Clinical Study Summary – SARS-CoV-2 Disinfection Using Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst
This joint study, conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo, Nihon University, RIKEN, and Kaltech Corporation, demonstrates the effectiveness of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysis in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 both in the air and in liquid environments, without posing a health risk to humans. Using a 405 nm LED light in combination with a TiO₂-coated surface, the researchers observed a 99.9% reduction in viral infectivity after just 20 minutes of exposure in aerosol form and 120 minutes in liquid . The photocatalytic process was shown to degrade the viral envelope , the S and N structural proteins , and the RNA genome of the virus. These effects were confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blot analysis, and RT-qPCR. Unlike UV-C light or chemical disinfectants—which can be harmful to humans—this technology can be safely used continuously in occupied indoor environments . The findings highlight the potential of TiO₂ photocatalysis as a safe, efficient, and non-invasive disinfection method to help prevent airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging infectious agents, particularly in settings such as homes, public spaces, and healthcare facilities.
Clinical Study Summary – Disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 using a titanium dioxide photocatalyst
This joint study, conducted by researchers from the University of Tokyo, Nihon University, the RIKEN Institute, and Kaltech Corporation, demonstrates the effectiveness of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysis in inactivating SARS-CoV-2, both in air and in liquid environments, without posing a risk to human health.
Using 405 nm LED light combined with a TiO₂-coated surface, the researchers observed a 99.9% reduction in viral infectivity after just 20 minutes of exposure in aerosol form and 120 minutes in liquid medium. The photocatalytic process degraded the viral envelope, the structural S and N proteins, and the RNA genome of the virus. These effects were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blot analysis, and RT-qPCR.
Unlike UV-C light or chemical disinfectants—which are potentially harmful to humans—this technology can be safely used continuously in occupied indoor environments. These results highlight the potential of TiO₂ photocatalysis as a safe, effective, and non-invasive disinfection method, helping to prevent airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging infectious agents, particularly in living spaces, public spaces, and healthcare facilities.