Development of a UV-LED based surface disinfection system

Respiratory droplets of pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 in the current COVID-19 pandemic, spread not only from person to person via direct contact, but also indirectly via contaminated frequently touched surfaces. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known as the gold standard of disinfection technology, where the DNA of microorganism are damaged by high energy UV photons. The traditional method to produce UV radiation is using medium-pressure or low-pressure mercury lamps, which are bulky, high energy consuming, and not environmentally friendly. An emerging method to produce UV rays is based on semiconductors which is the method utilized in ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). These new sources of radiation have a smaller footprint and instant on-off capability, which make them suitable to be used in many disinfection applications. The goal of this project is to develop an unprecedented UV-LED based disinfection device which can be utilized for the disinfection of various frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and door handles, as one of the most common sources for virus transmission through surface. The system developed in this work can be installed on most of the surfaces to kill harmful pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Faculty Supervisor:

Fariborz Taghipour;Charles Haynes

Student:

Seyyed Arman Hejazi

Partner:

Acuva Technologies Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of British Columbia