Design, Realization, and Test of Ultraviolet-C LED Arrays Suitable for Long-Lasting Irradiation of Biological Samples

Sarah Bollanti; Paolo Di Lazzaro; Francesco Flora; Gian Piero Gallerano; Luca Mezi; Daniele Murra; Massimo Aquilini

doi:10.3390/machines11080792

Machines (Aug 2023)

Design, Realization, and Test of Ultraviolet-C LED Arrays Suitable for Long-Lasting Irradiation of Biological Samples

Sarah Bollanti,
Paolo Di Lazzaro,
Francesco Flora,
Gian Piero Gallerano,
Luca Mezi,
Daniele Murra,
Massimo Aquilini

Affiliations

Sarah Bollanti: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Frascati Research Center, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
Paolo Di Lazzaro: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Frascati Research Center, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
Francesco Flora: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Frascati Research Center, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
Gian Piero Gallerano: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Frascati Research Center, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
Luca Mezi: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Frascati Research Center, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
Daniele Murra: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Frascati Research Center, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy
Massimo Aquilini: ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Fusion and Technology for Nuclear Safety and Security Department, Frascati Research Center, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/machines11080792
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11, no. 8
p. 792

Abstract

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We present the electrical and optical design, assembling, and thorough experimental characterization of two compact arrays of short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) suitable for near-field irradiation. Through a combination of technical expedients, we have achieved effective thermal management such that long-lasting irradiations are possible without appreciable deterioration of UV-C emission. We successfully used these compact UV-C LED arrays for long lasting irradiation tests aimed at generating the biosynthesis of defensive metabolites that enhance the resistance of plants and fruits to pathogen attacks. Finally, we comment on the possibility of implementing these compact UV-C sources on robotic systems to make an automated device suitable to reduce pesticide use in agricultural crops.

Published in Machines

ISSN: 2075-1702 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Technology: Mechanical engineering and machinery
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/machines

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