Scientists have discovered a way to “switch off” harmful Covid-19 particles using ultraviolet (UV) light, potentially helping to clean public spaces.
The team from the University of Southampton found that UV laser light can target the virus’s genetic core and protein spikes, both needed for infection.
Professor Sumeet Mahajan, who led the study, said UV light could be useful for decontamination where conventional methods weren’t suitable.
He added that Sars-CoV-2, which caused Covid-19, was especially sensitive to genomic damage, making it a perfect target for light-based decontamination.
Prof Mahajan said: “Light deactivation of airborne viruses offers a versatile tool for disinfection of our public spaces and sensitive equipment that may otherwise prove difficult to decontaminate with conventional methods.”
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