New research has revealed how ultraviolet light destroys infectious virus particles.
The knowledge could help develop new technology to disinfect hard-to-clean surfaces or equipment.
Damaging the virus
The virus that causes COVID-19 is known as SARS-CoV-2. It consists of the virus' genetic information, surrounded by a membrane with protein spikes sticking out. The virus needs all these components to infect people.
Southampton researchers, led by Professor Sumeet Mahajan, investigated how an ultraviolet laser damages each component. The work forms part of the Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.
They worked closely with scientists from the laser manufacturer M Squared Lasers. The results from their co-authored study are published in the journal ACS Photonics.
Ultraviolet lasers
The researchers used a specialised ultraviolet laser, which emitted UVC light. Very little UVC light below 280nm reaches the earth’s surface from the sun, so it is not well studied. However, the two wavelengths of UVC light they used (266nm and 227nm) are strongly absorbed by the genetic material and spikes of the virus.
The researchers found the laser damaged the genetic material in SARS-CoV-2. It also damaged the structure of the protein spikes, causing them to lose their ability to bind to human cells.
Developing new technology
Light-based deactivation of viruses could be used when conventional liquid-based methods are not suitable. Now the mechanism is better understood, this is an important step in rolling out this new technology.
Professor Mahajan, Professor of Molecular Biophotonics and Imaging at the University of Southampton, said:
“Light deactivation of airborne viruses offers a versatile tool for disinfection of our public spaces and sensitive equipment that may otherwise prove difficult to decontaminate with conventional methods.
“Now we understand the differential sensitivity of molecular components in viruses to light deactivation, this opens up the possibility of a finely tuned disinfection technology.”
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