A systematic scoping review of ultraviolet C (UVC) light systems for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation

Abstract

A significant amount of epidemiological evidence has underlined that human-to-human transmission due to close contacts is considered the main pathway of transmission, however since the SARS-CoV-2 can also survive in aerosols, water, and surfaces, the development and implementation of effective decontamination strategies are urgently required. In this regard, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) using ultraviolet C (UVC) has been proposed to disinfect different environments and surfaces contaminated by SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we performed a systematic scoping review strictly focused on peer-reviewed studies published in English that reported experimental results of UVC-based technologies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Studies were retrieved from PubMed and the Web of Science database. After our criterious screening, we identified 13 eligible articles that used UVC-based systems to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. We noticed the use of different UVC wavelengths, technologies, and light doses. The initial viral titer was also heterogeneous among studies. Most studies reported virus inactivation in well plates, even though virus persistence on N95 respirators and different surfaces were also evaluated. SARS-CoV-2 inactivation reached from 90% to 100% depending on experimental conditions. We concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of UVC-based technologies against SARS-CoV-2. However, appropriate implementation is required to guarantee the efficacy and safety of UVC strategies to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

GBNN algorithm enhanced by movement planner for UV‐C disinfection

“…We have tested the approach with SARS‐COV‐2 as an example, due to its worldwide relevance. Experiments have found that the required dose to make inactive the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is between 108 and (Biasin et al, 2021; Derraik et al, 2020; Sabino et al, 2020; Sellera et al, 2021). In this work the applied dose is to ensure a higher reduction.…”

Understanding the interaction of nucleotides with UVC light: an insight from quantum chemical calculation-based findings

“…[14][15][16][17] The UVC range shows the strongest antiviral and antibacterial activity among the three applied UV wavelength ranges, including UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm) ranges. 18 The available scientific literature shows that three UVC range subsets (i.e., 207-222 nm, 19,20 254 nm, 21,22 and 260-280 nm 23,24 ) are considered to be optimal for pathogen disinfection. A wavelength of 254 nm is the commonly used inactivation wavelength in most disinfection systems.…”

Self‐reported Side‐effects ofUltraviolet‐CDisinfection Devices

“…The extent to which ultraviolet radiation may induce these side-effects is dependent on the wavelength of UV radiation, the dose of UV radiation and the susceptibility of the individual (7,21,22). Due to the potentially undesirable impact on human health, caution is, therefore, advised with regards to using UV-C devices in domestic and commercial settings (23). Currently, there is limited data that extends beyond a case-study approach to examine how and why risks of UV-C exposure may exist from a consumer perspective.…”