GE Current, a Daintree company, has completed in-situation testing of its 365DisInFx™ UVC disinfection technology LPU series devices utilizing the aerosolized virus, bacteriophage MS2.
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The LPU is a breakthrough technology that helps target the inactivation of aerosolized viruses like seasonal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 (Photo: Business Wire)
This benchmark testing with the bacteriophage MS2 resulted in 88% inactivation of the aerosolized virus in a 10-by-10-by-8-foot room within 4 hours. Applying the test results to 24-hour continuous operation of the 365DisInFx™ LPU would result in 44% inactivation of bacteriophage MS2 in 2 hours.
Bacteriophage MS2 is a nonenveloped virus that is commonly used as a surrogate for viruses that are pathogenic to humans. It is particularly useful as a surrogate because published scientific testing and literature supports that bacteriophage MS2 is more resistant to UVC than certain enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses and influenza.
Based on photobiological science and mathematical modeling, Current anticipates equivalent or better results for seasonal coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2. When properly installed and configured for the space, continuous operation of the 365DisInFx™ LPU should provide 50% inactivation in the first hour of exposure, 90% inactivation (1 log) in 3 hours or less of exposure, and 99% inactivation (2 log) in 6 hours or less of exposure. Current continues to conduct additional confirmatory testing.
“These results validate months of tireless effort and years of learnings from our technology team to deliver results with industry-first low-dose UVC LED in room aerosol testing,” says Tom Boyle, chief technology officer, Current. “Because our device emits low-dose UVC, it can operate continuously to help reduce viral load in occupied spaces.”
First UVC-LED solution of its kind
Current’s LPU is a novel UVC-LED emitter that is similar in size and appearance to a standard smoke detector, which allows for easy configuration of multiple devices as needed for use in occupied spaces of varying sizes, with mounting heights from 8.5 to 11 feet.
When installed and used correctly, LPU devices emit UVC at levels that are below both the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62471 Photobiological Safety for Lamps and Lamp Systems standard and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) TLVs® guidelines for exposure up to 24 hours a day. Both the IEC 62471 standard and ACGIH® guidelines for ultraviolet radiation are extensively researched and based on human and laboratory studies.*
Coming soon
Customer interest has surged since Current announced the 365DisInFx™ LPU in September. Orders are now being accepted and the company has initiated numerous pilot installations to demonstrate how viricidal lighting, when used in conjunction with proper PPE, cleaning protocols and HVAC filtration, can be part of an indoor disinfection strategy. The new product—backed by breakthrough patent pending technology—is intended for use in commercial spaces such as offices, stores, and public buildings, particularly in high-traffic areas like elevators, restrooms, and meeting rooms.
Current also announced its intent to manufacture the LPU device in its award-winning intelligent factory located in Hendersonville, North Carolina. “This is a high-technology solution. The advanced manufacturing assets and the people skills at Hendersonville will allow us to quickly ramp up production before the year-end,” says Dave Martin, Hendersonville plant leader.
365DisInFx™ UVC technology is proven to help inactivate airborne viruses and can be used in conjunction with 365DisInFx™ UVA technology from Current, which is proven to reduce some common bacteria and fungi on surfaces.** Together, the technologies bring customers with high-traffic areas an additive disinfection solution to help reduce both air and surface pathogens in indoor spaces.
Learn about Current’s around-the-clock air and surface disinfection products at 365DisInFx.com.
* UV radiation can pose a risk of personal injury. Overexposure can result in damage to eyes and bare skin. To reduce risk of overexposure, equipment must be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s site planning and application recommendations, including minimum ceiling height restrictions.
- UV solutions are intended for common high-traffic spaces and not recommended for dwellings or home use.
- Installation of the devices should be performed by qualified professionals as detailed in Current’s installation guide.
- To allow for occupancy during use, Current products comply with IEC 62471 – Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems standards and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) TLVs® guidelines when installed as directed.
- Current UV products are meant to be used in conjunction with other protective measures like manual cleaning and the use of proper PPE. They are not a substitute for other measures.
- Current products are not intended to be used as a stand-alone disinfection solution or a medical device.
- If combining two or more UV solutions, whether from GE Current, a Daintree company, and/or other manufacturers, please consult a trained product application representative to ensure the total irradiance (UV dose) does not exceed recommended human exposure limits. To the extent UV solutions are combined, it may impact inactivation rates.
** 365DisInFx™ UVA disinfection technology was tested using in vitro methods (as described in Livingston, Kvam1,2) which resulted in 99.7% reduction in MRSA on surfaces over a single 8-hour exposure period. Results of this testing also showed significant reduction over a similar exposure period of certain common pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and auris, associated with Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs).
| 1. |
Livingston SH, Cadnum JL, Benner KJ, Donskey CJ (2020) Efficacy of an ultraviolet-A lighting system for continuous decontamination of health care-associated pathogens on surfaces. Am. J. Infect. Control 48: 337-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2019.08.003 |
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• inoculated steel disk carriers, modification of ASTM E-2197-02 |
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• using a benchtop device that delivered the 3W/m² irradiance |
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Kvam E, Benner K (2017) Disinfection via LED Lighting: summary of mechanism and results for 365 nm-mediated inactivation of microbes. GE Global Research Technical Information Series 2017GRC0545, GE Confidential (Class 3). |
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Kvam E, Benner K. Mechanistic insights into UV-A mediated bacterial disinfection via endogenous photosensitizers. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 2020 May 22. DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111899. |
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• inoculated steel disk carriers, modification of ASTM E-2197-02 |
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• using a benchtop device that delivered the 3W/m² irradiance |
About GE Current, a Daintree company:
Current enhances commercial, industrial, city and specialty applications with advanced lighting and intelligent controls. Working with our partners, we deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers. See why Current is always on at www.gecurrent.com.
© 2020 Current Lighting Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. GE is a trademark of the General Electric Company and is used under license. Information provided is subject to change without notice. All values are design or typical values when measured under laboratory conditions.
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