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

Prior to the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, the germicidal effects of visible light were well known. This review provides an overview of new findings that suggest there are direct inactivating effects of visible light - particularly blue wavelengths on exposed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 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.

Citation:
Gorman S. The inhibitory and inactivating effects of visible light on SARS-CoV-2: A narrative update. J Photochem Photobiol. 2023;15

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

Abstract:
Prior to the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, the germicidal effects of visible light were well known. This review provides an overview of new findings that suggest there are direct inactivating effects of visible light - particularly blue wavelengths on exposed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 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.