How can UVC light kill bacteria?

During the 1930’s it was discovered that UVC light could be used for disinfection by killing microorganisms. Since then, hospitals and other medical facilities have been using UVC light as part of their routine cleaning.

But science has come a long way, and with a UVC lamp as an optional upgrade on our all-new Ulti Roll Entry, we’re delving into the details to find out how it works, what it does, and why it’s the solution for Ulti-mate hygiene.

What is germicidal ultraviolet light?

Essentially, UVC light uses short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation between 200nm to 280nm. Due to this, UVC light is germicidal. Or in other words, it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, virus and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease.

Image Source: https://www.lindequipment.net/what-is-uvc

How does UV-C disinfection work?

As evident by multiple research studies and reports, when biological organisms are exposed to deep UV light in the range of 200 nm to 300 nm it is absorbed by DNA, RNA, and proteins. Specifically, UVC light penetrates the cells and causing damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of such bonds prevent the DNA from being unzipped for replication, and the organism is unable to reproduce. In fact, when the organism tries to replicate, it dies.

Absorption by proteins can lead to rupture of cell walls and death of the organism. Absorption by DNA or RNA (specifically by thymine bases) is known to cause inactivation of the DNA or RNA double helix strands through the formation of thymine dimers. If enough of these dimers are created in DNA, the DNA replication process is disrupted, and the cell cannot replicate.

CELLS THAT CANNOT REPLICATE, CANNOT INFECT.

So what about the Ulti Roll Entry’s Integrated UVC Light?

As an optional upgrade, our brand new Ulti Roll Entry has an UVC lamp with 253.7nm UV rays and can deactivate various kinds of bacteria, viruses, and moulds in the air, thus creating a cleaner environment.

* For UV air sterilisation function of the Ulti Roll Entry in the 60ni space, (based on 100 bacteria or virus), 58 airborne bacteria in 1hr and 48 airborne viruses in 30 mins, will be sterilised.* Tests undertaken by Korean Testing Laboratory (KTL)

Benefits of germicidal UVC Light

Ultraviolet technology is a non-chemical approach to disinfection. In this method of disinfection, nothing is added which makes this process simple, inexpensive and requires very low maintenance. The principle of design is based on a product of time and intensity – you must have a certain amount of both for a successful design. UVC light can and has been used to disinfect and purify water, air and also surfaces and has multiple benefits over other traditional methods:

No chemicals are used during UVC light disinfecting processes

No chance of overdose from breathing in chemicals

No toxins

No by-products

No storage of hazardous materials (Although, using chemicals along with UVC light kills almost all pathogens)

UVC light kills MORE bacteria and viruses than just cleaning alone

UVC LED lights contain no mercury content to potentially be exposed too, making it a safe option

UVC LEDs have a longer lifetime value

And…. UVC radiation has been shown to destroy the outer protein coating of the SARS Coronavirus, safely and effectively inactivating the virus and thus protecting your team and your facility from disease!

With facts like this, there’s no hiding the effectiveness of a UVC lamp on your high-speed entry door. So if you’re keen on Ulti-mate hygiene, get in touch or check out our Ulti Roll Entry!