Comparative multivariate analysis for high-touch surface disinfection using optimized ultraviolet-C LEDs configuration

•UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional UV lamps due to enhanced safety, environmental benefits, and efficiency.•A synergistic arrangement combining single, six, and eight-LED configurations holds the potential to amplify antimicrobial efficacy against surface bacteria even over extended distances.•A 275 nm solitary LED can reduce the bacterial burden by a factor of a 0.2-log10 inactivation with merely a dose value of 60 µJ-cm−2.•Effective disinfection can be achieved by utilizing 6 and 8 LED configurations within a range of up to 60 cm.•Strategic configuration and arrangement of 8 UV-C LEDs can achieve a substantial reduction of 4.9-log10 inactivation with a required dose of 264 µJ-cm−2 or 0.264 mJ-cm−2. UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been regarded as feasible alternatives for traditional UV lamps since the early 2000s, owing to their improved safety features, environmental advantages, and efficiency. Because of the inherent challenges associated with lower intensity of LEDs over extended distances, our findings demonstrated the optimized disinfection efficiency using various LED setups. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of single, six, and eight-LED configurations against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), specifically emphasizing attaining the utmost disinfection efficiency within an extended range of up to 60 cm. With an 8-LED configuration, the study achieved a substantial reduction of 6.10×104 CFU/mL from an initial level of 5.20×109 CFU/mL, corresponding to 4.9-log10 inactivation, requiring a dose of 264 µJ-cm−2. 2.9-log10 inactivation was achieved using a 6-LED, yielding lower yet comparable efficiency requiring 192 µJ-cm−2 of dose. However, with 60 µJ-cm−2 of dose, a single LED could only reduce the bacterial burden from the initial level to merely 0.2-log10 inactivation, corresponding to 2.9 × 109 CFU/mL, under similar exposure settings. In conclusion, UV-LEDs show promise for disinfection, with LED configuration and distance significantly impacting their efficiency, holding perspective for various applications, particularly within healthcare facilities. [Display omitted]