Scientists Plan to Minimize Microbes Utilizing UV-C Radiation
In the heart of Germany, scientists in Leipzig are rolling up their sleeves to explore the potential of UV-C radiation in kicking pathogens to the curb in public spaces. To kickstart this study, they decided to construct a top-notch lab, akin to a classroom, complete with 30 air-filled dummies sitting cozily in chairs instead of real students.
Teaming up with major Leipzig research institutions, including the HTWK Leipzig, the University of Leipzig, the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, and the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, as well as the local economy, this ambitious project is backed by more than 2.5 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Research. According to Rüdiger Hennig, head of industrial partner NEL, "this new lab is a one-of-a-kind, size-wise and kind-wise powerhouse in Germany."
The researchers in Leipzig are eager to uncover the secrets of disinfection systems that leverage UV-C. UV-C is a range of ultraviolet radiation, flaunting a wavelength of 100 to 280 nanometers. This radiation can zap bacteria and viruses, yet it can potentially have harmful effects on health, such as damaging the eyes and skin.
The study in Leipzig aims to find the best way to decontaminate rooms using UV-C. Scientists are optimistic about the potential benefits UV-C can offer in terms of reducing the presence of viruses and bacteria in public spaces.
UV-C radiation gains recognition for its effectiveness in vanquishing pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The effectiveness boils down to three key factors:
- Wavelength: UV-C (200–280 nm) can hammer the genetic material of microorganisms, hindering their reproduction.
- Exposure Duration & Intensity: The longer and stronger the UV-C blast, the more vigorously pathogens are zapped.
- Application Context: Studies confirm that UV-C systems, such as upper-room UVGI and far-UVC (200–235 nm), can significantly shrink the number of airborne pathogens in densely packed spaces, making it a safe choice for occupied rooms.
Previous research shows that UV-C—and particularly far-UVC—can provide impressive results, slashing the amount of airborne and surface pathogens in public spaces. So, with the help of air-filled dummies in their newly minted lab, the scientists in Leipzig are diving headfirst into the world of UV-C to find innovative ways to safeguard us all from those pesky pathogens. Stay tuned!
In the pursuit ofUtilizing UV-C radiation for medical-conditions such as prevention of the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in public spaces, the researchers in Leipzig,with support from prominent institutions like the HTWK Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research, and local economy, aim to find solutions in health-and-wellness through technology. Their new lab, which is expected to be a unique and powerful asset in Germany, will investigate the effects of UV-C, including exploring the optimized wavelength, exposure duration and intensity, and application context, to achieve efficient and safe disinfection systems.
