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. 2023 Jun:15:100187.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpap.2023.100187. Epub 2023 May 24.

The inhibitory and inactivating effects of visible light on SARS-CoV-2: A narrative update

Shelley Gorman  1
Affiliations

The inhibitory and inactivating effects of visible light on SARS-CoV-2: A narrative update

Shelley Gorman. J Photochem Photobiol. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Prior to the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the germicidal effects of visible light (λ = 400 - 700 nm) were well known. This review provides an overview of new findings that suggest there are direct inactivating effects of visible light - particularly blue wavelengths (λ = 400 - 500 nm) - on exposed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virions, and inhibitory effects on viral replication in infected cells. These findings complement emerging evidence that there may be clinical benefits of orally administered blue light for limiting the severity of COVID-19. Possible mechanisms of action of blue light (e.g., regulation of reactive oxygen species) and important mediators (e.g., melatonin) are discussed.

Keywords: Blue light; COVID-19; Mechanisms; Melatonin; Photoinactivation; Reactive oxygen species; SARS-CoV-2; Viral replication; Visible light.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
Possible mechanisms through which blue light (400 – 500 nm) inactivates SARS-CoV-2 virions or affects infected cells to inhibit viral replication.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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