A recent study conducted by the Microbiology and Bacteriology Laboratory at Sapienza University of Rome has evaluated the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of Biovitae’s LED technology.
The study assessed its impact on bacterial contamination on surfaces commonly used in food storage and processing, including stainless steel and glass, and its effectiveness against Escherichia coli (E. coli) MG1655 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) Ty21a, two bacterial species frequently linked to foodborne infections.
Introduction and Project Description
Microbiological control in the food sector plays a crucial role in public health and food safety. While HACCP protocols and traditional disinfection methods help reduce microbial risks, there is an increasing need for continuous sanitisation solutions that minimise contamination between routine cleaning cycles.
LED technology has recently been explored as a chemical-free, non-UV alternative for reducing microbial loads in food environments. Specifically, Biovitae technology, which emits light in the 400–420nm wavelength range, has demonstrated microbicidal activity (Maclean et al., 2014, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.06.004).
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Biovitae in limiting bacterial survival and replication in food storage environments such as supermarket counters, refrigerated storage, and food processing areas.
Experimental Plan
The study examined the bactericidal effects of the Master Light Biovitae lamp, as well as the Biovitae LP60-600-1B8-11 and LP81-600-1B8 (2B8) devices, under controlled laboratory conditions.
Tested Surfaces and Bacterial StrainsSurfaces: Stainless steel (30x30 mm²) and glass (24x24 mm²)
- Bacterial Strains:
Escherichia coli MG1655 (ATCC 700926)
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi Ty21a (ATCC 33459)
The surfaces were sterilised using UV irradiation before being contaminated with a bacterial solution containing 10⁴ CFU/mL. The contaminated surfaces were then exposed to Biovitae LED light sources positioned at a 25 cm distance for 4 and 24 hours, while control samples remained unexposed.
Results
Bactericidal Effect on E. coli MG1655After 4 hours of exposure, the Biovitae Master Light lamp achieved a 96% reduction in bacterial load on stainless steel and a 98% reduction on glass.
After 24 hours of exposure, bacterial survival was completely eliminated (100% reduction) on both surfaces.
The Biovitae LP60-600-1B8-11 and LP81-600-1B8 (2B8) devices showed a similar bactericidal effect, achieving complete bacterial elimination within 24 hours.
Bactericidal Effect on Salmonella Typhi
The Biovitae Master Light lamp eliminated 100% of S. Typhi bacteria within 4 hours on both stainless steel and glass.
The Biovitae LP60-600-1B8-11 and LP81-600-1B8 (2B8) devices showed a 72% and 68% bacterial reduction after 4 hours on glass, achieving complete bacterial elimination after 24 hours.
These findings confirm that Biovitae technology significantly reduces bacterial survival on food-contact surfaces.
Discussion and Conclusions
The study demonstrates that Biovitae technology is effective in controlling bacterial contamination on stainless steel and glass surfaces, materials widely used in food storage and processing environments. The results indicate:
A rapid bactericidal effect, with significant bacterial reductions within 4 hours of exposure.
Complete elimination of E. coli and S. Typhi bacteria after 24 hours.
A safe, continuous, and chemical-free sanitisation method that operates without disrupting food storage conditions.
Given these results, Biovitae represents a valuable tool for reducing microbial contamination in environments where food is stored and handled, including supermarkets, food processing plants, and commercial kitchens. Its ability to inhibit bacterial replication and prevent biofilm formation offers an effective alternative or complement to traditional sanitisation methods.