UV-C Irradiation Is Highly Effective in Inactivating and Inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 Replication

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). Both virus inactivation and replication inhibition were investigated as a function of these parameters.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 3-log inactivation,and complete inhibition of 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.

Note: Funding: This research was partially supported by a grant from Falk Renewables and it has been carried out in the context of the activities promoted by the Italian Government and in particular, by the Ministries of Health and of University and Research, against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Declaration of Interest: None to declare

Keywords: COVID19, SARS-COV-2, UV-C light, virus inactivation, virus replication inhibition, UC disinfection