Silanna far-UVC LEDs counter H5N1 bird flu
Research by the University of Siena in Italy has shown that Silanna's far-UVC LEDs effectively inactivate multiple H5N1 avian influenza virus strains within seconds.
Avian flu has severely disrupted agricultural markets and food production, posing a major public health threat. Earlier this year, H5N1 outbreaks hit global egg production, leading to shortages and sharp price increases. The virus’s ability to infect humans and other animals has heightened concerns worldwide.
The University of Siena team revealed the successful research results during MEDICA 2025, a medical trade fair, in Düsseldorf, Germany at the end of November 2025.
Unlike traditional 254 nm mercury lamps, far-UVC light (200–240 nm) is considered biologically safe within regulatory limits. It cannot penetrate the outer layers of skin or eyes, enabling continuous disinfection in occupied spaces such as hatcheries, food-processing facilities, and clinical environments. Researchers also suggest microbes are less likely to develop resistance to far-UVC than to conventional antibiotics.
The University of Siena’s Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine oversaw the joint research, conducted at a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory in Italy in 2025. The test results confirmed that 235 nm LED irradiation achieves multi-log (up to 99.999 percent) viral reduction within seconds. These findings position far-UVC LEDs as a next-generation biosecurity solution, reducing viral contamination risks in industrial and public health settings.
