A South Korean Company has created the UVLEN device, a portable digital sanitizer that is compatible with all smartphones. Using ultraviolet light, which kills bacteria and germs, it can also be used to combat coronavirus on surfaces. Costing at $25, the company claims that the sanitizer is safe for humans and pets, sanitizing one's hands within ten seconds.
The digital sanitizer annihilates bacteria using ultraviolet (UV) light. Previous studies have shown that UV light can eliminate up to 96% of coronavirus within three seconds and 99% within six. Eric Rondolat, CEO of the lighting company Signify said, 'We knew that it (UV light) was effective against viruses in general, but we didn't know if it was the case with COVID-19.'
While exposure to UV rays are harmful to the skin and eyes, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), short-wavelength ultraviolet light (UVC) is carcinogenic. However, far-UVC light does not harm the skin, and combined with the reflection of other light rays in the electromagnetic spectrum, 'A thin light diffraction filter converts to light.'
Safe Far-UVC Light
UVLEN uses ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as a disinfectant against microorganisms. Attaching a 'DIO Bio-Sheet UV' on a smartphone torch with an adhesive strip, the light combination eliminates microorganisms.
The company claims to eliminate 99% of surface bacteria. 'UVLEN has been clinically tested and certified to be safe for humans in a variety of daily scenarios and can sanitize hands 50 times per day,' said the company.
It is the smallest sanitizer, compared to all types of portable sanitizers, without 'producing odors or irritating smells.' Besides surfaces, the device can clean hands, face masks, tablet devices, and it is even safe to use pets.
Users are able to slide the device off their phone easily like a sliding door when they need to use their phone torch. UVLEN has a complimentary free app which is the user's control panel. It also controls the amount of far-UVC rays to kill bacteria and viruses without damaging the skin.
A company spokesperson said 'UVLEN is safe to use but should always be used alongside the mobile app.' The app arranges and manages the correct amount of wavelengths that need to be sent without causing harm.' It will display data through notifications as well as a 10-second timer when the sanitizer is activated.
The company assures that the limited range of the far-UVC light cannot penetrate the outer layer of skin or the eyes, 'so it's not a human health hazard.' The strip is a thin film made of fused silica which needs to be replaced every six months and can be ordered through the app.
Read Also: UV Light Degrades 96% of Coronavirus in a Matter of 3 Seconds, Says Signify
UV-Light Technology
UVLEN was inspired by Xenex, a Texan company that created UV disinfection robots for industrial and medical use. The UV disinfection machines have been used in hospitals to fight against SARS-CoV-2. UVLEN shrunk down this concept and made it affordable for the public market.
Professor David J. Brenner, Director of the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University, gave a TED talk in 2017 describing the potential of far-UVC light technology in fighting illnesses that are resistant to antibiotic drugs. 'But because viruses and bacteria are much smaller than human cells, far-UVC light can reach their DNA and kill them,' he explained.
He also shared that microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics, or superbugs, may be responsible for 10 million deaths every year by 2050. Similarly to applying for-UVC light on superbugs, it can now be used to eliminate coronavirus.
