During research they treated inoculated material with different doses of UV-C radiation coming from a Signify light source, assessed inactivation capacity under various conditions
Signify together with the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL)[1] at Boston University in the US have conducted research that validates the effectiveness of Signify’s UV-C light sources on the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Dr Anthony Griffiths, Associate Professor of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine and his team have been working on developing tools to support scientific advancement in this field.[2] During their research they have treated inoculated material with different doses of UV-C radiation coming from a Signify light source and assessed the inactivation capacity under various conditions. The team applied a dose of 5mJ/cm2, resulting in a reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus of 99 per cent in six seconds. Based on the data, it was determined that a dose of 22mJ/cm2 will result in a reduction of 99.9999 per cent in 25 seconds.[3]
“Our test results show that above a specific dose of UV-C radiation, viruses were completely inactivated: in a matter of seconds we could no longer detect any virus,” said Dr Griffiths. “We’re very excited about these findings and hope that this will accelerate the development of products that can help limit the spread of COVID-19.”
“I’m very happy about the fruitful cooperation with Boston University in the fight against the Coronavirus. Boston University has validated the effectiveness of our light sources as a preventive measure for companies and institutions as they seek ways to provide virus-free environments,” said Eric Rondolat, CEO, Signify. “Given the potential of the technology to aid the fight against the Coronavirus, Signify will not keep the technology for its exclusive use but make it available to other lighting companies. To service the growing need for disinfection we will increase our production capacity multifold in the coming months.”
References:
[1] The NEIDL is a state-of-the-art research facility that encompasses significant containment laboratories at Biosafety Level -2, -3, and -4
[2] Dr. Griffiths’ team develops vaccines and therapeutics for Risk Group 3 and 4 viruses, which include organisms that can cause serious or deadly diseases in humans
[3] Research variables are available upon request