Preliminary Study of Pulsed Ultraviolet Technology for Low-Temperature Disinfection
1National Institute of Environment Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
China CDC Weekly
|May 13, 2022
Summary
Pulsed ultraviolet (UV) light effectively disinfects surfaces, with irradiation time and carrier material being key factors. Temperature has minimal impact on this low-temperature disinfection method.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Pulsed ultraviolet (UV) light technology offers a potential method for low-temperature disinfection.
- Understanding its efficacy against common pathogens is crucial for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of pulsed UV light for low-temperature disinfection.
- To determine the influence of temperature, irradiation time, and carrier type on disinfection effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted to assess pulsed UV disinfection effectiveness.
- Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli were used as test organisms.
- Disinfection was tested on cloth sheets, stainless steel sheets, and corrugated paper under varying temperatures.
Main Results:
- Disinfection effectiveness varied by carrier type, with cloth sheets showing the best results, followed by stainless steel and then corrugated paper.
- Gram-negative Escherichia coli were more susceptible to pulsed UV disinfection than Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus.
- Irradiation time and carrier material significantly influenced disinfection outcomes, while temperature had a limited effect.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed UV light is a feasible technology for low-temperature disinfection.
- Optimizing irradiation time and selecting appropriate carrier materials are critical for maximizing disinfection efficiency.
- The technology demonstrates differential efficacy against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
254
Radiation and filtration are essential tools for microbial control, targeting microorganisms through distinct mechanisms. Radiation eliminates microbes by damaging their DNA, either killing them or inhibiting their growth. Based on wavelength, radiation is classified into two types: nonionizing and ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation, such as UV radiation (200–400 nm), is absorbed by DNA, causing defects that effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water, including safety cabinets.
254
01:29Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
21.0K
As used in a healthcare facility, sterilization destroys all microorganisms through physical or chemical methods. The physical method includes steam, dry heat, boiling water, and radiation.
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
21.0K
01:23Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature
291
Heat is a widely used method to control microbial growth by targeting and denaturing cellular proteins, thereby killing or inactivating microbes. This method's effectiveness is quantified using parameters such as the thermal death point (TDP), thermal death time (TDT), and decimal reduction time (D value). TDP represents the lowest temperature at which all microorganisms in a liquid suspension are eliminated within 10 minutes, whereas TDT is the time necessary to achieve sterilization at a...
291
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
7.0K
In healthcare, the chemical method of sterilization uses chemical sterilants to treat surgical instruments and medical supplies to help prevent the transmission of infectious pathogens to patients. Due to heat sensitivity, most medical supplies and equipment should not be exposed to high temperatures. These parts include rubber, plastic, glass, and other similar elements.
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
7.0K