Far-UVC light applications: sterilization of MRSA on a surface and inactivation of aerosolized influenza virus

David Welch; Manuela Buonanno; Igor Shuryak; Gerhard Randers-Pehrson; Henry M. Spotnitz; David J. Brenner

doi:10.1117/12.2309424

8 February 2018 Far-UVC light applications: sterilization of MRSA on a surface and inactivation of aerosolized influenza virus

David Welch, Manuela Buonanno, Igor Shuryak, Gerhard Randers-Pehrson, Henry M. Spotnitz, David J. Brenner

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 10479, Light-Based Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases; 104791D (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2309424
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2018, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and influenza A virus are two of the major targets for new antimicrobial technologies. In contrast to conventional germicidal lamps emitting primarily at 254 nm, which are both carcinogenic and cataractogenic, recent work has shown the potential of far-UVC technology, mainly between 207 and 222 nm, to be an effective means of sterilization of pathogens without apparent harm to mammalian cells. This is because, due to its strong absorbance in biological materials, far-UVC light cannot penetrate even the outer (non living) layers of human skin or eye; however, because bacteria and viruses are of micrometer or smaller dimensions, far-UVC can penetrate and inactivate them. With this report, we present progress on in vitro tests to inactivate MRSA on a surface using far-UVC light from a laser delivered using an optical diffuser. Qualitative and quantitative results show that this means of far-UVC exposure is adequate to inactivate MRSA with a dose comparable to that which would be required using a conventional germicidal lamp. Also included is a report on progress on inactivation of aerosolized influenza A virus. A custom benchtop aerosol exposure chamber was constructed and used to determine the effectiveness of far- UVC. Results indicate that far-UVC efficiently inactivates airborne aerosolized viruses, with a very low dose of 2 mJ/cm² of 222-nm light inactivating >95% of aerosolized H1N1 influenza virus. Together these studies help to further establish far-UVC technology as a promising, safe and inexpensive tool for sterilization in many environments.

Citation Download Citation

David Welch, Manuela Buonanno, Igor Shuryak, Gerhard Randers-Pehrson, Henry M. Spotnitz, and David J. Brenner "Far-UVC light applications: sterilization of MRSA on a surface and inactivation of aerosolized influenza virus", Proc. SPIE 10479, Light-Based Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 104791D (8 February 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2309424

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