UVC-based photoinactivation as an efficient tool to control the transmission of coronaviruses

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made us re-realize the importance of environmental disinfection and sanitation in indoor areas, hospitals, and clinical rooms. UVC irradiation of high energy and short wavelengths, especially in the 200–290-nm range possesses the great potential for germicidal disinfection. These properties of UVC allow to damage or destruct the nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) in diverse microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses). UVC light can hence be used as a promising tool for prevention and control of their infection or transmission. The present review offers insights into the historical perspective, mode of action, and recent advancements in the application of UVC-based antiviral therapy against coronaviruses (including SARS CoV-2). Moreover, the application of UVC lights in the sanitization of healthcare units, public places, medical instruments, respirators, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is also discussed. This article, therefore, is expected to deliver a new path for the developments of UVC-based viricidal approach. [Display omitted] •Ultra-violet radiation (UVC) effectively shows antiviral activity against viruses.•Far UVC (222 nm) has the potential to efficiently inactivate coronaviruses.•Various UVC-based commercial devices have been made available in recent years.•Anti-viral efficacy of UVC is assessed against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.