The UV radiation can be classified into three types according to their wavelength (UVA, UVB and UVC). These UV wavelengths differ in their biological activity and the extent to which they penetrate inside cells and microorganisms.
Out of these three, UVC has the highest disinfectant capacity because of its shorter wavelength and ability of this wavelength to interact with the RNA and DNA of the cells and microbes [1].
COVID -19 is from the coronavirus family and resembles SARS virus that was identified in 2002. Both these viruses attack primarily therespiratory system by rapidly multiplying itself inside the cells of human respiratory tract. To replicate itself these virus inserts its genetic instructions (RNA or DNA ) into the human cells which then reads the instructions and makes multiple copies of itself.
Upon exposing COVID-19 virus toUVC light, it penetrates the virus shell and reaches its RNA strand. Therays areabsorbed by (nucleotides) of virus RNA (Figure 1)and cause photochemical fusion of two adjacent nucleotides (Figure 2).This process permanently changes the structure of virus RNA rendering it incapable of infecting any live cell. Thus preventing chances of further infection.
A Portable UV Disinfection Chamber
CoronaOven is a patent protected,UVC Chamber that effectively disinfects all types of surfaces which might be contaminated from any COVID-19virus, bacteria & other germs / pathogens.
| Top Open Design UV Light Indicator Safety Switch 4 Minute Disinfection* Zero Chemical Note: *For high risk environments, disinfection cycle of 2X is recommended. |
Uniquely designed for delivering UV light for 100% surface coverage
CoronaOven’s patent pending proprietary design has been specifically engineered, by taking into consideration, the cell structure & other characteristics of the “Corona Family of Viruses”. CoronaOven provides accurate and necessary energy on each point on the surface of an object to be decontaminated.
- 3600 Exposure
- Multi focal UV Light
- 100% Surface Coverage
The method by which a UV light renders a virus such as Coronaviruses inactive is as following
Upon exposing a virus to UV light, the UV light penetrates the virus shell and reaches to the virus RNA or DNA. A virus RNA or DNA is like a long-stretched rope with ladder steps on it. These ladders are called nucleotides. UV light of a particular dose causes photochemical fusion of two nucleotides which are close to each other. This photochemical fusion is like chemically welding of nucleotides which permanently damages the RNA or DNA of the virus and hence renders them inactive. For more detailed study on this
subject please visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10827179
We can look to previous coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, for insight. Studies on both SARS and MERS show that UV light could inactivate these viruses.
To inactivate viruses using UV light two key aspects are important.
- Selection of appropriate UV light wavelength to which a virus is susceptible
- Generating appropriate UV light exposure such that it causes the necessary damage to the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a virus.
A team at the university of Nebraska Medical Center recently evaluated Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) and its effect on Decontamination and Reuse of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators where they reported literature references supporting that UVGI exposures of 1 J/cm2 are capable of decontaminating influenza virus on N95 FFRs and exposures as low as of 2-5 mJ/cm2 are capable inactivating coronaviruses on surfaces. [2],[3]. The Nebraska Medical Center evaluated UVGI exposure in the range of 60 mJ/cm2 to 300 mJ/cm2 and reported that UVGI exposures were validated to reduce 6 log of bacterial and viral surrogate organisms [4].US FDA and NIH also investigated these two aspects of UV light on inactivating Coronavirus called the SARS-CoV1 virus [5]. In short, the FDA and NIH study showed thatUV light with a wavelength of 254 nm could create enough damage to the RNA of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV1) rendering the virus inactive. SARS-CoV1 is closestvirus to COVID – 19 (SARS-CoV2). Both viruses have similar genetic molecules (RNA) and has approximately same size, shape and outer covering shell making them susceptible to similar damage profile caused by UVC light. Different viruses are sensitive to different UVexposure which were extensively detailed by Kowalski et al [6]. Moreover Eickmann et. al [7] published data on inactivation of Coronaviruses in platelet concentrates and plasma .
CoronaOven is specifically designed and calibrated as per the above-mentionedstudies to deliver the recommended UVC wavelength and the recommended UVC dose per cm2 on the surface of an object placed inside the Oven. Moreover, CoronaOven’s unique 360-degree illumination design ensures that each point on the surface of an object placed inside the CoronaOven receives the required wavelength and the required UV dose without generation of a shadow area. At Log9 we have extensively tested the performance of the CoronaOven using light wave simulation and actual meter reading to confirm that the necessary wavelength and energy is maintained on the surface of an object placed inside it. Our light dosimetry calculation confirms that in a short time exposure, each object placed inside the CoronaOven receives the necessary UVC dose as detailed out by the above-mentioned research papers. At Log9 we are committed to bringing scientific and safe solutions to our collective fight against COVID-19. The CoronaOven is expected to reduce the surface to human infection both at the front-line hospitals for our doctors and healthcare staff and at home.
CoronaOven is specifically designed and calibrated as per the FDA and NIH research paper mentioned above to deliver the recommended UVC wavelength and the recommended UVC dose per cm2 on the surface of an object placed inside the Oven. Moreover, CoronaOven’s unique 360-degree illumination design ensures that each point on the surface of an object placed inside the CoronaOven receives the required wavelength and the required UV dose without generation of a shadow area.
| CoronaOven |
Most UV boxes in market, in saloons and in hospitals were designed for broad spectrum UV light and not specifically for delivering 254 nm UVC. Moreover, UV light placement in such boxes does not ensure 360-degree irradiation. This leads to generation of shadow areas on objects placed inside these boxes which leaves patches of unexposed surfaces making such UV boxes unsuitable for decontaminating all surfaces at the same time. Also, such commercial boxes are not calibrated to deliver the UV light dose as per the FDA and NIH research paper mentioned above, making them highly ineffective in inactivating Coronaviruses.
CoronaOven is designed with Safety First features
CoronaOven is made up of UV-C safe materials which not only ensure safe operations of the equipment but also ensures UV-C blockage to ensure that outside personnel do not get affected with the UV-C light. For example, the UVC doesn’t start till the chamber is closed which is made sure using the right switches. Also the internal surface of the chamber is completely reflective and the main body is made-up of UV blocking material to make sure safety for operator
.
Yes, CoronaOven can be used for masks, eye shields and other PPE that can be put inside the CoronaOven.
Published data on 15 different N95 masks treated with UV-C confirmed that UV-C light could effectively decontaminate virus infection on N95 masks.
A team of scientists from the US evaluated impact of UV-C On decontaminating 15 different models of N95 models contaminated with H1N1 influenza. Their results [8] showed significant reductions (≥3 log) in influenza viability from the tested N95 masks after treatment with UV-C light clearly establishing the groundwork that N95 masks can be disinfected with UV-C light irradiation. Their data suggested clearly that N95 Mask decontamination and reuse using UV-C can be an effective method.
Is UV light safe for N95 masks
A general N95 respiratory mask comprises of four layers of material:
Layer 1: Outer layer of spun-bond polypropylene
Layer 2: Cellulose/polyester
Layer 3: Melt-blown polypropylene filter material
| A team of scientist from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC (USA) published a detailed scientific paper in 2015 in the journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene [9] where they evaluated effects of UV radiation on four models of N95 mask. The team exposed both sides of material coupons and respirator straps from the four N95 masks to UV-C doses from 120–950 J/cm2. The CDC team tested the particle penetration, flow resistance, and bursting strengths of the individual respirator coupon layers, and the breaking strength of the respirator straps to UV-C doses of 120–950 J/cm2. |
Layer 4: Spun-bound polypropylene.
The CDC team clearly showed that UV exposure led to a small increase in particle penetration (up to 1.25%) at high UV dosage and had little effect on the flow resistance. The team also showed that at high UV dose the strength of the layers of respirator material was reduced. Such reduction in strength was directly proportional to the UV dose used.
50X to 300X lower UV exposure ensures safe decontamination of N95 mask
Healthcare workers and support staff are working in close proximity with COVID-19 infected patients and Corona virus infected surface. CoronaOven would play a pivotal role in reducing surface to human infection in such settings by decontaminating and sterilizing PPE for reuse by healthcare teams. Since most PPE such as masks, eye wear are in severe shortage, CoronaOven could provide a viable option for quick sterilization and reuse of such PPE and lower the pressure on PPE inventory. CoronaOven can also be used for flash sterilization of medical equipmentand parts which are reusable inventory such as intubation tube etc to prevent surface to human transmission.
CoronaOven has also been designed with the home user in mind.
Groceries and other house supplies can be kept in CoronaOven for UV decontamination cycles.
In 2015 FDA [10] approved the use of UVC light in the processing of fruit juices to reduce the microbial load. In food industry UV-C is already being used to decontaminate food [11],[12] and increase the shelf life by eliminating surface microorganisms. Userscan use CoronaOven for decontaminating milk packets,groceries, everydayvegetables, fruits, kitchen utensils, water bottles, baby milk bottles, toys, keys, TV remote, clothes,slippers and any day to day items. CoronaOven works on multiple surfaces such as plastic, paper, metal, leather and fabric making it a versatile, nonchemical disinfection system.
UVC light has very limited penetration and cannot penetrate opaque, solid objects and hence can be effective in sanitizing food item surfaces. Treatment with UV-C light offers several advantages for food sanitization as it does not leave any residue chemicalsin treated food, it is easy to use and lethal to most types of microorganisms.
Yes, electronic devices can be disinfected.
No, it may cause structural changes in the medicines which may alter the drug composition. We do not recommend use of CoronaOven for sterilizing medicines.
In general, UV-C radiations cannot generate ozone destroying molecules.
UVV or Vacuum UV light is the fourth part of the ultraviolet spectrum which is responsible for ozone degradation as it operates in the range 100-200 nm. Some UVC devices also produce light in this wavelength but not CoronaOven.
| 4minutes |
A treatment duration of 4 minutesshall be sufficient enough to sanitize and disinfect the surfaces properly. However, it depends on the object being placed for disinfection.
253.7nm is the wavelength of UV-C being used here because at this the germicidal activity is maximum.
Normal UVC lamps have a life span of 11,000 hours or 12 months of continuous usage. The lamps might run longer than the expected lifespan. It is generally recommended to change the UVC lamps after the recommended period.
Normal UVC lamps have a life span of 11,000 hours or 12 months of
continuous usage. The lamps might run longer than the expected
lifespan. It is generally recommended to change the UVC lamps after
the recommended period.
Cleaning is generally not required after every usage but the whole chamber should be cleaned every month to clean the dust deposited over the surfaces and lamps in order to improve the lifespan of UV lamps
