Effective disinfection procedures in healthcare facilities are essential to prevent transmission. Chemical disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) systems and ultraviolet (UV) light are commonly used methods. An emerging method, violet-blue light at 405 nm, has shown promise for surface disinfection. Its antimicrobial properties are based on producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to the inactivation of pathogens. Studies have shown significant efficacy in reducing bacterial levels on surfaces and in the air, reducing nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of violet-blue (405 nm) LED lamps on high-contact surfaces in a hospital infection-control laboratory. High-contact surfaces were sampled before and after 7 days of exposure to violet-blue light. In addition, the effect of violet-blue light on MRSA-contaminated surfaces was investigated. Exposure to violet-blue light significantly reduced the number of bacteria, yeasts and moulds on the sampled surfaces. The incubator handle showed a low microbial load and no growth after irradiation. The worktable and sink showed an inconsistent reduction due to shaded areas. In the second experiment, violet-blue light significantly reduced the microbial load of MRSA on surfaces, with a greater reduction on steel surfaces than on plastic surfaces. Violet-blue light at 405 nm has proven to be an effective tool for pathogen inactivation in healthcare settings Violet-blue light shows promise as an additional and integrated tool to reduce microbial contamination in hospital environments but must be used in combination with standard cleaning practices and infection control protocols. Further research is needed to optimise the violet-blue, 405 nm disinfection method.
Keywords: HAI; LED technology; MRSA; UV radiation; disinfection; surface contamination; violet-blue light.