Oh, the power of light.
Both ultraviolet light and antimicrobial LED can be powerful tools when it comes to killing microorganisms on surfaces.
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What is UV light?
Over 140 years ago, scientists discovered the antibacterial effects of sunlight. They determined that shorter wavelengths of the solar spectrum were more effective at neutralizing viruses and bacteria. It is now widely known that there are substantial germicidal and bactericidal effects from UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A light spectrums.
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How does UV light disinfect?
UV light produces electromagnetic energy that can destroy the ability of microorganisms to reproduce and by causing photo-chemical reactions in nucleic acids (DNA & RNA). The ultraviolet energy triggers the formation of specific thymine or cytosine dimers in DNA and uracil dimers in RNA, which causes inactivation of microbes by causing mutations and/or cell death and failure to reproduce.
Is using UV light safe?
People and animals should not be exposed to broad spectrum UV (pulsed-Xenon) or some potentially harmful wavelength of UV-C (mercury vapor technology or UV-LED). We have designed our products with multiple levels of redundancy to ensure pathogens are inactivated, and people remain safe at all times. Our 222nm PURO Far-UVC and VYV non-UV products, however, are able to be operated continually while people are present in the space.
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What if I don't want UV light?
Antimicrobial LED technology is a newer class of clean light technology that harnesses its microbial killing power from the visible light spectrum. Antimicrobial LED is measured at wavelengths of 380-750 nm, which is outside the UV light spectrum. Vyv’s LED technology is specifically engineered to produce an abundance of light in the 400-420 nm range. This light range has been shown to both kill and prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold, and mildew.
What is the difference?
Antimicrobial LEDs do their work by killing microbial cells through photoactivating particular types of porphyrin molecules that are present exclusively in these microbial cells, which are found deep within the gut of humans where light cannot penetrate. When activated, these porphyrins produce excessive Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Once an excess of ROS builds up inside the cells, they become toxic, causing the destruction of cellular structures and ultimately lead to cell death.
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This action of killing microorganisms is completely different than that of UV light. UV penetrates and damages DNA leaving cells unable to perform vital functions, leading to cell death. UV light affects DNA in humans, adversely impacting our skin and eyes. Antimicrobial LED does not have any impact on DNA and this light frequency meets the international standard (set by the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC) for continuous and unrestricted use around people, animals and plants.
Have more questions?
The Stout Technologies team is available Monday thru Friday from 8:00AM until 5:00PM and would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have. Additionally, you can find more information about our solutions by clicking the button below or using the "resources" page to download and browse the most up to date product news and details.
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