Asahi Kasei and Nara Medical University confirm 226 nm UVC LED efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and verify reduced effect on animal skin cells
Düsseldorf, 14 June 2021 – Asahi Kasei announced the results of joint research with Nara Medical University regarding the efficacy of 226 nm ultraviolet-C (UVC) LEDs in the inactivation of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19, and its effects on animal skin cells. This is the first study in the world conducted with LEDs of this wavelength, and the results confirm that the 226 nm UVC LEDs are able to quickly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 while having significantly less effect on animal skin cells than 270 nm UVC LEDs.
The inactivation (killing) of viruses and other pathogens using UV light rather than chemical disinfectants has drawn greater attention with the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, it has been necessary to prevent light from conventional mercury UV lamps (254 nm) and UVC LEDs (260-280 nm) from directly irradiating human skin due to risk of harmful effects. In contrast, UV excimer lamps with a wavelength of 222 nm were introduced last year showing negligible effect on the human body. However, LEDs are more compact and allow greater flexibility in design, have less risk of breaking, and have a quicker startup time than traditional lamps, opening up new potential for smaller, safer, and more responsive applications of UVC light.
Crystal IS, Inc., an Asahi Kasei company, has commercialized Klaran™ UVC LEDs in the 260-270 nm wavelength range, and is now supporting the advanced research by Asahi Kasei to reach shorter wavelengths. Recently, Asahi Kasei“s Corporate Research & Development was able to create 226 nm UVC LED prototypes, and tests with both 226 nm and 270 nm UVC LEDs were conducted regarding their efficacy for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 as well as their effects on animal skin cells. The test results showed that in approximately 6 seconds, 99.9% of COVID-19 was inactivated by both 226 nm and 270 nm UVC LEDs. In addition, the tests confirmed that the 226 nm UVC LED had significantly less of an effect on animal cells than 270 nm LEDs.
These results suggest the possibility that 226 nm UVC LEDs may be safely used to disinfect hands or objects where there are people nearby. Moving forward, further advancements in technology will be necessary before the power of the light emitted from 226 nm UVC LEDs can be improved enough for commercialization. Continued research development by Asahi Kasei is progressing to make this possible.
About Crystal IS
Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company, is a pioneer in the development and commercialization of UVC LEDs based on its proprietary Aluminum Nitride substrate technology. Devices grown on Aluminum Nitride can more effectively (technically and economically) emit at deeper ultraviolet (UVC) wavelengths than devices grown on sapphire. Crystal IS products are used to produce high performance UVC LEDs for disinfection and environmental monitoring in a variety of applications that enhance and sustain life and living around the world. www.cisuvc.com
About the Asahi Kasei Corporation
Asahi Kasei Corporation is a globally active diversified technology company with operations in the Material, Homes, and Health Care business. The Material division encompasses fibers & textiles, petrochemicals, performance polymers, performance materials, consumables, battery separators, and electronic devices. The Homes division provides housing and construction materials to the Japanese market. The Health Care division includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and acute critical care devices and systems. With more than 44,000 employees around the world, the Asahi Kasei Group serves customers in more than 100 countries and achieved sales of 17.3 billion euros (2,106 billion yen) in the fiscal year 2020 (April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021).
Asahi Kasei is „Creating for Tomorrow“ with all operations sharing a common mission of contributing to life and living for people around the world. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.eu and www.automotive.asahi-kasei.eu
Company Contact Europe
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
Fringsstrasse 17, 40221 Düsseldorf
Tel: +49 (0) 211-3399-2058
Mail: sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
Press Contact
financial relations GmbH
Henning Küll
Louisenstraße 97, 61348 Bad Homburg
Tel: +49 (0) 6172/ 27159 – 12

Asahi Kasei Corporation is a globally active diversified technology company with operations in the Material, Homes, and Health Care business. The Material division encompasses fibers & textiles, petrochemicals, performance polymers, performance materials, consumables, battery separators, and electronic devices. The Homes division provides housing and construction materials to the Japanese market. The Health Care division includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and acute critical care devices and systems. With more than 44,000 employees around the world, the Asahi Kasei Group serves customers in more than 100 countries and achieved sales of 17.3 billion euros (2,106 billion yen) in the fiscal year 2020 (April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021).

Asahi Kasei is „Creating for Tomorrow“ with all operations sharing a common mission of contributing to life and living for people around the world. For more information, visit:
www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/asahi/en/ and www.asahi-kasei.eu

Company-Contact
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
Fringsstraße 17
40221 Düsseldorf
Phone: +49 (0)211 3399-2058
E-Mail: Sebastian.Schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
Url: https://www.asahi-kasei.eu/

Press
financial relations GmbH
Henning Küll
Louisenstraße 97
61348 Bad Homburg
Phone: +49 (0) 6172 27159 12
E-Mail: h.kuell@financial-relations.de
Url: http://www.financial-relations.de

Bildquelle: @Asahi Kasei