Blue light inactivation of the enveloped RNA virus Phi6

Objective Ultraviolet radiation is known for its antimicrobial properties but unfortunately, it could also harm humans. Currently, disinfection techniques against SARS-CoV-2 are being sought that can be applied on air and surfaces and which do not pose a relevant thread to humans. In this study, the bacteriophage phi6, which like SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped RNA virus, is irradiated with visible blue light at a wavelength of 455 nm. Results For the first time worldwide, the antiviral properties of blue light around 455 nm can be demonstrated. With a dose of 7200 J/cm(2), the concentration of this enveloped RNA virus can be successfully reduced by more than three orders of magnitude. The inactivation mechanism is still unknown, but the sensitivity ratio of phi6 towards blue and violet light hints towards an involvement of photosensitizers of the host cells. Own studies on coronaviruses cannot be executed, but the results support speculations about blue-susceptibility of coronaviruses, which might allow to employ blue light for infection prevention or even therapeutic applications.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates for the first time the antiviral properties of blue light around 455 nm, showing successful reduction of enveloped RNA virus concentration by more than three orders of magnitude at a dose of 7200 J/cm(2). Although the inactivation mechanism of bacteriophage phi6 is still unknown, the sensitivity ratio towards blue and violet light suggests potential involvement of photosensitizers of the host cells. The results support the speculation that coronaviruses may also be susceptible to blue light, suggesting potential applications in infection prevention or therapy.