When working towards sterilization and germicidal applications, UV-C LEDs need to be used as the shorter wavelengths have the greatest effect on the DNA and RNA particles of a pathogen.
DNA and RNA?? … Sounds like Science class, right?
Well here is a brief little ‘sciencey’ rundown on how UV-C LEDs alter DNA and RNA which are essentially the foundation of life, including micro-organisms and pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.). Without this genetic material, a pathogen would be unable to reproduce, thus ending the infectious colony.
Research has found that when exposed to UV-C wavelengths, the thymine and uracil molecules absorb the ultraviolet energy and undergo a chemical change. This change kills the cells due to structural damage and prevents the pathogen from reproducing. This process has been found to work best at or around 265 nanometers. Longer wavelengths like those found in UV-A and UV-B are not absorbed as well and therefore are not great for sterilization use.
