Asahi Kasei and Nara Medical University Confirm 226 nm UVC LED Efficacy Against SARS-CoV-2 and Verify Reduced Effect on Animal Skin Cells

Asahi Kasei announces the results of joint research with Nara Medical University regarding the efficacy of 226 nm ultraviolet-C (UVC) LEDs in the inactivation of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19, and its effects on animal skin cells.

This is the first study in the world conducted with LEDs of this wavelength, and the results confirm that the 226 nm UVC LEDs are able to quickly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 while having significantly less effect on animal skin cells than 270 nm UVC LEDs.

Crystal IS has commercialized Klaran UVC LEDs in the 260–270 nm wavelength range, and is now supporting the advanced research by Asahi Kasei to reach shorter wavelengths. Recently, Asahi Kasei’s Corporate Research & Development was able to create 226 nm UVC LED prototypes, and tests were conducted for these LEDs regarding their efficacy for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 as well as their effects on animal skin cells.