Scientists in the UK have developed a method to battle superbugs and bacteria using LED lighting that could help change the way we battle parasites and bacteria in our aquariums. Developed for use in hospitals and laboratories, the technology uses a narrow spectrum of visible-light wavelengths, known as HINS-light.
This environmental decontamination system uses high-intensity 405nm light that is safe for patients and staff and is ceiling mounted to help keep complete environments bug free. The research team from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow found the light to decontaminate not only the air but exposed surfaces of the light as well.
The technology works by exciting molecules within the bacteria, which in turn produces highly reactive chemical species that are lethal to it. Clinical trials are showing the HINS-light Environmental Decontamination System could potentially provide significantly greater reduction of bacterial pathogens in hospitals than cleaning and disinfection alone.
Other traditional methods of decontamination, including gas sterilization or UV-light can also be hazardous to staff and patients. The technology uses violet colored HINS-light, but the research team has used a combination of LED technologies to produce a warm white lighting system that is more natural looking.
The use of HINS-light for sterilization in the aquarium could be incredibly useful providing a broader scope of usefulness than traditional UV sterilization. The applications could be limitless from providing a similar product as we now see with UV sterilizers or combining a light panel to provide broad anti-bacterial treatment to a much larger area. This could also potentially be a valuable tool for sensitive environments such as those kept by fish breeders. It will be exciting to see this technology progress and hopefully will see some progress with HINS-light in the aquarium and aquaculture industries.
[via Daily Mail]
