Germicidal Potential and Skin Compatibility of an Innovative UVC Phototherapy Device Emitting at 234 nm

Details

• Journal Article:
  Photochemistry and Photobiology
• Personal Author:
  Tang, Zheng ; Welch, David ; Buonanno, Manuela ; Gerber, Mark ; Brenner, David J.
• Description:
  Chronic wounds are a major healthcare issue affecting more than 10 million Americans each year, with a 5-year survival similar to cancer and costing the healthcare system billions of dollars annually. Current solutions, such as antiseptics and antibiotics, can be toxic to cells or contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Exposure to germicidal ultraviolet radiation (GUV) at 254 nm has been reported as an effective method for chronic wound management. However, concerns about the health hazards from exposure to 254 nm radiation have limited its use for wound management applications. In contrast, wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation in the range of 200-235 nm have exhibited similar germicidal ability but with a lower penetration range in tissue, potentially making those wavelengths better suited for chronic wound disinfection. In this study, a novel phototherapy device emitting principally at 234 nm was used to assess the killing efficacy against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Potential health hazards from exposure using the device were evaluated using a 3D human skin model. The ultraviolet exposure device tested in this study shows promise for effective decontamination of chronic nonhealing wounds without associated health hazards.
• Subjects:
  Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Occupational Health Safety Ultraviolet Rays
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Antimicrobial; Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers; Far-UVC; LED; MRSA; Surgical Site Infection; Ultraviolet Radiation Ultraviolet Radiation; Infection Control; Skin Exposure; Light Waves; Antimicrobials; Germicides; Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus; MRSA;
• Source:
  Photochem Photobiol 2026 Mar/Apr; 102(2):411-417
• ISSN:
  0031-8655
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  New York ; Florida ; New York City Region [OSHA] ; Atlanta Region [OSHA] ; Birmingham Region [OSHA]
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  7 pdf pages
• Volume:
  102
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20071336
• Contact Point Address:
  David Welch, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
• Email:
  dw2600@cumc.columbia.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2026
• NORA Priority Area:
  Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Performing Organization:
  Columbia University Health Sciences
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20220930
• End Date:
  20260929
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:89fbaa36dcaa525d02bdda5f8e5a762433bbbdac0346d7c6127f4ad28e29beb758ff6a82ea704c84ffb544762e2f7ffaa7d3def2784c68a0a930c73c4dc0d5c7
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/258812/cdc_258812_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 431.66 KB ]