Ushio Inc. (USHIO), in collaboration with Kobe University, has pioneered a groundbreaking achievement in ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. For the first time globally, the team successfully eliminated resident skin bacteria by directly irradiating human skin with 222-nanometer (nm) light at a high dose of 500 mJ/cm² without causing erythema, a common sign of skin damage. This advancement holds significant implications for both medical and non-medical applications, particularly in infection control.
The Challenges of Traditional UVC Light
Historically, 254-nm UVC light has been employed to combat drug-resistant bacteria due to its strong disinfecting capabilities. However, direct exposure to this wavelength at doses as low as 10 mJ/cm² can cause sunburn-like skin redness, rendering it unsafe for use on the human body. This limitation has restricted the broader application of UVC light in healthcare settings, despite its potential.
The Promise of 222-nm Light
Recent clinical studies have shown that 222-nm light offers a safer alternative. When applied to the skin at 500 mJ/cm², this wavelength effectively disinfects without causing acute injury, opening new avenues for its use in UV sterilization and disinfection across various fields.
Expert Perspectives on the Breakthrough
Professor Ryosuke Kuroda, a leading researcher at Kobe University, emphasized the potential impact of this innovation on surgical procedures. He noted that postoperative infections are a significant risk, and the availability of 222-nm UVC light for disinfecting operating rooms and surgical sites could dramatically reduce this risk, leading to safer surgical outcomes.
Mr. Tatsushi Igarashi, representing USHIO’s Corporate R&D Division, highlighted the broader implications of this technology. Beyond the operating room, 222-nm UVC light shows promise for infection prevention in everyday settings, such as hand disinfection and air sterilization in occupied spaces. USHIO is committed to commercializing this technology for both medical and non-medical uses, contributing to a safer and healthier society.
Ongoing Research and Future Applications
USHIO is actively collaborating with research institutions worldwide to ensure the safety and efficacy of their 222-nm ultraviolet irradiation device, known as SafeZone UVC®. Studies are underway to confirm that the device does not cause chronic skin disorders, such as cancer, or eye damage. The aim is to commercialize SafeZone UVC for use in surgical sterilization and broader infection prevention measures.
Potential Applications of 222-nm UVC Technology
The potential applications of this technology are vast, including:
- Disinfection of surgical sites during operations
- Treatment of chronic wounds infected by bacteria
- Prevention of the spread of airborne and contact-transmitted viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses
- Hand disinfection and enhanced hygiene in public spaces
- Sterilization of environments like hospitals, airplanes, food processing facilities, and more
Study Methodology
The clinical study, conducted by Kobe University and USHIO, involved 20 healthy volunteers. Researchers irradiated a 10×10 mm area on each participant’s hand with 222-nm light at various doses, observing no signs of erythema 24 hours post-exposure. Further tests on a larger area demonstrated a significant reduction in skin bacteria, reinforcing the disinfection potential of 222-nm light.
Technical Insights: Narrow Band-Spectrum Ultraviolet Technology
The SafeZone UVC device utilizes a krypton chloride (KrCl) excimer lamp with a peak output at 222 nm. A specialized filter blocks harmful wavelengths above 230 nm, allowing the light to penetrate and kill bacteria without damaging human cells. This innovation dramatically reduces the biological damage typically associated with UV light, making it a safer option for disinfection.
The method was initially discovered by a research team led by Professor Brenner at Columbia University, and USHIO holds an exclusive worldwide license for its application. The safety and efficacy of this approach have been confirmed through various animal studies, and ongoing clinical trials are assessing its effectiveness in human applications.
Conclusion
USHIO’s pioneering work with 222-nm UVC light represents a significant advancement in the field of disinfection. As the technology progresses toward commercialization, it promises to play a crucial role in enhancing safety across both medical and non-medical environments, offering a powerful tool in the fight against infections.
Additional Information and Product Integration
The My Lumens Artemis Far UVC Disinfection Devices incorporate USHIO’s Care222® module, offering flexible solutions tailored to market needs. These devices are easy to install, blend seamlessly into their surroundings, and feature indirect lighting that reduces eye strain, ensuring both safety and comfort.
In an era where infection prevention is more critical than ever, USHIO’s technology stands out as a beacon of innovation and safety. As the world continues to face challenges from various pathogens, the deployment of 222-nm UVC light could become a key strategy in protecting public health.