UV-C irradiation is highly effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 replication

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 18;11(1):6260. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85425-w.

Abstract

The potential virucidal effects of UV-C irradiation on SARS-CoV-2 were experimentally evaluated for different illumination doses and virus concentrations (1000, 5, 0.05 MOI). At a virus density comparable to that observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection, an UV-C dose of just 3.7 mJ/cm2 was sufficient to achieve a more than 3-log inactivation without any sign of viral replication. Moreover, a complete inactivation at all viral concentrations was observed with 16.9 mJ/cm2. These results could explain the epidemiological trends of COVID-19 and are important for the development of novel sterilizing methods to contain SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • SARS-CoV-2 / radiation effects*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • Virus Inactivation*
  • Virus Replication / radiation effects*