Photodynamic air disinfection system using UV-LED and titanium dioxide for pathogen inactivation
An air disinfection technology that uses UV-LED combined with titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for inactivating airborne pathogens. Designed for manufacturing spaces, cleanrooms, and enclosed environments, this system leverages the synergistic antibacterial effect of UV light and TiO2 to oxidize microbial cell membranes.
Overview
Airborne pathogens pose significant risks in manufacturing facilities, healthcare settings, and other enclosed environments. This research develops a photodynamic air disinfection system that combines ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis to inactivate airborne pathogens. The technology exploits the natural photocatalytic properties of TiO2, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to UV light. These ROS, including hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radicals, and hydroxyl radicals, possess strong oxidation potential that damages microbial cell membranes through lipid peroxidation, leading to bacterial inactivation. By integrating UV-LED illumination with TiO2, the system achieves a synergistic antibacterial effect that exceeds what either component can deliver independently.
Technical specifications
- Photocatalytic mechanism: TiO2 exposed to UV light produces ROS (hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals) that oxidize bacterial cell membranes
- UV-LED light source: Energy-efficient LED-based ultraviolet illumination replaces traditional mercury lamps, offering longer lifespan and lower energy consumption
- Synergistic inactivation: Combined UV and TiO2 treatment delivers enhanced bactericidal performance compared to UV or TiO2 alone
- Inactivation pathway: Primary mechanism is oxidation of cell membranes and lipid peroxidation, causing microbial death
- Target application: Designed for air disinfection in manufacturing spaces and enclosed industrial environments
- System design: Custom-engineered device integrating UV-LED arrays with TiO2 photocatalyst surfaces
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an early research and development stage. The research team has established the scientific basis for the synergistic ROS-mediated antibacterial effect of UV-LED with TiO2. A lab-scale chamber mimicking a manufacturing space will be used to evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of the air disinfection system and investigate the inactivation mechanism. Development and validation are expected to require at least two years due to the design and production period of the air disinfection system. The project is positioned for collaboration with industry partners interested in air quality management, cleanroom technology, or industrial biosafety applications.
About Seoul National University
Seoul National University is a comprehensive public research university serving a large student and faculty community in Korea’s capital, recognized for cross‑disciplinary depth and scale. Industry partners engage through an industry–academia cooperation office that streamlines sponsored research, NDAs and master agreements, plus shared core facilities and prototyping spaces across its Gwanak and medical campuses. Integration with a major teaching hospital system enables clinical translation, while the Seoul location places teams close to corporate headquarters, government R&D agencies and a vibrant startup ecosystem for rapid collaboration and scale‑up. Research is supported by competitive national funding from the National Research Foundation of Korea and ministries such as Science and ICT, Trade, Industry and Energy, and Health and Welfare; a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing and startup formation.
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