Ultraviolet light degrades coronavirus
UVC light can destroy the critical infectious components of coronavirus particles according to new research.
Ultraviolet light can destroy the infectious components of SARS-CoV-2 researchers from the University of Southampton have found, providing a novel idea on how to prevent transmission of the virus by disinfecting surfaces using a chemical-free method.
SARS-CoV-2 particles consist of a core of nucleic acid chains containing the genetic information of the virus, surrounded by a lipid membrane with proteinous spikes. Each component is necessary for infection and using a specialised ultraviolet laser at two different wavelengths, researchers determined how each viral component degraded under the bright light.
Understudied UVC
Ultraviolet light consists of three strands – A, B and C. Most studies into the effects of UV have focused on the effects of UVA (400–320 nm) and UVB (320–280 nm) as there are many light sources in these ranges, including the Sun.
Very little UVC light from the Sun at frequencies below 280nm reaches the Earth so it is not studied as much as its counterparts. However, researchers are interested in UVC as it displays interesting disinfectant properties.
UVC light is strongly absorbed by different viral components including the genetic material and the proteinous spikes, meaning UVC is uniquely positioned to achieve inactivation of pathogens.
SARS-CoV-2 structure damaged by UVC light
SARS-CoV-2 has one of the largest of genomes for ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses and is especially sensitive to genomic damage. UVC light at 266nm caused RNA damage at low powers, affecting the genetic information of the virus, and damaged the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, reducing its ability to bind to human cells. Light at 227nm was less effective at inducing RNA damage, but more effective at damaging proteins through a chemical reaction known as oxidation, which unfolds the protein’s structure.
“Light deactivation of airborne viruses offers a versatile tool for disinfection of our public spaces and sensitive equipment that may otherwise prove difficult to decontaminate with conventional methods,” explains Professor Sumeet Mahajan, who led the study and worked closely with scientists from laser manufacturer M Squared Lasers.
“Now we understand the differential sensitivity of molecular components in viruses to light deactivation this opens up the possibility of a finely tuned disinfection technology.”
Light-based deactivation has great potential and could be used in a wide range of applications where conventional liquid-based deactivation methods aren’t suitable. Now the mechanism of deactivation is better understood, this is an important step in rolling out the technology. The study has been published in ASC Photonics.