Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the limitations in scientific and engineering understanding of applying germicidal UV to surfaces. This study combines surface characterization, viral retention, and the related UV dose response to evaluate the effectiveness of UV254 as a viral inactivation technology on five surfaces: aluminum, ceramic, Formica laminate, PTFE (TeflonTM), and stainless steel. Images of each surface were determined using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), which produced a detailed characterization of the surfaces at a nanometer scale. From the SEM images, the porosity of each surface type was calculated. Through further analysis, it was determined that porosity, surface roughness, contact angle, and zeta potential correlate to viral retention on the surface. The imaging revealed that the aluminum surface, after repeated use and disinfection, is highly oxidized, increasing surface area and porosity. These interactions are important as they prevented the recovery of MS-2 without exposure to UV254. The dose response curve for PTFE was steeper than ceramic, Formica laminate and stainless steel, as inactivation to the detection limit was achieved at 25 mJ/cm2. These findings are consistent with well-established literature indicating UV reflectivity of PTFE is maximized. Statistical testing reinforced that the efficacy of UV254 for surface disinfection varies by surface type.

Department

Civil Engineering; Data Catalog

Publication Date

12-19-2022

Grant/Award Number and Agency

UNH Grant Codes: 14B411 and 1ddJM2

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://dx.doi.org/10.34051/d/2022.4

Document Type

Data Set

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