Hygiene: Smart protection against pathogens like the coronavirus

Germs such as bacteria, viruses or pathogenic fungi can spread from one person to another through direct contact when we shake hands or touch objects. People touch door handles and push elevator buttons in public places and constantly move in and out of spaces. Regular manual high-level disinfection is practically impossible. UVentions GmbH has found an intelligent solution for this problem.

In this MEDICA.de interview, Daniel Ehlers from the start-up UVentions explains how the novel disinfection system complements conventional infection control measures, states why it can also be a protective measure against the new coronavirus and reveals the company’s future plans.

What prompted you to launch the start-up UVentions?

Daniel Ehlers: We have a vision here at UVentions. We want to improve hygiene in public places. All of us are familiar with this situation: before we push the elevator button, we quickly pull our sleeve over our hand in an effort to not touch any buttons or handles with our bare hands. Or maybe opening doors with our elbow is an even better idea?

We at UVentions rose to this challenge and came up with a concept to drastically improve hygiene in public spaces, restrooms, waiting areas and essentially any confined space where people are too close together.

We are Daniel Ehlers and Axel Großklaus, founders, creative minds and managing directors of UVentions GmbH. After we had successfully collaborated on a project aimed at digitizing elevator operation, we decided to face this challenge together as a team.

The UVentions motto is "Rethinking Disinfection"– can you briefly elaborate.

Ehlers: Conventional disinfection processes tend to be rather static and don’t reflect the actual use. Our approach is entirely different from previous periodic wipe disinfection. Our systems are autonomous thanks sensors. The disinfection process is initiated automatically at the next possible opportunity. The different solutions and concepts facilitate the application in different rooms and facilities and create an integrated hygiene system.

How exactly does the UVentions disinfection system work?

Ehlers: The UVentions system disinfects surfaces and sanitizes air immediately after a room was used or after people have come into contact with a surface. This occurs in real-time and during normal operating hours and is made possible by sensors. They detect whether people are present in a space and whether the space has been used. As soon as the people leave the room, 3D sensors detect the absence of people in the respective area and automatically initiate the disinfection process. Our system uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses by destroying their DNA. This inactivates viruses and kills bacteria and pathogenic fungi. The prompt destruction of infectious agents ensures a minimal level of microbial contamination.

Why is your disinfection system a great choice for sanitation, especially in a time of pandemic like the present coronavirus crisis?

Ehlers: In a time of pandemic, hygiene plays a critical role. By enforcing real-time disinfection, our system improves the hygiene on surfaces and in the air by complementing periodic wipe disinfection. It breaks the chain of infection and disrupts the transmission of pathogens that normally takes place at this junction.

Where can your disinfection system be used?

Ehlers: As I mentioned earlier, our solutions can also be applied outside of hospitals, care facilities and day hospitals. Conversations we had at the MEDICA trade fair have encouraged and inspired us to study more applications. We are reviewing concepts pertaining to elevators, public restrooms, changing rooms, senior centers, airports, cruise ships, medical vehicles and car-sharing services. We are also considering all other public spaces apart from public transport settings.

How high is the risk of injury to eyes and hands by the system when people are in the room?

Ehlers: There is no risk. Our systems are 100 percent safe to operate thanks to various sensors and powerful hardware. The method uses optical sensors to image the room three-dimensionally. This creates scatterplots that allow the system to reliably recognize people or animals even when they are not moving.  An independent agency will soon furnish proof of this concept.

Last year marked the first time that you were an exhibitor at MEDICA. How did you like the experience?

Ehlers: We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback at MEDICA. We frequently had four people on location and all of us were having a conversation with interested parties at the same time. MEDICA gave us many new ideas and opened doors to interesting contacts. We will gladly participate again.

How has your concept development changed since then?

Ehlers: A lot has happened in such a short time. We have made great headway and now have hardware and software to measure effectiveness. Next, we will incorporate the test results into our product development. We are working diligently to finalize the product.

What innovations does UVentionshave in store in the near future?

Ehlers: UVentions will continue to work on smart hygiene solutions. Apart from the panel for elevators and spaces, we already showcased the first drafts for future solutions at the MEDICA trade fair. Next, we are developing self-sanitizing door handles and handrails. Mind you, those are just two solutions that are coming down the pike.