What was the challenge or problem to be solved?
The INFINITIA team took on the challenge of evaluating the effectiveness of a new device for disinfecting textiles and surfaces using ultraviolet LEDs. Ultraviolet radiation is known for its disinfecting capacity, however, the selection of the LEDs for this new device required a rigorous evaluation to determine its efficiency in eliminating bacteria on textiles and surfaces, as well as the impact of different wavelengths on the disinfection process.
The main challenge lay in designing a test protocol that would allow the disinfection efficiency to be evaluated in a precise and reproducible way under specific conditions. Furthermore, it was crucial to determine how the results varied with different UV LED devices and wavelengths. This analysis not only had to guarantee the effective elimination of bacteria, but also generate data that would help the client optimise their device and comply with high standards of hygiene.
How was it addressed or what was the solution?
The project began with a theoretical evaluation to select different ultraviolet LEDs, manufacturers, and different wavelengths. This analysis made it possible to identify which equipment could offer the best performance in terms of bacterial reduction. Based on this selection, the initial parameters for the practical tests were established.
Subsequently, different samples of standard materials, textiles and surfaces were selected and used as a reference for the tests. These samples were prepared and inoculated with different types of bacteria, such as E. coli and S. aureus. This step was crucial to simulate realistic scenarios of bacterial contamination, ensuring the relevance and applicability of the results obtained.
Next, the ultraviolet LED treatments were applied to the samples, comparing the quantity of bacteria recovered before and after the treatment. To quantify the surviving bacteria, cultivation methods and microbiological analysis techniques were used, and colony-forming units were counted. This analysis made it possible to accurately measure the efficiency of each method and to compare the results of the different LEDs and wavelengths used.
The project was considered a success as it demonstrated that certain ultraviolet LED devices could effectively disinfect textiles and surfaces. In addition, valuable information was obtained on how different wavelengths influenced bacterial reduction. These results enabled the client to optimise its disinfection processes, guaranteeing a high level of hygiene thanks to the newly developed device.
This project reaffirms INFINITIA’s ability to develop solutions that are innovative, personalised and that meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.
