Inactivation of Coronavirus OC43 by Excimer Lamp, UV Lamp, and Deep UV-LED at Irradiation Wavelengths of 222 nm, 254 nm, and 275 nm

Abstract

A viral fluid containing coronavirus OC43 was smeared onto plastic surfaces and irradiated with light at wavelengths of 222, 254, and 275 nm emitted by an excimer lamp, an ultraviolet lamp, and a deep ultraviolet LED, respectively. After irradiation at varying durations, the virus on the plastic surface was collected and the viral activity was measured to compare the viral inactivation capabilities of the three wavelengths. We found that the 275-nm light from the deep ultraviolet LED exhibited an inactivating effect greater than or equal to the 254-nm light from the UV lamp that is used as a sterilizing device in general applications. The results demonstrated the potential of deep ultraviolet LED irradiation for general viral infection control and in the ongoing fight against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.