Aspects of pathogen inactivation via absorption of short-pulse UV-C irradiation for advanced decontamination strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need for advanced pathogen inactivation strategies, with ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation emerging as a potent disinfection method. This study investigates the efficacy of short-pulse UV-C irradiation (220-280 nm) compared to continuous-wave exposure for decontaminating pathogens, using Baker's yeast as a safe biological model. Our primary objective is to evaluate the decontamination efficacy of pulsed UV-C radiation by varying pulse intervals while maintaining constant pulse energy. We observed a progressive increase in yeast inactivation with higher pulse counts, evidenced by reduced transparency at 230 nm and 267 nm and increased solution absorbance, indicative of DNA chain disruption. The research addresses two main components: (1) a theoretical model examining the effects of short UV-C pulses on biomolecules during radiation propagation, and (2) practical applications for pathogen diagnosis, treatment, and inactivation, with significant implications for ontogenetic and public health outcomes.