As the world is still struggling to combat coronavirus, researchers from Tel AvivUniversity (TAU) have proven that it can be killed efficiently, quickly, and cheaply using ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). This is the first study that worked on the disinfection efficiency of UV-LED irradiation at different wavelengths or frequencies on a virus from the family of coronaviruses.

Key findings
LEDs emitting light with a wavelength of 285 nanometers were almost as efficient in disinfecting the virus as those with a wavelength of 265 nanometers, requiring less than half a minute to destroy more than 99.9% of the coronaviruses. This result is significant because the cost of 285-nanometer LED bulbs is 30% lower than that of 265-nanometer bulbs, said Hadas Mamane, head of Tel Aviv University’s Environmental Engineering Program, who led the study.

How this study is any different from numerous others that have already added enough value to the effectiveness of UV LED in disinfecting the virus.
“The fact that UV kills viruses is not a new thing, and it is well-known. But what we have done is to produce the first study looking at the wavelength needed, also known as the frequency, to check exactly what level of energy is needed to kill the coronavirus. We hope the finding that less energetic LEDs than previously thought kill the coronavirus will make this technology more widespread,” explained Mamane in a conversation with the Times of Israel.

The new study doesn’t take away the fact that UV LEDs should be used in the absence of human beings unless otherwise specified. 
As Mamane stresses, “The LEDs, while less powerful than those currently used for disinfection, would still prove dangerous to humans and therefore should only be activated when people are away from the surface being cleaned.” She further elaborated on how this research has commercial and societal implications, given the possibility of using such LED bulbs in all areas of our lives, safely and quickly. UV-LEDs can be put to use in ventilation systems and air conditioners for a quicker and easier disinfection in comparison to chemical-based methods. Moreover, this UV-LED technology doesn’t contain mercury like traditional bulbs and consumes less energy, making it one of the best solutions at the moment.

With scientists and researchers from across the globe conducting numerous studies on UV-LED technology and their subsequent positive outcomes are certainly putting this technology at the forefront in dealing with the current pandemic.

To read the source article please click here: The Times of Israel