Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily an airborne infection that usually affects the lungs. It spreads when people share indoor air and inhale tiny droplets released by an infected person. The risk increases in busy, enclosed environments, especially where ventilation varies and spaces are used continuously.
What the researchers tested (in simple terms)
The researchers:
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Used live Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a high-containment (BSL-3) laboratory
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Exposed samples to a Biovitae® LED system emitting a multi-peak visible spectrum including 400–420 nm
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Measured survival using standard colony-forming unit (CFU) counts
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Tested different distances (25 cm and 50 cm) and exposure times (60–180 minutes)
Importantly, the paper reports the UV component was below the detection limit (no emission below 380 nm), meaning the effect observed was from visible light, not UV.
The headline results
The study reported strong reductions in bacterial viability that varied by time and distance. Key results include:
25 cm distance
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60 minutes: ~4000 → 15 CFU (99.63% reduction)
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120 minutes: ~4000 → 1 CFU (99.98% reduction)
50 cm distance
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60 minutes: ~4000 → 30 CFU (99.25% reduction)
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180 minutes: ~4000 → 10 CFU (99.75% reduction)
The study also notes one non-linear data point at 50 cm / 120 minutes (lower reduction than at 60 minutes at the same distance), which the authors discuss as likely biological/experimental variability rather than a reversal of the overall dose-response trend.
How visible light can reduce microbes (without the heavy science)
Certain microbes contain naturally occurring light-sensitive compounds. When exposed to this band of visible light, it can trigger internal oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species) that damages key structures and reduces viability. The study highlights that this effect occurs without adding chemical photosensitisers.
This approach is fundamentally different from UV-based methods because it operates in the visible spectrum and is aimed at being suitable for use as a continuous background control when correctly specified.
What this means in the real world
This research supports a practical principle: visible light antimicrobial technology can reduce microbial viability under defined conditions, and may help reduce environmental persistence as a complement to existing controls.
It’s not a replacement for:
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ventilation improvements
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cleaning and disinfection
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infection control policies
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public health guidance
But it can add an “always-on” layer that supports safer indoor environments between cleans and during normal occupancy.
Where this can matter most (across sectors)
The common factor isn’t the industry—it’s shared indoor air + repeated occupancy:
- Care & clinical: waiting rooms, treatment rooms, care home communal areas
- Public transport: buses, trains, stations, depots, driver/crew welfare spaces
- Workplaces & education: offices, training rooms, receptions, meeting spaces
- Hospitality & retail: customer areas with constant turnover
- Industrial & logistics: workshops, parts stores, welfare and shared facilities
Important accuracy note
This was a laboratory study on bacterial samples using CFU counts. Real-world performance depends on correct design, placement, operating hours and the environment it is installed into. Biovitae is most effective when used as part of a layered controls approach alongside cleaning, ventilation and good hygiene.
Download the resources
1) Download the summary deck (PDF)
Gamma summary deck PDF
2) Download the peer-reviewed study (PDF)
Full peer-reviewed paper PDF
Want to explore Biovitae for your organisation?
If you want to understand where antimicrobial visible light could make the biggest difference in your environment, we can help you identify:
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priority areas (high footfall / welfare spaces / variable ventilation)
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suitable fittings and practical deployment options
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how to integrate it with your existing controls
Contact Richard Wade now:
Tel: +44 191 908 0257.
E Mail: richard@rascs.co.uk
