Qualitative Studies on the Development of Ultraviolet Sterilization System for Biological Applications

Abstract

Ultraviolet rays have been widely used in providing antimicrobial environment in hospitals and also in certain sterilization procedures related to water treatment. The scope of the paper is to investigate the design of an ultraviolet sterilization unit developed to work in conjunction with a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured quantities periodically. Common problems associated with contamination of fluids in these dispensers have been carefully investigated to qualitatively document the requirements of the system. The most important part of this study has been focused on the qualitative assessment of the antimicrobial effects at various parts of the dispenser and also the variations of the antimicrobial effects at various depths of the fluid contained in the dispenser. We have designed a protocol to study the efficiency of the system and in order to have a real picture of the antimicrobial effects of ultraviolet radiation at various depths. To implement this protocol, we have designed an implantable array which is capable of containing microorganisms in sealed Petri dishes to be immersed in the fluid contained in the dispenser. Studies on the microbial growth conducted periodically under the influence of ultraviolet radiation of a known intensity provide a qualitative picture on the antimicrobial effects of ultraviolet rays at various depths. Thus it is possible to qualitatively analyze each sample for documenting antimicrobial effect. This study provides a good understanding on the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation required for providing a perfect antimicrobial environment and also other factors that are critical in the design of the system as a whole for dispensing fluids in biological applications.