An interview with Mr. Dilip Patil, Managing Partner, Trivector Biomed LLP

1. What is UVC? the difference between conventional UV and FAR UVC?

Ultra Violet light spectrum is mainly divided in to UV-A (315-400nm), UV-B (280-315nm) and UV-C (100-280nm).  UV-C at 254 nm wavelength which is also known as GUV (Germicidal UV) or UVGI (Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation) has since long been used for disinfecting medical devices, air and surfaces. However, use of GUV is detrimental for human skin and eyes, if exposed directly for long duration. Hence, UVC cannot be used in human occupied spaces.

On the other hand,filtered FAR UVC at 222nm has the same disinfection properties as UVC, but it does not penetrate the outer layer of human skin or tear-layer of the eyes and thus is safe to be used in human occupied spaces.

2. How does UVC light disinfection work at different places?

UVC lights are being used since decades for disinfection purposes. Especially after the onset of COVID -19 pandemic, a lot of UV boxes, UV-robots, and UV-light sanitisers were introduced to sanitize the surfaces, equipment and also the air. UVC light is effective and safe so far as human skin and eyes are not directly exposed to the UV-light and hence its utility is limited to non-occupied spaces.

3. How does FAR UVC help in killing the viruses without harming human beings?

The conventional 254nm UVC inactivates pathogens by damaging DNA/RNA in the nucleic acid of pathogens by forming a dimer. On the other hand, 222nm Far-UVC not only damages the DNA/RNA in the nucleic acid, but it has an additional kill mechanism by breaking peptide bonds in the outer protein coating of single cell microbes and cells. This dual kill mechanism of both pathogen DNA damage and protein shell damage greatly increases the effectiveness of 222nm Far-UVC compared to 254nm UVC and prevents microbes from photo-reactivation or mutation.

4. Will Light Sanitization technology eliminate the masks, social distancing and hand washing routine?

Real-time hassle free FARUVC light sanitization would clean the air and surfaces by killing the pathogens, the bioburden would come down. The reduced bioburden in a given space could bring down a need to keep physical distancing. However, masks could still be used to stop transmission of infectious particles from the asymptomatic carriers to the healthy individuals. FAR UVC light hand-santization booths and gateways can eliminate the need of using liquid (alcohol based) hand sanitizers and avoid the risks associated with them.

5. Trivector Biomed’s product portfolio and its connotation

Trivector’s product portfolio has always been such that the products and services are unique. Since 1993, Trivector’s products and services for Infertility Management and Infection Control are making difference to human health in a positive way. Especially during and post-COVID our infection control technologies like Novaerus Air Sterilisers and FAR UVC lights are saving several lives by controlling the infections.

6. Future of cutting age technology and innovation in healthcare domain: Ground-breaking product formulations

With the advent of digital technologies, augmented reality(AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare domain is already benefiting from the cutting edge technologies. Personalised health-care solutions, remote monitoring and control, robotics   and telemedicine would be the norm with further ground-breaking innovations in this space. Trivector aspires to be there to be at the forefront of these technologies.

7. Trivector Biomed’s vision in bringing this product FAR UVC in the Indian market

As there are wide-spread fears about using UV technologies and also lack of proper knowledge, Trivector envisions to empower the Indian public with appropriate knowledge about uniqueness, safety and efficacy of FAR UVC products and collaborating with public institutes so that FAR UVC lights can be widely deployed in occupied spaces. FAR UVC products are already available in India through Trivector.

8. Why UVC Technology is the Future Sanitisation Solution

Air and surface disinfection technologies like HEPA Filters, Air-Purifiers, Ionisers, chemical fumigation etc. have been there for quite a long period. However, they have their limitations like cost of ownership, hassles with installation and maintenance, cost of running (electricity), the harmful side-effects of by-products, noisy operation etc.  For sustainable solution to infection control one needs the non-intrusive, always-on, cost-effective and maintenance free technology. The FAR UVC light disinfection devices could be used continuously in the back-ground even in the presence of humans. This FAR UVC lights are effective,safe, tested and validated method of disinfection and could be the sustainable solution for the future of infection control to face further pandemics with confidence, especially in country like India.