People with allergies can have a long time after the unpleasant organism is removed. However, researchers are now envisioning the future through portable devices that can remove air allergens using UV lighting.
In a new study published in the journal ACS ES & T AIRThe researchers found a way to change the structure of protein in air that causes allergies with UV light. This approach shows a better alternative to cleaning carpets and cats for months, and can save life in extreme cases.
Tess Eidem, a microbiologist at the University of Colorado and a co -author of research, said, “We have found that we can quickly activate aviation allergens using passive and generally safe ultraviolet treatment. name. “We think that this can be another tool to help people fight allergens in other places that accumulate people at home, school or allergens.”
You are not allergic to cats
If you have allergies in things like cats, dogs, molds, or plants, you may probably have allergies in the protein, not allergies in the organism itself. For example, cats are aired with small pieces of dead skin when licking protein in saliva by releasing a protein called Fel D1. When breathing in allergens like this particle, our immune system produces an antibody that locks into a special 3D structure of protein, causing allergic reactions.
Therefore, even though the cat has not walked for several months, shaking the carpet can still sneeze. Protein still exists and is not alive, so it cannot be killed like microorganisms. Typical methods such as filter use, vacuum cleaners and cleaning walls and pets help to reduce allergens, but it is difficult to maintain in the long run.
So EIDEM and her colleagues investigated alternative methods. Instead of trying to remove allergic proteins, I changed the structure so that I was not used to the immune system. The team likens to unfold origami animals. EIDEM said, “If the immune system is used to swans and spreads protein, it will not cause allergic reactions if it is no longer like a swan.
Less intense lighting
Q UV LIGHT. Ultraviolet rays have already been used to remove air Pathogen It disinfects the equipment of institutions such as hospitals and airports. However, bandwidth is generally 254-nanometer wavelengths (254 nanometers wavelengths), so people must use equipment to protect the eyes and skin.
Thus, the team tested less powerful 222 nanometer wavelength lighting, which is considered safe in the population room because it does not penetrate the cells deeply. But EIDEM admits that there are some risks such as ozone production. harmful If it is inhaled. Therefore, human exposure must still be limited.
EIDEM and her colleagues presented small allergens in mites, pet danders, mold and pollen, and turned four Lunchbox UV222 lamps on the ceiling and floor. They tested the air every 10 minutes and found that the immunity of the treated samples was reduced. In other words, the antibody did not identify many proteins and did not combine with them.
In this paper, the researchers explained that “Air Allergen was quantified using antibody-based immune analysis, dependent on intact protein forms for antibody-allergen recognition, bonding and quantification.”
After 30 minutes, the Airborne Allergen level was 20-25%on average, how long it took, and how long it took, and I saw allergens floating with dust or water droplets. In one situation, the Fel D1 decreased 61% compared to the air filled with untrocusted allergens.
EIDEM said, “These are very fast when they clean the months and months of cleaning, carpets and bathing cats.
Personal application
UV222 lights are already available to consumers, but most of them are industrial applications, so EIDEM hopes to see a portable UV22 illness for more personal activities, such as people visiting a friend with three cats. More seriously, UV222 lights can also save life.
EIDEM said, “Asthma attacks are often caused by killing about 10 people every day in the United States and often caused by air allergies.” It is really important to develop a new way to prevent exposure. “
