A team of American researchers developed an effective method to inhibit the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes covid-19, by exposing it to a unit of biological light that emits safe waves of visible blue light, according to a study. published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.
While ultraviolet light represents a highly effective sterilization method and has already been shown to be effective in inactivating viruses on different surfaces, its use is limited as it also exhibits the risk of mutations.
In order to develop a safe tool to inhibit the replication of the coronavirus, scientists from EmitBio, MRIGlobal, and Utah State University developed a biological light unit It contains LED arrays with a low emission profile. Its safety for human cells was evaluated in 3D models of tissue developed from cells in the tracheal and bronchial areas of a donor. These models, in turn, were exposed to light with a wavelength of 385 nm, 405 nm, and 425 nm.
After the experiment, it was found that exposing the models to 385 nm and 405 nm resulted in a decrease in cell viability of 50% and 25%, respectively. However, exposure to visible blue light with a wavelength of 425 nm It turned out to be a safe dose, as it showed almost no ability to damage tissue.
Capable of reducing playback by 99%
In the next phase of the experiment, scientists discovered that the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, SARS-CoV severe acute respiratory syndrome, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in infected cells decreased with exposure dose. In particular, it was revealed that 5 minutes of low exposure to a light with wavelength 425 nm it was sufficient for the reproductive capacity of SARS-CoV-2 to be reduced by more than 99% in the next 24 hours. A separate experiment outside of cells showed similar results.
“The need to return individuals safely to workplaces and schools will likely require multiple additional protection strategies beyond vaccination that enhance current public health measures,” the scientists argue.
In this way, the researchers estimate that the use of visible blue light with a wavelength of 425 nm to disinfect facilities, the oral area and the throat could be key to slowing the transmission of the coronavirus and helping society to return to The normality.
