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Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Rescue and Characterization of Recombinant Virus from a New World Zika Virus Infectious Clone
Published on: June 7, 2017
Inactivation of infectious virus samples through UV irradiation for downstream analysis
Hugues Graf1, Sébastien Faure1, Maelle Mellano1
1Analytical Sciences Department, Sanofi - Campus Mérieux, 1541 Avenue Marcel Merieux, Marcy L'Etoile 69280, France.
Ultraviolet-C irradiation effectively inactivates viruses like adenovirus, reovirus, and rabies virus. This method preserves bacterial endotoxin test performance, allowing safe sample transfer from containment areas.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Downstream analysis of infectious samples requires inactivation for safe transfer from containment.
- Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation is a potential method for sample inactivation.
- Preservation of sample integrity, specifically bacterial endotoxin test (BET) performance, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inactivation of adenovirus, reovirus, and rabies virus using UV-C radiation.
- To assess the impact of UV-C irradiation on bacterial endotoxin test (BET) performance.
- To optimize UV-C dosage for effective viral inactivation and preserved BET recovery.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of virus samples (adenovirus, reovirus, rabies virus) containing endotoxins to varying UV-C doses (1-9J/cm²).
- Analysis of viral inactivation and endotoxin recovery rates post-irradiation.
- Investigation of sample matrix effects, including cell culture media, on UV-C efficacy.
Main Results:
- A UV-C dose of 5J/cm² (2 × 2.5J/cm²) achieved complete inactivation of viruses in 1mL volumes.
- Endotoxin recovery rates remained near 100% across tested UV-C doses and sample volumes.
- Dilution of samples with cell culture media was necessary to overcome UV light attenuation and ensure full inactivation.
Conclusions:
- Optimized UV-C irradiation conditions ensure effective viral inactivation while maintaining BET specificity.
- UV-C treatment at 5J/cm² is suitable for inactivating infectious viruses without compromising endotoxin detection.
- This method facilitates safe transfer of biological samples, such as rabies vaccine, for testing outside containment areas.
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