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UV-C irradiation is highly effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 replication
Mara Biasin1, Andrea Bianco2, Giovanni Pareschi2
1Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Scientific Reports
|March 19, 2021
Summary
UV-C irradiation effectively inactivates SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. A low UV-C dose of 3.7 mJ/cm² significantly reduced viral replication, with complete inactivation achieved at 16.9 mJ/cm².
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19.
- Understanding viral inactivation mechanisms is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally evaluate the virucidal effects of UV-C irradiation on SARS-CoV-2.
- To determine effective UV-C doses for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.
Main Methods:
- SARS-CoV-2 was exposed to varying UV-C irradiation doses.
- Virus concentrations were tested at 1000, 5, and 0.05 Multiplicity of Infection (MOI).
- Viral replication was assessed post-irradiation.
Main Results:
- A UV-C dose of 3.7 mJ/cm² achieved over 3-log inactivation at infection-relevant virus concentrations, preventing replication.
- Complete SARS-CoV-2 inactivation was observed at all tested concentrations with 16.9 mJ/cm².
- Results indicate a dose-dependent virucidal effect of UV-C on SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusions:
- UV-C irradiation is a potent virucidal method against SARS-CoV-2.
- The findings support the use of UV-C for sterilizing surfaces and potentially in air purification systems.
- Understanding these effects can inform strategies to control COVID-19 transmission.
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