Learn how UV light inactivates pathogens

How Does UV Light Inactivate Pathogens?

Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) is often referred to as “the building blocks of life”. Each and every cell of a living organism contains DNA, which acts as the “blueprint” by which the cell is able to function and reproduce. UVC light is able to penetrate the cells of microorganisms and disrupt the structure of their DNA molecules (Figure 3). In doing so, the microorganism is prohibited from surviving and/or reproducing, thereby rendering it inactive and no longer pathogenic. This may at first seem to be a very simple principle, however many barriers exist that can potentially prohibit the UVC light effectively penetrating the target organism’s cells. For this reason, it is important that a UV system is carefully selected to ensure these barriers are effectively mitigated

Author:

Graham Smith. Fluidquip Australia Pty Ltd.