A team of Russian researchers has developed a groundbreaking material capable of emitting ultraviolet (UV) light for a record duration of up to 40 minutes, effectively killing up to 99.9% of bacteria during the process.
According to the study, the newly created yttrium phosphate compound demonstrates strong antibacterial properties, making it suitable for disinfecting various liquids and surfaces. This innovative material could potentially replace traditional mercury-based UV lamps, which are commonly used for sterilisation but pose environmental risks.
Experimental samples of the compound glowed for approximately 40 minutes after being charged with X-rays—a record time compared to similar research conducted in China, where materials emitted UV light for only 15 minutes.
Researchers from Ural Federal University engineered the material by creating powders and ceramics from yttrium phosphate, which, once exposed to X-rays, produced long-lasting UV light capable of sterilizing surfaces. The new compound was found to emit UV radiation that is 70% more effective than conventional near- and mid-range UV light sources, resulting in a bacteria elimination rate of 99.9%.
Yulia Kuznetsova, the study’s lead researcher, explained that this material could have wide-ranging medical applications. For example, when used as a coating on implants, the material could self-sterilize after X-ray exposure and continue disinfecting even after being inserted into the body and covered by tissue. This would reduce the risk of infections caused by external bacteria and help prevent post-surgical complications.
