In Vitro Evaluation of the Ultraviolet Ceed Mobile Disinfection Device: A Rapid, Portable Approach for Surface Sterilization

Introduction<i>:</i> Ultraviolet-C (UVC) sterilization technologies have garnered significant attention for their potential to inactivate pathogens. The UVCeed device, a smartphone-enabled UVC sterilization tool, offers a portable and user-friendly option for disinfection. This study investigates the disinfection efficacy of UVCeed against bacterial and viral pathogens, including <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, and <i>SARS-CoV-2</i>. Methods<i>:</i> Pathogens were inoculated onto sterile surfaces such as urine cups (bacteria) or glass slides (virus) and exposed to the UVCeed device at controlled distances (65 mm, 100 mm, and 165 mm) and durations ranging from 0 to 64 seconds. Laboratory conditions were standardized at 72°F and 40-50% relative humidity. Assessment methods included viable plate counts for bacterial colonies and cytopathic effect (CPE) measurements for <i>SARS-CoV-2</i> using Vero E6 cell cultures. Crystal violet staining confirmed viral cell viability post-exposure. Key metrics, such as log reductions in pathogen concentration, were calculated to quantify disinfection efficacy. Results<i>:</i> UVCeed achieved significant pathogen reductions, with log reductions exceeding 6.0 for <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae </i>after 64 seconds at 65 mm. For <i>SARS-CoV-2</i>, viral concentrations decreased by over four log-units within the same exposure time. Threshold times for effective disinfection varied by distance, with shorter distances achieving reductions faster. Compared to Lysol® wipes, which required up to four minutes of wetness for similar effectiveness, UVCeed disinfected a 6"x 6" surface in ~15 seconds and an 8"x 8" surface in ~37 seconds. Discussion<i>:</i> These results highlight UVCeed's efficiency as a rapid and portable disinfection solution. Its ability to inactivate pathogens within seconds makes it a valuable alternative to chemical disinfectants, especially for high-touch surfaces. The device's efficacy varied with distance and exposure time, underscoring the importance of proper usage. Future research should explore real-world applications and expand pathogen testing to validate these findings further.