Researcher Investigated Blue Light Virus Inactivation
In May 2025, a study examined using 405 nm blue light to reduce the infectivity of foodborne viruses.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Nutrition
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Munachimso Ugo-Ukegbu completed research in May 2025 at the University of Georgia investigating the use of 405 nm blue light to neutralize Tulane virus and hepatitis A. The study sought to address the limitations of existing viral inactivation methods for foodborne pathogens.
Why it matters
Norovirus creates a significant global health burden, causing approximately 685 million illnesses and 200,000 deaths annually. Finding effective inactivation methods for viruses on surfaces and in water remains critical to reducing these substantial societal and economic costs.
The study utilized 405 nm blue light to target viruses on stainless steel and in freshwater, comparing outcomes to current inactivation methods. The virus targets contribute to a total global societal cost of $60.3 billion each year.
The players
Munachimso Ugo-Ukegbu
She is a researcher who conducted this study as part of her Master of Science project at the University of Georgia.
University of Georgia
This is a public research university that served as the primary site for the viral inactivation study.
The details
The researcher utilized cell-culture methods to evaluate whether virus samples remained infectious after exposure to 405 nm blue light on stainless steel and in water. This approach was designed to bypass the limitations currently found in traditional sanitation protocols for foodborne viruses.
Timeline
2022: M. Sadraeian published earlier findings on viral inactivation.
May 2025: Munachimso Ugo-Ukegbu completed and defended her MSc research project.
The Big Picture
This research builds upon the foundation established by earlier studies like the 2022 work of M. Sadraeian regarding non-thermal viral inactivation.
The potential application of 405 nm blue light could eventually offer new, chemical-free sanitation options for food surfaces and water. These developments may lead to future improvements in household and industrial hygiene practices to reduce norovirus exposure.
The takeaway
Advancing light-based inactivation methods could provide a necessary alternative to traditional chemical sanitation in food safety. Future research will focus on optimizing light intensity and additives to maximize virus reduction.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in food safety by exploring Nutrition.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sun Nigeria.
Live Poll
Do you trust that new light-based technologies will effectively reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses?
