Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research

Muhammet Arucu; Mustafa Tasci; Taner Kalaycı

doi:10.38088/jise.1691959

Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has emerged as a powerful, non-chemical disinfection method, gaining significant attention for its ability to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms, particularly viruses, amid global public health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of UV-based viral inactivation technologies, with a focus on ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) using the UV-C spectrum (200-280 nm). It explores the fundamental physical principles of UV radiation, the photochemical mechanisms disrupting microbial DNA and RNA, and the critical parameters influencing disinfection efficacy, including UV dose, irradiance, wavelength, exposure time, and environmental conditions. Theoretical frameworks are supported by calculations and experimental data to evaluate the impact of material properties, surface characteristics, and atmospheric factors on UV performance. The study critically assesses UVGI applications in diverse settings, such as healthcare facilities, public spaces, ventilation systems, and water treatment, while addressing safety considerations, technological limitations, and potential health risks associated with UV exposure. By synthesizing theoretical insights, experimental findings, and a detailed review of UV sensitivity across various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, this work highlights the high susceptibility of viral pathogens to UV-C radiation. It also examines the implications of RNA mutations on UV efficacy and provides estimated inactivation doses for a range of microorganisms. These findings underscore the potential of UV-based technologies as a cornerstone of modern infection control strategies, offering insights into optimizing system design and implementation for effective microbial inactivation while ensuring safety and scalability in real-world applications.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Nonlinear Optics and Spectroscopy

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Muhammet Arucu ^*
0000-0001-7620-9044
Türkiye

Mustafa Tasci
0000-0002-8073-8587
Türkiye

Taner Kalaycı
0000-0002-6374-2373
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

September 18, 2025

Publication Date

December 15, 2025

Submission Date

May 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 7, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1691959

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA32KM64SZ

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Arucu, M., Tasci, M., & Kalaycı, T. (2025). Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, 9(2), 232-246. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1691959

AMA

1.Arucu M, Tasci M, Kalaycı T. Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research. JISE. 2025;9(2):232-246. doi:10.38088/jise.1691959

Chicago

Arucu, Muhammet, Mustafa Tasci, and Taner Kalaycı. 2025. “Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 9 (2): 232-46. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1691959.

EndNote

Arucu M, Tasci M, Kalaycı T (December 1, 2025) Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 9 2 232–246.

IEEE

[1]M. Arucu, M. Tasci, and T. Kalaycı, “Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research”, JISE, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 232–246, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.38088/jise.1691959.

ISNAD

Arucu, Muhammet - Tasci, Mustafa - Kalaycı, Taner. “Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 9/2 (December 1, 2025): 232-246. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1691959.

JAMA

1.Arucu M, Tasci M, Kalaycı T. Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research. JISE. 2025;9:232–246.

MLA

Arucu, Muhammet, et al. “Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, vol. 9, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 232-46, doi:10.38088/jise.1691959.

Vancouver

1.Muhammet Arucu, Mustafa Tasci, Taner Kalaycı. Ultraviolet-Based Viral Inactivation: A Critical Examination of Current Research. JISE. 2025 Dec. 1;9(2):232-46. doi:10.38088/jise.1691959