no more than 30 seconds to destroy 99.9%. This result is significant because the cost of 285 nm LED bulbs is much lower than that of 265 nm bulbs, and the former are also more readily available.

The Study lead, Professor Hadas Mamane, Head of the Environmental Engineering Program at the School of Medical Engineering, believes that the technology will be available for use both privately and commercially in the near future: “The entire world is currently looking for effective solutions to disinfect the coronavirus. The problem is that in order to disinfect a bus, train, sports hall or plane by chemical spraying, you need physical manpower, and in order for the spraying to be effective, you have to give the chemical time to act on the surface. We know, for example, that medical staff do not have time to manually disinfect, say, computer keyboards and other surfaces in hospitals – and the result is infection and quarantine. The disinfection systems based on LED bulbs, however, can be installed in the ventilation system and air conditioner, for example, and sterilise the air sucked in and then emitted into the room.”

One day, UV-LED light could be another tool to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. However, as of right now, it is not recommended for private or commercial use.

Sources:

1. Health Europa.
2. Very Well Health.
3. TAU AC.
4. Science Daily.