Recent developments in deep-ultraviolet sterilization of human respiratory RNA viruses

Abstract

Deep-ultraviolet (DUV) sterilization technology using DUV-LEDs has attracted considerable attention owing to its portability, eco-friendliness, high potency, and broad-spectrum sterilization. This study compiles the developments of recent DUV sterilization research. Recent works have investigated DUV sterilization from the perspective of device improvement and principle investigation: one employed a novel epitaxial structure to optimize the performance and fabrication cost of DUV-LEDs and realized potent virus disinfection effects for various respiratory RNA viruses, and another work explained the disinfection phenomenon of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants (Delta and Omicron) in a cryogenic environment. These studies have contributed significantly to the development of DUV sterilization.