P-1608. Inactivating Effect of 222-nm Far Ultraviolet-C Irradiation on Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 in Solution

TL;DR

This study shows that 222-nm UVC light effectively inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols and solutions, with similar efficiency to other UVC wavelengths.

Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on the inactivation efficacy of 222-nm UVC against airborne SARS-CoV-2.

Findings

222-nm UVC inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols with a rate constant of 1.06 cm²/mJ.

The inactivation rate in diluted solution (1.13 cm²/mJ) is comparable to aerosolized virus.

RNA copy numbers remained consistent across fluence levels, indicating effective inactivation.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted by droplets, aerosols, and contact. Recent studies have demonstrated the effect of 254-nm, 265-nm, and 280-nm UVC on inactivating aerosolized SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of 222-nm far ultraviolet-C (UVC) light on the inactivation of airborne SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 in solution.Dose response of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 to 222-nm UVC irradiationDashed lines represent linear regression results computed from experimental data. The mean (± standard error) pseudo-first-order inactivation rate constant (k) values (cm2/mJ) and adjusted R2 values are listed. Solid symbols with a black edge represent two samples with the same UV dose response overlapping in the plot.

Dose response of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 to 222-nm UVC irradiation

Dashed lines represent linear regression results computed from experimental data. The mean (± standard error) pseudo-first-order inactivation rate constant (k) values (cm2/mJ) and adjusted R2 values are listed. Solid symbols with a black edge represent two samples with the same UV dose response overlapping in the plot.

Virus inactivation experiments were performed using our custom-built benchtop aerosol irradiation chamber which generated, exposed, and collected aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2. The effect of 222-nm UVC on inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in thin-film solution was also determined. The titer of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated using the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50). SARS-CoV-2 solution of approximately 108 TCID50/mL in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's minimum essential medium (DMEM) without fetal calf serum was used.

The mean (± standard error) inactivation rate constants for virus solutions diluted 10-fold and 100-fold in PBS were 0.89 (± 0.043) cm2/mJ and 1.13 (± 0.057) cm2/mJ, respectively. The mean (± standard error) inactivation rate constant for aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 was 1.06 (± 0.082) cm2/mJ (Figure). The number of copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the samples at each fluence were similar.

The inactivation effect of 222-nm UVC irradiation on aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 was similar to that on SARS-CoV-2 in DMEM diluted 100-fold in PBS. Further evaluation of efficacy of 222-nm UVC irradiation in inactivating airborne SARS-CoV-2 under real-world conditions is needed.

All Authors: No reported disclosures

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